ITAC Teleconference
May 14, 2004 -- 12:00 pm -- 1:30 pm ET

Audio Port number, call:   509-353-3193 -- No password or code required. Webex free trial has timed out, so i set up sametime for video portion

Here's the regional servers, so to attend meeting and look for itac

http://gsvaresa05.er.usgs.gov/stconf.nsf/meeting/780366ee83e6572a85256e9400570919
http://gscamnla05.wr.usgs.gov
http://gscodena05.cr.usgs.gov

ITAC membership email abbreviation:   GS-W ITAC

Attendees:

The following members attended today's cyber conference call:

Agenda:

• Discussion of potential agenda item's for Anchorage ITAC meeting.

Discussion Notes:

Note: First half day for report out by Alaska Science Center. ITAC would like to find out how the Science Center is benefiting from the IT integration as well as the PUBS personnel and maybe the ADMIN personnel.

Suggestion: ITAC reps may take the opportunity to meet with the Alaska Science Center personnel.

Topic: Future of the USGS Annual Data Report
Sponsor: McCallum
Presenter: Brian McCallum (with probable input from Greg Allord (WI), Jeff Phillips (UT), Rob Baskin (UT), and Mark Landers (GA))

Sonya Jones will communicate with Alaska Science Center and also find out if there are any TownHall meeting questions a week before the ITAC Meeting.

Sonya Jones: Invite OSW reps - Mike Nolan and Jim Kolva suggest morning session
Objective: To raise awareness to ITAC concerning the new direction(s) that the USGS Annual Data Report has taken, where it is going, and how changing IT and publication policies can affect it.

Possible Action Items: Awareness and the capture of suggestions for OSW to include minimum Annual Data Report issues to be addressed.

Topic: Information Integration and Management
Sponsor: McEwen
Presenter: Carla Simpson
Objective: To continue ITAC's brainstorming and efforts in the area of fostering information management. In this case, the objectives are:

1. For ITAC to learn about AK's approach to integrating Water data with other USGS information sources, and
2. Brainstorm ways in which ITAC can foster similar efforts in other WRD offices
3. More Info: Carla will present the AK Science Center's proposed approach to information integration, a need that was identified during AK's first Science Center Symposium over two years ago. Carla will cover:
   • A description of AK's proposed process for identifying and cataloging all the data sets on all the servers and desktops in AK.
   • The plan to make all these data sets accessible.
   • The plan to make this massive collection "searchable."

Topic: GIS and benefits of cross-discipline database sharing
Sponsor: Scott McEwen, Sandy Williamson, and Greg Allord -- 1 hour
Presenters: Curtis Price, Al Rhea, Dave Greenley, Ken Lanfear, and Mark Hammill
Objective: Identify low-hanging fruit to interface maps and other databases and to identify opportunities for database sharing.
More Info: Refer to : Window to my Environment: Determine how many efforts are ongoing in WRD.

McEwen, Williamson, and Allord to flesh out the topic GIS and benefits of cross-discipline database sharing

Topic: Limitations of presenting true real-time data for hazards assessments
Sponsor: McCallum/Teller
Presenter: Brian McCallum (with probable conference call to Ralph Teller)
Objective: To highlight current limitations in the real-time data relay network, including receive stations, network problems, etc. for the use during hydrologic hazard events, such as flood and hurricanes. Discussion about mission relevancy will probably also ensue.

• Reference Teller's limitations document
• Reference McEwen email of 5/14/2004

Possible Action Items:

1. Obtaining the clarification of current IT capabilities for true real-data presentation within the mission of USGS.
2. Obtaining feedback from IT folks concerning possible fixes for districts wanting to serve data more realtime.
3. Finding other true real-time hazards needs throughout WRD.

Katherine Lins will talk to Steve Blanchard to clarify whether the issue, real-time data for hazard assessments, is within the USGS/WRD Mission.

IT Issues Impacting WRD

I. DOI/USGS INITIATIVES AND SECURITY

AGENDA TOPIC: E-Web C&A Status (15 minutes)
SPONSOR: Scott McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Garry Neverdon and Judy Ferrier by telecon
BACKGROUND: E-Web C&A package is due July 31, 2004. District resources are still required.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Understand HQ/Contractor activities, district requirements, due dates. Answer questions:

• What follow-up actions will impact districts or require district-based resources?
• Will HQ write the Risk Assessment, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, and Privacy Impact Assessment,
• Configuration Change Management, etc., or is each E-Web site required to write their own?

RCS'ers will assist GIO in communicating requirements and providing assistance to cost centers in a timely manner.

AGENDA TOPIC: OAS C&A Status (30-45 minutes)
SPONSOR: Tim McElhone
PRESENTED BY: Garry Neverdon and Linda Peng by telecon
BACKGROUND: OAS C&A package is due July 31, 2005. Significant resources are still required in each district to write the following: Risk Assessment, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, and Privacy Impact Assessment. Tim Brown will lead a team of selected field IT'ers to write templates for these documents by December 2004. These templates will be provided to USGS OAS Points of Contact to ease their task load.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of forthcoming requirements of districts.

Either an ITAC or GIO action item to write a heads-up to managers and IT'ers about OAS C&A follow-up activities and due dates in HQ and cost centers.

AGENDA TOPIC: Impact of FISMA Action Items (30-60 minutes)
SPONSOR:
PRESENTED BY: Kevin Gallagher and Jim Brokaw (FISMA Coordinator for USGS) (Jim by telecon)
BACKGROUND: DOI/USGS must get from an "F" to a "B" by July 31 (?) Impacts to cost centers are likely to be very significant in resources and restrictions between now and July 31. FISMA's 31 action items present significant impacts to districts--impacts that are not yet well understood. The USGS IT Plan states directly that FISMA is a driver for several USGS IT projects such as:

• C&A (GIO IT priority 1)
• Bureau Active Directory and Baseline Security for Desktop Hardening (2)
• Enterprise Web (3)
• Symantec Anti-Virus Services and Software Update Services Implementation (7)
• Command Center (11)
• Enterprise Security Manager (15)

EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of forthcoming requirements and impacts of districts.

Combine with the OAS C&A action item. Either an ITAC or GIO action item to write a heads-up to managers and IT'ers about FISMA activities and due dates in HQ and cost centers.

AGENDA TOPIC: Futures of Temporary DMZs (30 minutes)
SPONSOR: McEwen and Terri Moore
PRESENTED BY: Kevin G.; or, Lorna Schmid or Lester North by telecon?
ISSUE: What must districts do prior to the August termination of DMZs?
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of forthcoming requirements of districts and answers to: Still end in August? List of sites still using a DMZ? What are the details of the waiver process?

Inform districts.

AGENDA TOPIC: Bureau AD Deployment Status
SPONSOR: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Paul Exter by telecon
ISSUE: What should districts do this year?
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of forthcoming requirements of districts and answers to: Only Reston, Denver, Menlo in 2004, right? District migrations start in calendar 2005, right? Is there a list of districts that have deployed a local AD domain? Will SWAT teams go to each district to assist migration?

Inform districts about costs and/or use of year-end money.

AGENDA TOPIC: Windows 2000 and XP Mandate
SPONSOR: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Paul Exter by telecon
ISSUE: Efficiency impact: All pre-Windows 2000 desktops and laptops will be required to isolate from the network via a DMZ or via ... no network card, modem, or sneaker-net connection. Fiscal impact: Are there districts that cannot afford 100% compliance by FY 2005?
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Answer: What can be done to help poor districts meet the mandate deadline? Are we doing enough to help technically?

Inform districts of BWTST's and ad hoc team's technical solutions for lab and field software/equipment. Determine how many Districts have Windows 98, 98, 2000 and NT. Inform districts about costs and/or use of year-end money. Each district should have a Working Capital Fund. Will Working Capital be used for Districts? Districts may have needed this information before June, 2004.

McEwen and Sonya Jones will seek the C&A list of Windows desktops ASAP and send to District Chiefs, SAs, etc.

AGENDA TOPIC: Windows XP Security Template Implications
SPONSOR: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Paul Exter by telecon
ISSUE: The template will restrict user ability to install software, etc. Users need to be forewarned by GIO.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of forthcoming requirements/restrictions of the template upon users.

Request that GIO inform all employees about this issue and about password policy. Feedback back to Paul on why restricting admin rights is unacceptable for field laptops.

AGENDA TOPIC: Wireless Waiver Process (15 minutes)
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: ? Stu Mitchell ? by telecon
ISSUE: Clarify wireless waiver memos from GIO IT.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: An adequate understanding of the waiver process and approval criteria.

Request that GIO inform all USGS IT'ers about this issue of waivers.
McEwen and Sonya Jones : Propose "What if" questions for the GIO/ DOI.
Sonya Jones will invite Stu Mitchell to participate in telecon.

AGENDA TOPIC: DOI Website Moratorium Status
Sponsor: Sonja Sebree
PRESENTED BY: Karen Klima by telecon
ISSUE:
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding of how to continue to meet mission requirements while under this moratorium.

Request that GIO inform all employees of status quarterly.
Sonya Jones and Katherine will determine who will invite ITAC presenters.

AGENDA TOPIC: Asset Inventory Status ( Ref priority 9 in IT Plan )
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Larry McIrvin by telecon
ISSUE: A comprehensive asset Inventory is a OMB/DOI requirement. An online, up-to-date database could drastically reduce data calls to districts for the same information. FY04/FY05 Action and Tasks: During FY04/FY05, the Information Technology Office (ITO) will develop a Web-accessible database for storing IT Asset Inventory information. As much inventory data as possible will be collected by automated procedures. Field system and network administrators will be asked to input data not automatically collected and verify automatically collected data in this database on a quarterly basis. It is expected that this database will dramatically reduce the number of data calls sent to the field. Additionally, the database will provide local inventory support to field IT staffs. (Refer to priority number 9 of the GIO CTO Project Management list.)
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding and answers to: Who has reviewed the requirements and may ITAC have access to the requirements? What is the status of the database and is it accessible for review? Will there be licensing costs and, if so, what is the funding source? What is the deployment time line?

Request that GIO inform all employees of status of the database and if it is accessible for review.

AGENDA TOPIC: DOI Enterprise Security Network Design and Implementation (Ref priority 10 of the IT Plan)
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Kevin Gallagher; or, Elaine Stout via telecon
ISSUE: Could mean temporary Internet disruption, district involvement to reassign IP addresses for all equipment, and significant costs to WRD Districts. ???
EXPECTED OUTCOME: A moderate understanding and answers to: Impact to districts? What is the magnitude of costs is USGS facing and what is the funding source? What is the deployment time line?

Request that GIO inform all employees of status.

II. TRAINING (30-45 minutes)

AGENDA TOPIC: SA Training Recommendations
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen and Terri Moore
ISSUE: Someone needs to provide comprehensive guidance to district managers and IT'ers as to current training requirements/expectations. This has been done in the past. Draft recommendation:

• Windows AD - all Windows support staff need to learn group policy and take local Windows AD training being planned by the AD Implementation Planning Team (ADIPT); local SAs must pass ADIPT's test in order to be granted admin access to their site's organizational unit (OU).
• Ghost imaging and Application Deployment - Course needed, as well as BWTST's selection of an application deployment tool (SMS, LANDesk, Prism Deploy, AD tools, ...).
• Asset Inventory, remote control, help desk - BWTST or DOI to select tool; then, training needed. TX, WR, and others are considering a purchase of "Track-IT."
• UNIX - Could Sun_TAC start a monthly CyberSeminar series?
• LAN/WAN/Wireless/Firewall Configuration & Troubleshooting - Perhaps ITSOT could start a monthly CyberSeminar series?

AGENDA TOPIC: LLMA - need? - What is the need for the June 14-17 LLMA Workshop since we are going to MS Exchange? Patty Damon will write up LLMA Conference benefits and send to Terri Moore; Terri will share with ITAC. ITAC should discuss it and send out the same message.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Comments and suggestions. Can IT Training be provided with minimum travel?

Vet this list with the BWTST, Sun_TAC, and other technical groups. Then OI release to all WRD District Chiefs and SAs. Identify types and costs of WRD District IT training.

AGENDA TOPIC: Windows Office 2003 Deployment Status and User Training
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen and Greg Allord
BACKGROUND: It's a big unknown as to how widely districts have installed Office 2003. Yet, Office 2003 offers important advantages to authors and reviewers.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness

Possible ITAC or OI action to request all districts to install Office 2003 on all desktops.

AGENDA TOPIC: NWIS DBA Training Status
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen and Joel Johnson
BACKGROUND: Many districts were adequately represented in the NWIS DBA course last Nov/Jan, but some were not. This training is important to the quality of our district NWIS databases. McEwen will prepare a list of attendees by district.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness

Possible RCS'er action to solicit involvement in Oct course from districts who've not sent DBAs to training, yet.

AGENDA TOPIC: S-Plus Training Status
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen, and Tom Wood via telecon?
BACKGROUND: Many districts have hosted the in-house course, "USGS Basic Hydrologic Data Analysis Using S-Plus," in the last three years, but some have not. This training is useful to project hydrologists and raises awareness about the USGS tool box (USGS boxplot, piper diagram, hydrograph, and interaction w/ NWIS) included in S-Plus. (List of districts completed)
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness

Possible ITAC action to solicit remaining districts to host the course.

III. NWIS AND HYDROLOGIC SUPPORT

AGENDA TOPIC: Impact of Annual NWIS C&A renewal/review upon districts?
PRESENTED BY: Richard Hollway via telecon
ISSUE: Are there any requirements of district offices in order to complete the annual NWIS C&A that's coming up?
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness

Possible ITAC or NWIS action to notify districts.

AGENDA TOPIC: RCS'er NWIS Quality Assurance Plan and District IT Review (15 minutes)
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen and Richard Hollway and Tim McElhone
ISSUE: Possible new roll of the RCS'er This is not just an NWIS review - but a general IT computer issues review.
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness and feedback on West Virginia and Maryland visits.

RCS'er implementation on trial basis this year.

AGENDA TOPIC: Field Computer Interest Group Status and Futures (30 minutes)
Sponsor: McEwen
PRESENTED BY: Charlie Merk
BACKGROUND: Charlie
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness and feedback

IV. PUBLICATIONS SUPPORT

AGENDA TOPIC: Pubs HW/SW Briefing (Can be postponed if necessary)
PRESENTED BY: Scott McEwen and Greg Allord
BACKGROUND: Reference: WR IT Training Workshop: Information Technology and Publishing and Report Production
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Awareness

None

V. BUREAU HELP DESK

AGENDA TOPIC: Oracle Help Team Status [Finish writing up. Ref e-mails] (Can be postponed if necessary)
Presented By: Tom Wood, Harry House, Alan Davidson, and Scott McEwen are making slow progress.

• Information Management Technical Advisory Team - [Get Dru and Cheryl's help to write up; tie back to ITAC "database" AIs] (Can be postponed if necessary.)
• Formation of Bureau UNIX Technical Support Team (BUTST). [Finish mission statement.] Info: McEwen is assisting Exter in preparing a draft charter for review by WRD Sun_TAC and the GIO ITO. Will be available upon request. (Can be postponed if necessary.)
• Assessing field satisfaction with BWTST and ITSOT (Can be postponed if necessary.) (May be handled by Headquarters Review.)

Action Items:

USGS :: ITAC :: Water :: Water Intranet :: WICAS

Address questions or comments to:

Kym Burns, ITAC Executive Secretary
(703) 648-5609