MS 129:  Office of the Chief Information Officer:  Organization, Mission, and Functions

Table of Contents

1.0  Authority

2.0  Purpose

3.0  Organization 

4.0  Office Missions

4.1  Office of the CIO

The mission of the Office of the CIO is to ensure compliance with, and prompt, efficient, and effective implementation of, information policies and information resources management responsibilities established by chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, and in related Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars and policies.  

        4.2  IT Architecture, Standards and Practices

The mission of the IT Architecture, Standards and Practices Division (ARC) is to provide the framework and processes for all future IT investments and ensure alignment of these investments with Agency strategy for growth and Volunteer support.

        4.3    Application Systems

The mission of the Application Systems Division (AS) is to provide and manage software design, development, maintenance, and support services for Peace Corps business applications, knowledge management and Intranet solutions.

        4.4    Operations and Infrastructure

The mission of the Operations and Infrastructure Division (OI) is to support Agency directives and policies by providing new and efficient ways to implement and maintain consistent technology throughout the agency.   This division has 4 sub-units:  Technical Infrastructure and Support (INF);  International Technical Support (ITS); Telecommunications Systems (TEL); and Infrastructure Architecture & Engineering  (IAE).

        4.4.1        Technical Infrastructure and Support

The mission of the Technical Infrastructure and Support  (OI/INF) unit is to continually improve in service, support, and infrastructure design to align with the Agency?s direction.

        4.4.2        International Technical Support

The mission of  the International Technical Support (OI/ITS) unit is to equip and enable overseas staff with appropriate and sustainable Information Technology solutions.

        4.4.3        Telecommunications Systems

The mission of the Telecommunications Systems (OI/TEL) unit is to develop and implement a global communications network that enables safety, security, and collaboration by all volunteers and staff. 

        4.4.4    Infrastructure Architecture & Engineering

The mission of the Infrastructure Architecture & Engineering Division (IAE) is to design technology solutions to improve Agency operations to ensure a cohesive, integrated infrastructure framework.  The IAE provides oversight for the Agency?s infrastructure architecture and ensures agency-wide infrastructure standards. 

        4.5    IT Planning and Training

The mission of the Information Technology Planning and Training (PT) Division is to identify, document and deliver IT training for domestic and overseas customers, writing IT policies and developing and continually monitoring the strategic plan for the Office of the CIO.  This division also manages the relationships between the Office of the CIO and the rest of the Agency through the use of Account Representatives (AR).  These AR?s are the point of contact for all business units to the Office of the CIO for any services and requests.

        4.6  IT Security Program

The mission of the IT Security Program Division is to institutionalize IT security processes and standards by promoting sound business and IT practices.  It does this by helping the Agency appropriately plan for and execute policy, process, acquisition, and technological decisions that reduce risks.  It also seeks to achieve compliance with Federal regulations and standards, including those originating from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); which help the Agency protect its information and systems, thus protecting the Peace Corps brand, intellectual property, and personnel.  The Security Program is also responsible for managing any IT security incidents.

 5.0  Office Functions

        5.1  Office of the CIO

The Office of the CIO oversees and manages:

 

(a)      IT Architecture, Standards, and Practices;

 

(b)      Application Systems;

 

(c)      Operations and Infrastructure;

 

(d)      IT Planning and Training; and

 

(e)      IT Security Program.  

        5.2  IT Architecture, Standards and Practices

The IT Architecture, Standards and Practices Division:

 

(a)  Establishes and maintains an enterprise level architecture that provides the roadmap for application of information technology in support of Peace Corps' business objectives and in compliance with Federal law and mandates;

 

(b) Provides leadership, direction, and consultation services for the management of: Agency data holdings, including application system and data base inventories; data dictionary; systems integration, interoperability and life cycle management processes;

 

(c)   Designs, develops, and implements an Agency-wide IT governance program including: processes, procedures, and structure; coordination of the IT policy framework; project and program management procedures; and solutions management initiatives;

 

(d)  Implements processes and procedures for development, review, and approval of IT standards and practices; management of the Agency?s Capability Maturity Model (CMM); post-implementation compliance, and acquisition review and approval;

 

(e)  Leads and coordinates Agency IT investment review and approval processes and procedures; IT portfolio development and management; capital planning and investment control; and management of the Agency IT investment management maturity model;

 

(f) Responsible for establishing internal project management office tasked with coordinating all IT project requests and assuring that there are no duplications of efforts across offices; and  

 

 (g)  Provides standardized change management methods and procedures to initiate, verify and monitor controlled changes in the Agency?s Information Technology infrastructure and software environments domestically and overseas, while preserving the integrity and service quality of these environments.

 

5.3  Application Systems

The Application Systems Division:

 

(a)    Works with account representatives, staff, and managers within the business offices at the Peace Corps to document system requirements;

 

(b)   Designs, develops, and tests business applications to meet these needs;

 

(c)     Provides operations and maintenance support for Agency business application, knowledge management and Intranet solutions;

 

(d)   Provides help desk support for all Peace Corps developed applications;  

 

(e)    Works with the business lead for each application to assist with user training and user documentation; and

 

(f)     Provides software and database design and development consultation services to other developers within the agency.

        5.4   Operations and Infrastructure

The Operations and Infrastructure Division:

(a)    Provides Domestic Technical Infrastructure and support; 

 

(b)    Provides International Technical Infrastructure and support; 

 

(c)    Provides Domestic and International Telecommunications Infrastructure and support; and

 

(d)    Provides oversight for the Agency?s infrastructure architecture and ensures Agency-wide infrastructure standards. 

        5.4.1  Technical Infrastructure and Support           

The Technical Infrastructure and Support Unit:

    (a)  Defines existing infrastructure;

 

    (b)  Determines infrastructure requirements driven by Agency goals;

 

    (c)  Aligns overseas and domestic infrastructure;

 

    (d)  Develops an assessment process to ensure appropriate infrastructure lifecycle management;

 

    (e)  Defines and documents Agency-wide disaster recovery procedures;

 

    (f)  Defines operational procedures;

 

    (g)  Develops an assessment process to audit IT support;

 

    (h)  Defines technical infrastructure policies; and

 

    (i)  Maintains mobile/remote connectivity and solutions.

        5.4.2  International Technical Support            

The International Technical Support Unit:

 

(a) Develops a framework of standards, policies, and guidelines that can be adapted to fit the needs of overseas posts in order to simplify management of their IT Systems;

 

(b) Develops, deploys, and supports an IT architecture that is both appropriate and responsive to the needs of overseas posts that will result in increased efficiency and improved volunteer support; and

 

(c) Develops and implements a program that will enhance local capacity to ensure sustainability of overseas IT operations.

        5.4.3  Telecommunications Systems            

The Telecommunications Systems Unit:

(a)  Improves voice and data communication capabilities worldwide by improving connectivity between headquarters, regions, and posts;

 

(b)  Implements Life Cycle Management processes and enhances the Agency?s existing fixed, mobile and remote telecommunications networks through research and implementation of appropriate technologies; and  

 

(c)  Aligns Agency telecommunications with industry standards and updates Agency telecommunications policies to reflect current infrastructure and business processes. 

        5.4.4  Infrastructure Architecture & Engineering

The Infrastructure Architecture & Engineering Division:

(a)  Defines infrastructure technology standards;

 

(b)  Develops and maintains EA Technical Reference Model (TRM);

 

(c)  Develops Agency approved technology solutions;

  

(d)  Defines Infrastructure & product strategy;

 

(e)  Evaluates new & emerging technologies;

 

(f)  Conducts product research and analysis;

 

(g)  Provides technology direction and planning;

 

(h)  Provides vendor & technology roadmaps;

 

(i)   Conducts infrastructure capacity planning activities;

 

(j)   Provides management of the enterprise test/development facility;

 

(k)  Provides technical oversight of key projects to ensure alignment with technology standards; 

 

(l)   Provides technical guidance to customers and CIO staff;

 

(m) Coordinates with key groups to ensure technology project success; and

 

(n)  Is a source for addressing business issues through infrastructure technology.    

        5.5  Office of IT Planning and Training

The IT Planning and Training Division:    

      

(a)    Works collaboratively across the Agency to identify areas where new training and polices need to be implemented, and revises as appropriate, existing trainings and policies and business requirements and technology; 

 

(b)   Responds to business process reengineering efforts across the Agency and works collaboratively with each office to create the necessary IT policies and guidance necessitated by the re-engineering process;

 

(c)    Provides coordination and consultation services in the form of Account Representatives to the Agency program offices with respect to IT projects and initiatives sponsored by those offices; and

 

(d)   Represents the business needs of the program offices via the Account Representative to Office of the CIO service providers;

 

(e)  Provides IT Training of overseas staff and IT Specialists, as well as training of headquarters staff in overseas architecture, and for preparation of training guides and manuals;

 

(f)  Actively solicits recommendations for IT training topics generated in part from their IT Training, as well as from direct feedback from each training course offered;

 

(g)  Helps offices determine IT training solutions to problems that may arise in the ever-changing Peace Corps environment; and

 

(h) Continually works to improve productivity by leveraging existing technology.  

        5.6  IT Security Program

The IT Security Program Division:

 

(a)    Ensures compliance with applicable IT security regulations, standards, and guidance;

 

(b)   Develops policies and procedures that help ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of Peace Corps data;

 

(c)    Institutionalizes IT risk management principles and methodologies that support the Agency?s mission and goals;

 

(d)   Ensures corrective actions are established, tracked, and escalated as appropriate to protect Volunteers and reduce Agency liability;

 

(e)    Oversees IT security event and incident prevention, handling and reporting;

 

(f)     Promotes IT security architecture; and

 

(g)    Ensures Agency-wide IT security awareness and training. 

6.0  Effective date