Highlights for January 31, 1997
USGS Center for Biological Informatics

I. Key Department News:

• USGS-NPS GPS Equipment Loan Program Implemented: On January 15, Karl Brown (Center for Biological Informatics) implemented the USGS-NPS Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment loan program to support the USGS BRD-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. Dr. Sarah Allen, Point Reyes National Seashore, was the first recipient of Y-code military-type GPS equipment. Additional equipment will be provided to the Wind Cave National Park cluster/Midwest Support Office, Isle Royale National Park, and Voyageurs National Park.

• GPS Program Status Presented to IGDC: On January 15, Karl Brown and Ralph Root (Center for Biological Informatics) and Mike Story (NPS) presented Global Positioning System program status and second civilian frequency information to the Interior Geographic Data Committee, Remote Sensing Working Group via videoconference. Brown also provided Larry Pettinger (Federal Geographic Data Committee) with a tour of and briefing on the DOI Global Positioning System Cooperative Site in Denver.


• DOI E-Mail Policy Discussions: On January 30, Peter Strong of the Center for Biological Informatics participated in a telephone conference call of the Local Area Network Administrators Group. The meeting focused on the future of DOI E-mail and proposed DOI E-mail retention and backup policies. At least one representative from each DOI agency participated in the meeting.


• FGDC Metadata Workshop: On January 30, Sharon Shin and Susan Stitt (Center for Biological Informatics) attended Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) training on the Federal Metadata Standard. FGDC representatives Bill Tolar and Doug Nebert provided an overview of the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse and a demonstration of how to implement a clearinghouse.


• Central Region Network Administrators Meet in Denver: On January 30, Peter Strong of the Center for Biological Informatics attended a USGS Central Region Network Administrators meeting. Discussion topics included voice line inventory, Internet connection, equipment purchases, the Microsoft Master License Agreement (to obtain software at a discount), and the USGS 800 access plan to set up a dial-in 800 number for users to obtain access to various network services.

• BRD State Partnership Initiative Review: On January 31, Donna Mahoney (Center for Biological Informatics), with Dr. Hilary Neckles (BRD Research), implemented the FY 1997 State Partnership Initiative proposal review process. The purpose of the State Partnership Initiative is to develop scientific information and technology for management needs through enhanced working relationships between USGS BRD and states. The focus of the Initiative this year is on two scientific areas, Ecological Restoration and Information Access. Mahoney has identified and contacted external reviewers for the technical and scientific evaluation phase of the review process and will represent the Office of Biological Informatics and Outreach on the Programmatic Review Panel when it convenes at the end of February.

• GPS Service Fee Reduction: On February 3, Karl Brown (Center for Biological Informatics), manager of the DOI Global Positioning System Cooperative Site, will announce a reduction by half of the Global Positioning System service fee to USGS BRD users. The reduced fee will be implemented for 1997, based on less than expected security costs associated with establishing the site in 1996. USGS BRD users will pay a one-time $25 encryption fee upon ordering equipment and will supply prepaid FedEx labels for subsequent return shipping of receivers. Video training tapes will be added to the equipment kit price at the cost of reproduction. The USGS BRD, together with the BLM and USFWS, will support DOI bureaus until the workload exceeds capacity and will provide crypto keying to DOI users free of charge for subsequent rekeys as needed.


• GPS Receivers to be Upgraded: On February 3-7, Karl Brown (Center for Biological Informatics) will facilitate a software upgrade of the Rockwell Global Positioning System receivers purchased by the DOI in 1996. Other DOI Bureaus will send equipment or personnel to assist in this effort.

• ITIC to Develop Strategic Plan: On February 11-14, Peter Strong of the Center for Biological Informatics will attend a meeting of the Information Technology Infrastructure Committee in Reston. The focus of the meeting is to scope out an overall agenda for the committee.

II. Agency Works on Presidential Initiatives: Nothing to report

III. Notable Congressional Activity: Nothing to report

IV. Press/Media Inquiries:

V. FOIA Requests: Nothing to report