Digital Strategy at USDA
1.2.0 Make Open Data, Content, and Web APIs the New Default
Due: May 23, 2013
Status: In Progress
USDA is working to develop, implement, and institutionalize a OneUSDA Digital Strategy that will continuously assess the improvement of digital services and systems that are information- and customer-centric. To ensure open data, content and web APIs are the new default, we will collaborate among the data, platform, and presentation layers to coordinate Digital Strategy activities across agency and functional lines, including IT, web and communication subject matter experts. As such, the Office of Communications Web Communication Division, Office of the Chief Information Officer, as well as Agency web, communication and program offices make up the Departments digital strategy ecosystem.
The OneUSDA Digital Strategy will:
- Ensure that data is open, accurate, clearly described, structured, machine-readable, and digital services are optimized for mobile use.
- Establish more agile acquisition and budget processes that support the procurement and management of digital technologies.
- Develop additional guidance through policy to address open data, digital signatures, performance and customer satisfaction measurement, and mobile optimization.
- Refine and expand the use of enterprise data taxonomy to standardize commonly used data for business intelligence purposes.
- Develop open data strategy that addresses the framework for sharing critical information at key decision points throughout the entirety of the enterprise.
- Identify, prioritize, and modernize existing data that are not currently available to the public.
- Deploy a virtual dynamic inventory of open data at USDA.gov/data, populated by digital agency data inventories.
- Deploy a virtual enterprise geospatial reference repository to promote data quality with metadata best practices, templates, conventions, and other USDA branding standards.
- Provide guidance and training to data SMEs to develop web APIs, structure unstructured content or information, and to incorporate customer feedback for product improvements.
To ensure future information systems and services comply with the Federal Digital Strategy and Open Data Policy (M-13-13, May 9, 2013) and to modernize existing systems to leverage APIs, USDA will integrate digital strategy and open data requirements and guidance to existing processes and workflows. As such, USDA Office of the Chief Information Officer Technology, Planning, Architecture, and Electronic Government (TPA&E) division will examine and validate the following areas to ensure they include a digital strategy component for open data and interoperability and address the open data requirements:
- Acquisition Approval Request (AAR) - The Office of Communications (OC) will evaluate requests to ensure alignment with Digital Government Strategy principles and USDA's overarching strategy.
- Capital Planning and Investment Control reviews.
- IT Governance Process life cycle reviews - OC will ensure alignment with Digital Government Strategy components including, open data and mobile optimization, at various review gates throughout project life cycles.
- Enterprise Roadmap - Digital Government Strategy requirements and principles will be reflected in the Department's enterprise architecture and align the work of all IT, content and policy division.
USDA will ensure that all new information collection, creation, and system development efforts will be done in a way that supports downstream interoperability between information systems and distribution of information with our customers. This includes using machine-readable and open formats, data standards, information stewardship and common metadata.
Data Stewardship Working Group (DSWG) members will coordinate these activities within their agencies to ensure application of reusable and common standards, and will ensure data stewardship accountability. Data will be managed as complete and current enterprise assets, and all data are included in the scope of this function.
2.1.0 Engage with Customers to Identify High-Value Data and Content to Make Available through Web APIs
Due: August 23, 2012
Status: Completed
2.1.1 Customer Engagement Approach
To engage with internal and external customers, we will use our integrated communications platform to offer various opportunities for input and engagement. Given USDA's broad mission and diverse range of customers, agencies will maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders.
As USDA's Digital Strategy implementation continues, check back often for new opportunities for collaboration through USDA.gov/open, social media activities like our monthly #AskUSDA chats, and updates from the USDA Blog.
2.1.2 Prioritized List of Systems (datasets)
Due: August 23, 2012
Status: Completed
| System Name | System Description | Scope | Main Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Farmers Market Directory | AMS produced directory containing information about U.S. farmers market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, and accepted forms of payment. Supports local and regional food systems, as well as development of local economies. Farmers Market Directory API |
Both | Consumers, Government, Producers |
| ERS Web Content and Charts of Note | Highlights from our current and past research currently provided in daily Charts of Note available via Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces, a system of machine-to-machine interactions over a network), and an embeddable widget code. Access the ERS APIs on their developer page and grab the code for an easy Charts of Note widget. | External | Policymakers, Program managers, Media, Researchers, Education Institutions |
2.2 Completed
Visit USDA's Developer Resources page to find and access featured data or web services from the Department's agencies and mission areas. This page will be updated as agencies make available new developer tools and data resources, so be sure to check back often. Do you have feedback, ideas, or questions for USDA APIs? Use the USDA GitHub repository's Issue Tracker
to join the discussion.
4.2.0 Establish USDA Digital Strategy Governance
Due: November 23, 2012
Status: Completed
USDA will utilize existing crosscutting teams and resources to collaboratively manage Digital Strategy activities throughout the Department. To clearly articulate the overarching framework and approach, as well as detail broad roles and responsibilities, USDA cleared and published Departmental Regulation 1496-001 (11/21/12) Digital Strategy Governance.
This Regulation addresses the partnership between the Office of Communications (OC) and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), as well as agency web, information technology and public affairs professionals who all have a role to play in ensuring the success of USDA's Digital Strategy implementation.
The policy addresses the presentation, platform, information and security layers and associated agency or program teams and subject matter experts. This collaborative relationship is key to USDA's digital communication activities to ensure that we are delivering high-value services and systems in the most efficient, relevant and cost-effective manner to our internal and external customers.
OC and OCIO will work together when reviewing digital service project requests to ensure the activity aligns with the Department's strategic priorities and fully addresses the needs of the customer.
The entities involved in discussing trends, submitting project proposals and implementing digital strategy objectives include:
Information Priorities Investments Council
Chief Information Officer Council
Agency Webmasters
Public Affairs Directors
Link to Governance Document: Departmental Regulation.
5.2.0 Establish USDA inventory of Mobile Devices and Wireless Service Contracts
Due: November 23, 2012
Status: Completed
| Agencies and Offices | Device Inventory Status | Contract Inventory Status | Bureau Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-45 |
| Agricultural Research Service (ARS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-18 |
| Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-32 |
| Economic Research Service (ERS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-13 |
| Farm Service Agency (FSA) | Completed | In Progress | 005-49 |
| Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-86 |
| Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-35 |
| Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-68 |
| Forest Service (FS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-96 |
| Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) | Completed | In Progress | 005-37 |
| National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-15 |
| National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Completed | In Progress | 005-20 |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) | Completed | In Progress | 005-53 |
| Risk Management Agency (RMA) | Completed | In Progress | 005-47 |
| Rural Development (RD) | Completed | In Progress | 005-55 |
| Departmental Management (DM) | Completed | In Progress | 005-05 |
| National Appeals Division (NAD) | Completed | In Progress | 005-11 |
| Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) | Completed | In Progress | 005-09 |
| Office of Communications (OC) | Completed | In Progress | 005-06 |
| Office of the Inspector General (OIG) | Completed | In Progress | 005-18 |
| Office of the General Counsel (OGC) | Completed | In Progress | 005-10 |
We have completed a majority of the contract inventory for each agency, but will complete within the next quarter.
5.3.0 Evaluate Government-wide Vehicles in Alternative Analysis for New Mobile-Related Procurements
Due: May 23, 2013
Status: In Progress
6.3.0 Ensure all New Digital Services Follow Improvement Guidelines
Due: Within 6 months of release of improvement guidance
Status: Completed
USDA is working to develop, implement, and institutionalize a OneUSDA Digital Strategy that will continuously assess the improvement of digital services and systems that are information- and customer-centric. To ensure open data, content and web APIs are the new default, we will collaborate among the data, platform, and presentation layers to coordinate Digital Strategy activities across agency and functional lines, including IT, web and communication subject matter experts.
USDA has developed a comprehensive IT governance process that incorporates an Integrated Governance Framework and provides the executive teams with a process for reviewing investments and providing guidance to investment managers throughout a project's life cycle. Projects will be reviewed to ensure alignment with digital strategy guidelines.
As a member of the Executive Information Technology Investment Review Board (E-Board), the Office of Communications and Digital Strategy Lead will ensure major IT capital investments follow digital service guidelines through the entire lifecycle process, and ensure that the investment goal and strategy are optimal for achieving USDA's mission.
USDA is fully embracing this new mobile paradigm shift, and is mobilizing our business, transforming our organizations, and modernizing our technical infrastructures to meet the significant opportunities as well as challenges that mobility brings to the work place. As the adoption and use of mobile devices are accelerating within our department and customer base, USDA is staying on the forefront of both the business requirements as well as technical trends with a well thought out Mobile Computing Implementation Plan that takes advantage of the transformational opportunities in mobile business delivery for our agencies and customers.
USDA-OCIO will be leading this effort with oversight from the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The implementation will be governed through the Mobile Computing steering committee in coordination with the CIO council.
Responding to today's mobile opportunities, architecting for tomorrow's cloud environments, and integrating them with USDA's legacy infrastructures are all daunting challenges. The USDA Mobile Computing Program is focused on the following three key objectives:
- Procuring and managing heterogeneous commercial devices, applications, and data in smart, secure and affordable ways;
- Leveraging existing enterprise systems in an integrated manner with new mobile solutions to minimize capital expenditures and maximize our return on investments;
- Implementing end-to-end mobile services that streamline procurement, management and operational processes while improving IT management and visibility, gaining control, and cutting costs
At the end of the day, everything must appear "seamless" to end-users while delivering significant business value in a secure manner.
The following key objectives for USDA for fiscal year 2013 will ensure foundational capabilities to allow our mobile customers access to our information and services, and to secure, manage and support mobile devices enabling our workforce to conduct business anytime, anywhere, on any device:
- Establish a Mobile Program Management Office
- Establish a Mobile Computing Steering Committee
- Publish a Mobile Computing PMO Website
- Develop and publish a USDA Mobile Computing policy and research and develop a BYOD policy
- Deploy Mobile infrastructure solutions, including a 2nd generation Mobile Device Management, a Mobile Acquisition Management, and Pilot BYOD solutions
- Publish a Manual component in DR 1496-001 Digital Strategy Governance regarding Mobile Application Management and Development process, standards and marketing approach.
7.1.0 Engage with Customers to Improve Priority Customer-Facing Services for Mobile Use
Due: August 23, 2012
Status: Completed
7.1.1 Customer Engagement Approach
To engage with internal and external customers, we will use our integrated communications platform to offer various opportunities for input and engagement. Given USDA's broad mission and diverse range of customers, agencies will maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders.
As USDA's Digital Strategy implementation continues, check back often for new opportunities for collaboration through USDA.gov/open, social media activities like our monthly #AskUSDA chats, and updates from the USDA Blog.
7.1.2 Prioritized List of Services
Due: August 23, 2012
Status: Completed
| Service Name | System Description | Scope | Main Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Newsroom | The USDA Newsroom holds official news releases, statements, transcripts and speeches released by the Department. | Both | Media, Industry, Congress, Businesses |
| AmberWaves eZine | Fully mobile-optimized online magazine, and magazine app for offline reading on tablets and other mobile devices. Stay connected with the Amber Waves app for tablets. Subscribe to the quarterly magazine on iTunes or Google Play. |
Both | Policymakers, Program managers, Media, Researchers, Education Institutions |
| Meat and Poultry Inspection Directory | The Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory is a listing of establishments that produce meat, poultry, and/or egg products regulated by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act. Android App |
Both | USDA employees, farmers, producers, ranchers, consumers, businesses, government agencies |
| Office Information Profile System | USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This tool provides the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them. The mobile optimized Service Center Locator is available here. |
Both | All stakeholders |
7.2.0 Optimize Priority Customer-Facing Services for Mobile Use
Due: May 23, 2013
Status: Completed
8.2.0 Implement Performance and Customer Satisfaction Measuring Tools on .gov Websites
Due: January 23, 2013
Status: Completed
In March 2012, USDA completed an enterprise implementation of Google Analytics. The Office of Communications is working with agencies to implement the Digital Analytics Program code on subdomain agency and priority initiative websites by June 5, 2013. USDA is establishing a formal analytics program that includes regular reporting and evaluation, recommendations, and digital communication improvements based on available data.
USDA's Office of Communications is conducting a comprehensive web content analysis to evaluate high-value content and pages, improve search optimization and identify opportunities for mobile optimization. Web traffic and search data provide feedback to better organize and deliver popular topics, web content and tasks that are important to our customers. Since launching the mobile website in April 2013, we are evaluating analytics to enhance mobile content.
Through core communications, the agency is providing digital analytics training and resources to USDA's agencies and offices to enable more detailed program-level analysis, and data-driven recommendations to improve delivery of digital information and services. The digital analytics program conducts regular analytics and impact reporting for USDA's web and social media activities.