U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program eGovernment Working Group Meeting Chris Niedermayer, USDA eGovernment Executive February 25, 2004

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 2  Welcome  Smart Choice Enabler Benefits  Web Migration Strategy  Q&A and Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 3 Smart Choice Enabler Benefits  New document to assist EGWG members communicate the benefits associated with: eLearning eAuthentication eDeployment  Information included in a briefing for Karen Evans and other OMB representatives.  See Handout

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 4  Welcome  Smart Choice Enabler Benefits  Web Migration Strategy  Q&A and Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 5 Why Web Migration?  This presents a challenge to citizens, business partners, and employees who come to USDA to find information, complete forms, or conduct transactions  Every time a user visits one of our Web sites or Web-based applications, he or she must “re-learn” how to use that interface  USDA seeks to improve the online experience for customers by establishing standards for consistent, usable, interfaces Numerous Web sites and Web-based applications exist in USDA today. Many of these sites and applications have unique navigation models, content structures, and visual presentations. USER ? Agency Web Site Agency Application Agency Web Site Agency Web Site Other Federal Information And Services

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 6 Design Process To achieve these goals, the consistent standards for look, feel, and navigation on USDA Web sites and Web applications have been finalized. The standards originated from the following process: WireframesDesign TemplatesUSDA Web Style Guide Documented consistent guidelines and standards in the USDA Web Style Guide Created Design Templates and performed usability testing Updated Design Templates to incorporate customer feedback Developed HTML code for each template Conducted an Audience Analysis to assess customers’ informational needs Defined content that would typically be used on agency Web sites/applications and created consistent screen layouts

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 7 How Does Web Migration Affect You? Web Migration affects all new Web sites and Web applications being built in USDA, as well as existing applications and sites.  New Web Sites and Applications Agency Web sites and Web-based applications that are beginning the design phase should review and become familiar with the new Web standards New sites and applications should plan to implement the Web standards prior to launching  Existing Web Sites and Applications Each agency/office should define a strategy for migrating existing Web sites and applications to comply with standards within a defined timeframe* Agencies and offices that are planning to use the content management system (CMS) can wait for templates to be made available before implementing the new Web standards 0-6 Months6-12 Months12-18 Months Phase 1Phase 2Phase 3 NOW * This is a sample timeframe.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 8 Web Migration Agency Meetings  Web Presence team is holding meetings with each USDA agency and staff office to: Provide an overview of USDA’s Style Guide Answer questions about the new standards Outline specific agency/office migration steps Provide information to help you prepare for the migration process  To date, the team has held or scheduled meetings with: AMS, APHIS, ARS, CSREES, DA, ERS, FAS, FNS/CNPP, FS, FSA, FSIS, GIPSA, NAD, NAL, NASS, NFC, OBPA, OCIO, OCR, OES, OGC, RD, RMA, OC  If you have not scheduled your agency meeting yet, please contact the Web Presence team today.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 9 Key Contacts  eGovernment Web Presence Team (202) (contact eGovernment team for username and password)  Kim Taylor – Director of Web Services  Vic Powell – USDA Webmaster

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 10  Welcome  Smart Choice Enabler Benefits  Web Migration Strategy  Q&A and Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 11 Questions and Answers

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 12 Next Steps New EGWG Schedule: 2 nd and 4 th Wednesday of every month Next EGWG Session: March 10, Location: S107 Topic: Smart Choice Strategic Initiatives Update February Newsletter and Postcards The February eAuthentication Postcard was released and can be found under eAuthentication Postcards at The February Newsletter and the February eDeployment Postcard are expected to go out at the end of this week