The Formation of an "Interim" GIS Unit Within OI Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 14:48:25 -0400 From: Gloria Stiltner Reply-To: "Gloria J Stiltner, Chief, DIS, Reston, VA" Organization: U.S. Geological Survey To: " Computer Policy Advisory Committee, Reston, VA" Subject: [Fwd: The Formation of an "Interim" GIS Unit Within OI], fyi Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:18:51 -0400 From: "Lewis V. Wade" Reply-To: "Lewis Wade, ACH/Water Information, Reston, VA" Organization: U.S. Geological Survey To: oi_leaders@qvarsx.er.usgs.gov CC: "Norman E Schmidt Jr., Ch., Br. of Human Res. Mgmt., Reston, VA" , "Lewis Wade, ACH/Water Information, Reston, VA" , "Dorothy M Woods, Secretary (AO), Reston, VA" , "Robert R Pierce, Hydrologist, Atlanta, GA" Subject: The Formation of an "Interim" GIS Unit Within OI In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 440 MEMORANDUM July 21, 1998 To: Office of Information Program Chiefs From: Lewis V. Wade (signed) Acting Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Information Subject: The Formation of an "Interim" Geographic Information Science Unit Within the Office of Information Based upon a variety of inputs from you, the Hydrologic Analysis Software Support Program (HASS) Board, and other sources, it is my intention to form a new unit within the Office of Information (OI) that will be "interim" in nature and will address the geographic information science activities ongoing within the Water Resources Division (WRD). By this memorandum, I am establishing this Geographic Information Program Office (GIPO) for a period of 120 days. Towards the end of that 120-day period, I shall make a decision about whether to make the unit permanent. I am motivated to take this step because I feel that there are a variety of Geographic Information Science (GIS) issues that need to be addressed within the office that are not receiving the focus, resources, and direction they require to succeed and best serve the WRD. During the 120-day period, the unit staff will complete the following activities: 1. A decision on the administration of the current GIS contract and a decision on the course of action to follow with regard to the "next" GIS contract. 2. A review of GIS-related policy materials within the WRD and the development of a statement of need and a plan for completing the GIS policy framework for WRD. 3. The development of a plan and a strategy for realizing that plan that relates to future GIS "software releases" within WRD. 4. The development of a detailed plan, including specifics of implementation for a permanent GIPO within the OI. 5. A white paper that explores funding options for such a unit. This white paper will consider not only internal WRD funding sources but external funding sources such as the current array of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreements. In addition, there are a number of important on-going activities on which the unit will continue to work. These activities include elimination of a backlog of software releases, conversion of Data General licenses, testing GIS on the NT, release of the Division's spatial data policy memo, development of a web site for improved GIS communications, and participation in interdivisional and interagency spatial data groups. Relative to the staffing of the unit, I have asked Bob Pierce to serve, on detail, as the interim unit leader. I also plan to detail Mark Negri and Naomi Krishock to the unit. Jennifer Sieverling, Colorado District, is currently supporting GIS functions through the Distributed Information System (DIS) office for a significant part of her time and this support function will also be moved over to the new unit. Boyce Blanks, Dave McCulloch, Keith McFadden, Chuck O'Hara, Curtis Price, and Dave Stewart receive part of their funding from OI to support GIS work; their funded time will continue and will support the "interim" GIS unit. I intend that the unit will consult with Headquarters and Field staff. The DIS and HASS programs will lend support to the GIPO as well. It is not my intention by forming this unit to predetermine whether or not the development of a permanent GIPO is an appropriate action for the OI to take. I simply want to devote focus and energy to this most important work and to the preparation of materials that will guide me towards a final decision on this issue.