Digital Government Strategy Report for the Department of Homeland Security
2.1. Engage with customers to identify at least two existing major customer-facing services that contain high-value data or content as first-move candidates to make compliant with new open data, content, and web API policy.
Overall Status: completed
2.1.1. Paragraph on customer engagement approach
Paragraph on customer engagement approach: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leverages the Web Content Management (WCM) Executive Steering Committee (ESC), which is focused on streamlining and consolidating public facing websites and improving efficiency through the collective use of an open platform and open APIs. The WCM ESC serves as the leading governance body for DHS on open data, content, and web API policy. The WCM ESC is comprised of representatives from each of the Offices of Public Affairs (OPA) within the department, as well as component CIO representatives, and will make the final determination on the two first-move candidates to make compliant. Under the guidance of the WCM ESC, the Department developed a domain survey to capture key information about Component’s website. Each of the Component OPA representatives ensured information on the websites and APIs was encapsulated in the survey for records and decision-making. The Web ESC utilized the information in the survey to develop a recommendation on the first-move candidates to make compliant with new open data, content, and web API policies.
2.1.2. Prioritized list of systems (datasets)
System Name: National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
System Description: The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) API provides a feed of National Terrorism Advisory System current alerts that can be used by developers to place this information in their own apps and web pages.
System Scope: both
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: FEMA Hurricane Evacuation Route Data
System Description: FEMA has released an API providing geospatially-enabled hurricane evacuation route data that can be leveraged by developers in their own apps and web pages.
System Scope: both
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: TSA Traveler Assistance
System Description: TSA MyTSA API provides TSA Security Checkpoint Wait Times, TSA Pre✓™locations, and Sunrise/Sunset times for all locations
System Scope: both
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
7.1. Engage with customers to identify at least two existing priority customer-facing services to optimize for mobile use.
Overall Status: completed
7.1.1. Paragraph on customer engagement approach
Paragraph on customer engagement approach: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leverages the Applications and Services Councils (ASC), which is focused on organizational applications, services development, and provides DHS with leadership, guidance, and management of services to drive the customer engagement process. The ASC developed the initial survey template through collaboration with each of the Component representatives. Each of the Component representatives evaluated their ongoing pilots for mobile devices and mobile application over a 30 day period in order to identify the potential list of applications that could be optimizing via mobile services. The ASC conducted an initial evaluation of the systems to develop a recommendation to the Information Technology Services Governance Board (ITSGB). The ITSGB serves as the governance body for DHS on IT services, is led by the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the department, and will make the final determination two services that will be optimized via mobile services.
7.1.2. Prioritized list of systems (datasets)
System Name: MyTSA
System Description: Allows users to find security wait times, check security rules, etc.
System Scope: external
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: Border Wait Times
System Description: Mobile App that identifies the crossing time at US Borders
System Scope: external
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: SLT Dashboard
System Description: Provide leadership with mobile dashboards
System Scope: internal
Main Customer: Federal Employees
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: E-Verify Mobile
System Description: Allows corporations that already subscribe to E-Verify a mobile option to check status of employees.
System Scope: external
Main Customer: US Corporations
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: USCIS Customer Service Tools
System Description: Mobile apps for My Case Status Online, Find a USCIS Office, Find a Civil Surgeon, and e-Request.
System Scope: external
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: Rubicon
System Description: Allows instructors to perform field practical exercise evaluations and upload to student scheduling and administration system.
System Scope: internal
Main Customer: Federal Employees
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: iCARE
System Description: Community Response data acquisition application for logging issues and activities during a disaster.
System Scope: internal
Main Customer: Federal Employees
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: PDA
System Description: Preliminary housing damage assessment application to assist general public affected by the disaster declared area.
System Scope: internal
Main Customer: Federal Employees
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: ACE
System Description: Individual Assistance Housing Inspection's Automated Construction Estimator to assist general public affected by the disaster declared area.
System Scope: internal
Main Customer: Federal Employees
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
System Name: TRIP Mobile
System Description: Enabling TRIP to be displayed on mobile devices.
System Scope: external
Main Customer: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
4.2. Establish an agency-wide governance structure for developing and delivering digital services
Overall Status: completed
Paragraph on Governance: In response to the May 23, 2012, Presidential directive entitled Building a 21st Century Digital Government, and to comply with OMB defined Milestone 4.2 – ‘Establish an agency-wide governance structure for developing and delivering digital services’ The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Chief Information Officer (CIO) has created the Digital Government Strategy Senior Advisory Council (DGSSAC) with the mission of developing and implementing digital services. Starting in 2010, DHS has implemented a scalable, tiered governance structure that establishes distinct roles and responsibilities from the program through the department. The DGSSAC will conform well within the DHS defined vision for its information technology (IT) governance, acting as the Executive Steering Committee for all programs delivering digital services and managing data. The DGSSAC will work at the direction of the Information Technology Infrastructure Services Governance Board (ITSGB) with leadership and staff from the Office of the CIO, along with corresponding Component representatives, to develop a unified approach to governing the Department’s digital strategy in accordance to Executive Order 13571 and OMB guidance. The DGSSAC will establish and Implement the Department’s approach to Digital Government Strategy and will establish specific, measurable goals for delivering better services at a lower cost and set department-wide policies in required areas. The DGSSAC has been chartered (Attachment - U.S. Department of Homeland Security Information Technology Infrastructure Services governance Board Digital Government Strategy Senior Advisory Council Charter ver 1.0) The Charter is expected to be signed November 16, 2012. A working group has already been formed and is presently meeting to coordinate Digital Government Strategy deliverables as well as work to schedule and facilitate the first meeting of the DGSSAC, target date December 2012.
URL to Governance Document: http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/digital-strategy/Digital-Government-Governance-Charter.pdf
5.2. Develop an enterprise-wide inventory of mobile devices and wireless service contracts
Overall Status: completed
5.2.1. Develop wireless and mobile inventory
Bureau/Component: DHS
Inventory Status: completed
8.2. Implement performance and customer satisfaction measuring tools on all .gov websites
Overall Status: completed
8.2.1. Implement performance measurement tool
Implemented Digital Analytics Program: yes
If Not, Describe Implementation:
Percent of websites covered: 100% using Google Analytics
URL of performance data: www.dhs.gov/metrics
8.2.2. Implement customer satisfaction tool
Describe Implementation: 100% of DHS sites have a customer satisfaction measurement tool.
URL of performance data: www.dhs.gov/metrics
1.2. Ensure all new IT systems follow the open data, content, and web API policy and operationalize agency.gov/developer pages
Overall Status: in-progress
1.2.1. Document policy for architecting new IT systems for openness by default
Describe policy: DHS continues to support managing information and data as an asset through Enterprise Architecture and specifically through the Enterprise Data Management Policy MD103-01 and the Data Management Working Group (DMWG). The DMWG provides collaboration and governance over the information developed and shared by the Components of DHS. This organization reviews, approves, and shares responsibility for DHS data standards, data management best practices and exposing new and changed data assets. In 2013, DHS is updating the Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) to incorporate additional data management practices for sharing and safeguarding information. Incorporation of new data dissemination, data quality and information sharing requirements in the SELC highlight how DHS is promoting interoperability and openness in the information life cycle. Another way DHS promotes interoperability and openness in the SELC is through the use of the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) and new metadata tagging efforts being developed for data aggregation and Big Data. DHS requires Components and Contractors supporting DHS development to follow the DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle. By incorporating new requirements in the SELC for data dissemination, information sharing and data quality, DHS can enforce initiatives to open up and safeguard data to the public. In addition to efforts around the SELC, DHS is promoting through its Web Council additional visibility and discussion of what information is currently being exposed through web pages and what additional information can be exposed using web and mobile applications. DHS has also expanded the Enterprise Management Policy and Information Sharing Policy to make information more available to partners and the public.
1.2.4. Develop Data Inventory Schedule - Summary
Summarize the Inventory Schedule: DHS has been populating the Enterprise Architecture Information Repository with extensive data asset metadata since 2008 and has been able to associate over 80% of its systems to a corresponding data asset. DHS relies on this approach because an official data inventory did not exist in any of its related Components that came together in 2002 to become DHS. The DHS systems inventory has changed several times over the past 5 years and now relies upon the official FISMA inventory of systems. DHS reviews the completeness of its data asset metadata yearly and works with the Components to enrich the content where appropriate to make discovery more accessible and understandable. The data asset metadata profile was based on the Dublin Core (a recognized metadata standard) and consequently matches up well with the Data.gov common core.
The DHS Enterprise Architecture program includes segment architecture efforts for each of the mission areas and includes data gathering efforts for the baseline and target data architecture. This approach has provided additional discovery of information product datasets supporting each of the mission areas. During FY2014, the Enterprise Architecture program will be addressing at least 3 of our major missions and defining baseline and target architectures supporting those missions. The segment efforts should result in the identification of all associated datasets which will be added to the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Progress to support the enrichment of the DHS Enterprise Data Inventory will be reported on a quarterly basis and presented to the major DHS collaboration groups in order to improve support of data gathering efforts. This approach was successfully employed with the initial data gathering effort of the Enterprise Data Repository. The progress report along with the Public Data Catalog will be updated on the DHS Digital Strategy web page so the public can be informed.
1.2.5. Develop Data Inventory Schedule - Milestones
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems Inventory to Grow Inventory Content
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: November 1, 2014
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 1st half of FY2014 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2014, EDMO has targeted review of the remaining 20% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems Inventory to Grow Inventory Content
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: February 28, 2014
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content by 5% or 25 datasets each quarter.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team is reviewing existing Component web pages during the FY2014 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: Metadata for datasets is added to the Enterprise Data Inventory and classified as Public, Restricted or Non Public. Web pages are considered Public so any dataset found on a public page is added to the Public Data Catalog and the data producer is requested to add machine readable content to the page.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems Inventory
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: May 31, 2014
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter. This quarter DHS has identified at least 50 new data assets and is in the process of completing the metadata for each with the assistance of the respective Component data teams.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 1st half of FY2014 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog. In 2014, the metadata for at least 50 datasets was updated with the assistance of the Component data teams.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2014, EDMO has targeted review of the remaining 100% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified. Each quarter additional systems become operational and the EA Information Repository is updated. The EDMO generates a list of new systems to be reviewed and assoicated with new or existing data assets.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems Inventory
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory. At this point, EDMO has reviewed over 70% of the FISMA systems inventory.
Milestone Date: August 31, 2014
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter. This quarter DHS has identified at least 10 new data assets and 150 new datasets and is in the process of completing the metadata for each with the assistance of the respective Component data teams.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team has been reviewing existing Component web pages during the 1st half of FY2014 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog. This quarter DHS has identified at least 10 new data assets has completed updating the metadata for each with the assistance of the respective Component data teams.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2014, EDMO has targeted review of the remaining 20% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified. By using the FISMA systems inventory, EDMO is able to determine if new data assets have been created or existing datasets are being reused.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: November 30, 2014
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter. Each month the systems inventory is updated and systems are added, modified or disposed. New data sets may be discovered as the EDMO reviews the updates.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 2nd half of FY2014 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2014, EDMO has targeted review of the 100% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: February 28, 2015
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2014 is to grow the inventory content where possible by 5% each quarter. The system inventory was recently updated in the EA Repository and EDMO is processing any changes and comparing the Data inventory to the requirements of each new or changed system.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 1st half of FY2015 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog. EDMO is also expanding the access level comments to include FOIA exemption language.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2014, EDMO targeted review of the remaining systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified and completed this effort. In 2015, EDMO will continue to review all changes and work with Components to submit new datasets for inclusion.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: May 31, 2015
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2015 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 1st half of FY2015 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2015, EDMO has targeted review of 100% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified. EDMO is also reviewing non public data sets to see if any of the datasets have been identified on public websites and if so update the dataset description to include this information. These datasets are then reviewed by our FOIA group to confirm that this descriptive information can be shared outside of DHS.
Title: Quarterly Review of FISMA Systems
Description: Each quarter the DHS Enterprise Data Management team engages with data teams in each of the Components to review progress and map out efforts to improve data management maturity and continue gathering more dataset information for the Enterprise Data Inventory.
Milestone Date: August 31, 2015
Description of how this milestone expands the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Inventory milestone target goal for FY2015 is to grow the inventory content by 5% each quarter as new systems are researched.
Description of how this milestone enriches the Inventory: The Enterprise Data Management team will be reviewing existing Component web pages during the 2nd half of FY2015 to identify potential dataset candidates for inclusion on the Public Data Catalog.
Description of how this milestone opens the Inventory: In FY2015, EDMO has targeted review of 100% of its systems inventory for which data assets have not been identified. EDMO is also reviewing non public data sets to see if any of the datasets have been identified on public websites and if so update the dataset description to include this information. These datasets are then reviewed by our FOIA group to confirm that this descriptive information can be shared outside of DHS.
1.2.6. Develop Customer Feedback Process
Describe the agency's process to engage with customers: DHS currently has a number of avenues available for engaging with the public including Freedom of Information Act requests, requests for Redress action and status checking for Immigration requests. DHS is intending to supplement these existing points of contact with new contact points related to Open Data transparency. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are one of the most reliable ways to know what information the public wants. DHS will continue to support governance oversight within its FOIA operations to promote the proactive publishing of information and include FOIA officers across the department in transparency and data sharing planning activities. This approach will not only improve public access to information but could also help reduce the FOIA request backlog. The Digital Strategy team has incorporated Suggest a Dataset links within many of the traditional points of contact with the public including the Open Data page, Developer page and How to Find Open Data page. Suggestions received through these links will provide suggestions and feedback to Component POCs and web content managers. The Digital Strategy team intends to track and report back the number of suggestions received and the actions resulting from the suggestions. The reports will be shared on a quarterly basis with all the DHS Collaborative Bodies (DMWG, ITSGB, Web Council ESC, ASC, ISCC). The results will also be published on the Digital Strategy web page. DHS is also participating on the National Action Plan initiatives to Modernize FOIA processes. This initiative will be coordinated with the DHS Information Governance segment which is tasked to improve coordination of records management, eDiscovery and FOIA across DHS Components. FEMA is also engaged with the Data.gov Safety Community to increase collaboration with other Federal agency and interested developers on safety issues.
As of August 31, 2014, 10 requests for new datasets were received through the Suggest a Dataset mechanism and were sent to the responsible Component. Immigration Statistics added new reports this quarter and USCIS added several more to their FOIA log. Additionally FEMA continues to engage with developers interested in using FEMA data.
1.2.7. Develop Data Publication Process
Describe the agency's data publication process: DHS implemented a new process in FY2014 for the identification, prioritization, publication, and monitoring of data releases. Since the debut of our initial Open Government Plan, we have met with various web content-related groups and defined this process, which will adhere to the following key principles:
1. DHS will continually review current inventories and portfolios of data sets and tools and identify high value data sets and tools for electronic dissemination in support of Transparency and Open Government goals. Reviews are anticipated on a quarterly basis. What is the “high value criteria” the data meets: information that can be used to increase agency accountability and responsiveness; improve public knowledge of the agency and its operations; further the core mission of the agency; create economic opportunity; or respond to need and demand as identified through public consultation.
2. At the planning stage for any new data development endeavor or major revision of existing data development efforts, and throughout the life of the project, DHS will identify opportunities for transparency, data sharing and dissemination though electronic posting of datasets. These dissemination activities will become part of the project or system plan for the data project. We have implemented this guidance as part of our DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle and Enterprise Architecture program and incorporated it into the ongoing monitoring of IT projects and investments that are accomplished using DHS’s IT investment life cycle planning and execution processes. As opportunities for data sharing and dissemination are identified, they will be evaluated and adjudicated by the DHS Web Council Information/Mobile Community of Practice after receiving dataset release approval from the respective Component governance bodies.
3. DHS will protect the confidentiality of individually identifiable information in any public data releases, including publication of data sets on the web. Recognizing that the risks of disclosure of personal identifiable information mount as more and diverse data sets are released into the public domain, DHS will lead and support ongoing research into strategies to protect confidentiality while maintaining public access to data. As new approaches evolve, DHS will incorporate them into its data release and privacy policies.
4. DHS will undertake efforts to foster the use and utility of the data it disseminates publicly through the web and seek feedback from data users. DHS will consider specific audiences, market segments and communication objectives in its data development and dissemination programs.
5. DHS will ensure the quality, objectivity, integrity and utility of the substantive data it disseminates through compliance with DHS Information Quality Guidelines.
6. DHS will employ feedback, outreach and evaluation mechanisms regarding the value and utility of the information we disseminate and use that information to enhance and improve our data products and services in a continuous quality improvement cycle.
Our updated data sharing process will be enmeshed into the department’s core strategic planning, budgeting, and information technology planning activity for 2014. Key points:
• DHS’s Enterprise Architecture will identify one or more experts for each investment initiative who will bring not only subject matter knowledge to the team but will also serve as a resource regarding available DHS data systems which may support the initiative as well as principles of performance measures, evaluation and information quality. The data experts themselves will convene on a regular basis as a cross-DHS team to coordinate their work and share best practices across the department. Plans and recommendations emerging from each initiative will be employed by the DHS CIO Council in its overall data planning and investment priorities.
• Data production and sharing opportunities proactively targeted by each investment initiative will be added to an ongoing stream of new data sets identified for publication on Data.gov through regular portfolio reviews conducted by each DHS agency and office and coordinated by the Web Council and CIO Council. The Web Council will ensure that data releases are screened for quality, privacy, security, and confidentiality risks before release. Data releases will be prioritized based on alignment with DHS’s strategic goals.
• At the planning stage for any new data development endeavor or major revision of existing data development efforts, and throughout the life of the project, DHS will proactively identify opportunities for transparency, data sharing and dissemination through electronic posting of datasets on Data.gov. These dissemination activities will become part of the project or system plan for the data project. This new aspect of data and systems planning will be incorporated into the core management processes, templates and criteria utilized by DHS’s information technology, investment review, and budgeting processes.
• The Web Council will continue to oversee and manage the process of releasing information assembled via all of the sources above on our Open Government website, Data.gov and other mechanisms.
• A key principle underlying our Open Government work is promoting transparency while maintaining confidentiality. This will require an ongoing effort involving those developing the data and data users and is made all the more challenging by the increasing amount of data from a wide variety of sources that conceivably could be linked to confidential data. The linkage could yield valuable insights but could also lead to the disclosure of confidential information. This challenge is shared by agencies across the government. DHS will work with other agencies to develop confidentiality safeguards for data submitted to Data.gov that will increase the amount and scope of data disseminated while developing ways of preserving the confidentiality of the data's sources, whether individuals or businesses.
• DHS will engage in a proactive new program of monitoring, stimulating, and incorporating innovative and beneficial uses of our data.
o On our Open Government website and through systematic dialogue with key stakeholder groups (overseen by our Web Council), we will solicit examples of how our data has been used to generate benefit. We will continue to maintain a list of examples (insights, applications, visualizations, etc.) for publication on our Open Government website. This will help us shape our future data release strategy on an ongoing basis.
• By employing these processes for ongoing data prioritization, release, and monitoring, DHS intends to increase the value produced by its information resources in several ways. Consumers will be able to access information and benefit directly from using it personally, as when somebody planning to travel familiarizes themselves with disease risks and vaccinations. Beyond that type of use, DHS intends for the information to prove valuable for improving public administration, positively impacting how we and other levels of government can deliver services and accomplish our missions more effectively, more efficiently, more rapidly, and with higher levels of customer satisfaction.
• External Affairs, Strategic Communications and OCC will be included during initial meetings between Open Data Coordinator and Program Office and external clients as needed
• Open Data Coordinator coordinates approvals from OCC, Privacy Offices and the Offices of External Affairs
• Supporting Documents will include metadata descriptions, directions on how to use the data, appropriate data disclaimers and approval sign-off form
• Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA) will be filled out as is deemed by Privacy or OCC
2.2. Make high-value data and content in at least two existing, major customer-facing systems available through web APIs, apply metadata tagging and publish a plan to transition additional high-value systems
Overall Status: completed
2.2.1. Publish plan on future activity
Describe policy: Data dissemination is the process for releasing data for consumption by external partners or the public. Data dissemination strategies are used to effectively communicate to the data users the need to make known its availability. Data and information can be disseminated in various formats designed to suit the needs of particular users. The objectives of the data dissemination strategy are to maximize the response of the system to user needs when developing information or data dissemination, increase access to information by disseminating directly to other Components and/or organizations, and standardize Information Sharing exchanges to use common data exchange specifications like NIEM to improve consistency and understandability. Delivery mechanisms for data to be disseminated are based on the needs of the consuming user. • Information products: Information products like reports, spreadsheets, notifications and memos are the most commonly accepted forms for this type of data dissemination. Traditionally, these data dissemination products were known to users of the associated systems. Today, wider knowledge of these products is required and the EAIR provides a central source for discovering their existence. The SELC will require metadata for each of the products to be presented for inclusion into the EA Information Repository. The metadata profile for each information product will improve understandability and visibility of the content, structure and intended uses. • Data Access and Delivery Services: Utilizing services to enable delivery of data increases its flexibility and scalability to the user community and other systems. In order to support this capability, systems will need to include data access and delivery services within their architectural framework. System designers will also have to determine the level and quality of service being provided so consumers can understand when the data will be available. Each data access service will require metadata to be defined and made available to consumers. Using the National Information Exchance Model (NIEM) to develop the metadata will improve consistency and understandability. • Web and mobile apps: Utilizing application program interfaces either through web or mobile apps improves the opportunity for consumers to get machine readable versions of the data for consumption or ingestion into their systems or application. Data.gov and the DHS Digital Strategy guidelines require new data sets to be developed with this capability. The DHS data dissemination strategy supports the 21st Century Digital Government Strategy, through the completion of several milestones. The Digitial Government Strategy requires the Department to make high-value data and content available using Web APIs (milestone 2.2), and also to improve customer facing services for mobile use (milestone 7.2). Data Dissemination is a critical component in the identification of additional high value assets. DHS has a System Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) that provides a framework for development using proven systems engineering principles to ensure DHS capabilities are efficiently and effectively delivered. The DHS SELC is designed to ensure that appropriate activities are planned and implemented in each stage of the life cycle to increase the success of each program and its projects. Each stage has a defined set of activities, associated documents to record the results of the activities performed, and reviews at the appropriate points in the lifecycle. DHS OCIO is currently conducting Program Assessment Reviews, which provide leadership with an extensive deep-dive into program activities and assess program’s responses to the Earned Value Management, program artifacts, alignment with mission needs, and alignment with the DHS Enterprise Architecture. The Program Assessment Reviews have embedded specific criteria to support the Digital Government Strategy to categorize the DHS major programs that are exposing data to citizens or government entities, are seen as the “Go-To” or Service Provider for public facing information, have development efforts underway, and have adequate funding to support the development activities.
2.2.2. Make 2+ systems (datasets) available via web APIs with metadata tags
Name of system: National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
Description of system: The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) API provides a feed of National Terrorism Advisory System current alerts that can be used by developers to place this information in their own apps and web pages.
Scope of system: both
Main Customers: Internal and External customers interested in leveraging FEMA data
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
API Link: www.dhs.gov/ntas-api-documentation
Name of system: FEMA Hurricane Evacuation Route Data
Description of system: FEMA has released an API providing geospatially-enabled hurricane evacuation route data that can be leveraged by developers in their own apps and web pages.
Scope of system: both
Main Customers: Internal and External customers interested in leveraging FEMA data
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
API Link: http://gis.fema.gov/REST/services/FEMA/EvacRoutes/MapServer
Name of system: TSA Traveler Assistance
Description of system: TSA MyTSA API provides TSA Security Checkpoint Wait Times, TSA Pre✓™locations, and Sunrise/Sunset times for all locations
Scope of system: both
Main Customers: Internal and External customers interested in leveraging FEMA data
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
API Link: http://www.dhs.gov/MyTSA-API-Documentation
Name of system: OpenFEMA API
Description of system: FEMA has developed a new content management systems using MongoDB to store datasets and provide a search capability to extract the dataset in a machine readable format.
Scope of system: external
Main Customers: Public and Developers
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
API Link: http://www.fema.gov/data-feeds
Name of system: Enterprise API
Description of system: This project is intended to take the OpenFEMA API and make additional DHS datasets available for search and extraction by the public and Developers. So far, DHS has engaged with the Border Statistics team and the FOIA team to test sample data in the API. DHS is in planning for launching the API.
Scope of system: both
Main Customers: Developers and public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024 XXXXXXXXXX ---OCIO/EDMO Investment for FY 2015 Budget
5.3. Evaluate the government-wide contract vehicles in the alternatives analysis for all new mobile-related procurements
Overall Status: completed
Describe Implementation: DHS’s digital Government strategy consolidates numerous wireless sources into one and also cuts costs by nearly half. DHS is taking a bifurcated approach. On April 17, 2013, DHS awarded the DHS-Wide Cellular Wireless Managed Services (CWMS) contract. Users throughout the Agency will transition from a wide variety of sources to this contract, which is estimated to save up to 50% over current rates. CWMS is FAR Part 8 Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) that provides for a full managed services solution for management of wireless devices and services from device procurement through issuance, to asset management and device disposal. The CWMS services include: Cellular wireless management portal Performance management and accountability Telecommunications management services Mobile device management Cellular wireless devices accessories and service Onsite support Unique web portal modifications Surge support In-Building wireless. The second part of the approach is to capitalize on government-wide contracts that might be forthcoming from the General Services Administration.
6.3. Ensure all new digital services follow digital services and customer experience improvement guidelines
Overall Status: completed
Describe Implementation: To gain a greater understanding of proposed solution alignment with customer expectation and feedback, DHS established the Web Content Management (WCM) ESC as the functioning executive governance body that is focused on reviewing external customer satisfaction measurement and visitors’ responses on their overall experiences. The data and customer satisfaction information collected through an online survey tool is evaluated within the DHS Web Council to identify challenges, to improve visitors’ experiences, and understand the trends throughout DHS. This data and analysis is used to develop proposals to the DHS WCM ESC on strategy and devleopment decisions that will benefit the collective enterprise public web effort. DHS plans to use performance measurements tools to make data-driven decisions on improving digital services by leveraging the leadership of the WCM ESC as well as building out its digital measurement infrastructure. In the coming months, DHS.gov and each of the other top level sites will have a public-facing site metrics page that displays some or all of the following information: Web performance metrics (Google Analytics data) Search engine and site search data (USASearch data) Descriptions of customer satisfaction survey results.
7.2. Optimize at least two existing priority customer-facing services for mobile use and publish a plan for improving additional existing services
Overall Status: completed
Describe Implementation: Data dissemination is the process for releasing data for consumption by external partners or the public. Data dissemination strategies are used to effectively communicate to the data users the need to make known its availability. Data and information can be disseminated in various formats designed to suit the needs of particular users. The objectives of the data dissemination strategy are to maximize the response of the system to user needs when developing information or data dissemination, increase access to information by disseminating directly to other Components and/or organizations, and standardize Information Sharing exchanges to use common data exchange specifications like NIEM to improve consistency and understandability. Delivery mechanisms for data to be disseminated are based on the needs of the consuming user. • Information products: Information products like reports, spreadsheets, notifications and memos are the most commonly accepted forms for this type of data dissemination. Traditionally, these data dissemination products were known to users of the associated systems. Today, wider knowledge of these products is required and the EAIR provides a central source for discovering their existence. The SELC will require metadata for each of the products to be presented for inclusion into the EA Information Repository. The metadata profile for each information product will improve understandability and visibility of the content, structure and intended uses. • Data Access and Delivery Services: Utilizing services to enable delivery of data increases its flexibility and scalability to the user community and other systems. In order to support this capability, systems will need to include data access and delivery services within their architectural framework. System designers will also have to determine the level and quality of service being provided so consumers can understand when the data will be available. Each data access service will require metadata to be defined and made available to consumers. Using the National Information Exchance Model (NIEM) to develop the metadata will improve consistency and understandability. • Web and mobile apps: Utilizing application program interfaces either through web or mobile apps improves the opportunity for consumers to get machine readable versions of the data for consumption or ingestion into their systems or application. Data.gov and the DHS Digital Strategy guidelines require new data sets to be developed with this capability. The DHS data dissemination strategy supports the 21st Century Digital Government Strategy, through the completion of several milestones. The Digitial Government Strategy requires the Department to make high-value data and content available using Web APIs (milestone 2.2), and also to improve customer facing services for mobile use (milestone 7.2). Data Dissemination is a critical component in the identification of additional high value assets. DHS has a System Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) that provides a framework for development using proven systems engineering principles to ensure DHS capabilities are efficiently and effectively delivered. The DHS SELC is designed to ensure that appropriate activities are planned and implemented in each stage of the life cycle to increase the success of each program and its projects. Each stage has a defined set of activities, associated documents to record the results of the activities performed, and reviews at the appropriate points in the lifecycle. DHS OCIO is currently conducting Program Assessment Reviews, which provide leadership with an extensive deep-dive into program activities and assess program’s responses to the Earned Value Management, program artifacts, alignment with mission needs, and alignment with the DHS Enterprise Architecture. The Program Assessment Reviews have embedded specific criteria to support the Digital Government Strategy to categorize the DHS major programs that are exposing data to citizens or government entities, are seen as the “Go-To” or Service Provider for public facing information, have development efforts underway, and have adequate funding to support the development activities.
7.2.1. Report on services
Service Name: TRIP
Service Description: Enabling TRIP to be displayed on Mobile Services
System Scope: both
Primary customers: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
URL of service: http://trip.dhs.gov
Service Name: Border Wait Times
Service Description: Border Wait Times
System Scope: both
Primary customers: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
URL of service: http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/mobile.asp
Service Name: Mobile Application for Public Safety
Service Description: Enabling public safety information to be displayed on Mobile Services
System Scope: both
Primary customers: Public
Unique Investment Identifier: 024-XXXXXXXXX--New Investment for FY 2014 Budget
URL of service: https://www.dhs.gov/mobile-applications-public-safety
Last updated August 8, 2015 at 8:20 am