Archive

Reengineering Through Information Technology

Recommendations and Actions

Glossary

Automated teller machine (ATM). Publicly accessible computer terminal that allows banking customers electronic entry to their accounts.

Bulletin board system (BBS). An electronic filing system through which people can exchange messages with others. Increasingly, BBSs are providing additional services, including electronic mail, software libraries, and information locator services.

Centers of Excellence. Organizations that have developed expertise in particular areas.

Digital signature. An electronic protocol that uniquely identifies a person or institution transmitting an electronic document.

Digital encryption. An electronic encoding protocol to provide security for electronic documents.

Direct federal payment program. A benefit program that is paid by the federal government directly to the recipient.

Electronic benefit transfer (EBT). The electronic payment of benefits to program recipients.

Electronic Benefit Transfer Task Force. An interagency task force established to implement a nationwide EBT program to enhance quality of service to beneficiaries, and to improve administrative efficiency and security. The task force will develop governmentwide goals, performance standards, and a schedule for implementation.

Electronic data interchange (EDI). The electronic transmission of business transaction information in a standard format between trading partners.

Electronic mail (e-mail). Electronic transmission of messages between local or remote workstations through use of local and wide area networks.

Federal Information Center (FIC). The FIC is a one-stop source of assistance on questions related to the federal government. Individuals may call the FIC via an 800 number or contact them by mail. Information specialists either answer the question or pinpoint sources of information.

Federal Information Resources Management Policy Council (FIRMPoC). A federal senior level steering group made up of senior IRM managers who advise GSA on policy and program issues relating to IRM.

Federal Networking Council (FNC). A federal government interagency council consisting of representatives from federal agencies that have requirements for operating and using networking facilities, mainly in support of research and education, and for advancing the evolution of the federally funded portion of Internet.

FedWorld. An electronic bulletin board system (BBS) operated by the National Technical Information Service that provides links to over 100 federal BBSs and information centers.

FTS2000. The federal government's existing telecommunications services contracts for intercity voice and data communications.

Information Infrastructure Task Force (IITF). A federal government interagency task force consisting of representatives from federal agencies involved in telecommunications and information policy setting. The task force addresses issues that promote the application of the National Information Infrastructure.

Interagency Information Resources Management Infrastructure Task Group (IIITG). An interagency task group formed by FIRMPoC to look for ways to improve the information infrastructure within the government through cooperative efforts and resource-sharing.

Internet. A global "network of networks" providing communications among over 1 million computers and 10 million users. National and Government Information Infrastructures will be constructed from the same technologies used to implement the Internet. These include telecommunications linkages, switches, computers, network protocols, and network services for interoperation and transmitting data.

Joint federal-state administered public assistance program. A benefit program that is jointly funded by federal and state governments, but is administered at the state level.

Kiosk. A conveniently located, interactive computer terminal from which the public can readily access governmental services.

Local area network (LAN). A network of computer terminals that are linked by a shared processor that allows individual terminals to communicate electronically with one another.

National Academy of Public Administration. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization chartered by Congress to improve governance and public management at all levels.

National Information Infrastructure (NII). Consists of (1) thousands of interconnected, interoperable telecommunications networks, (2) computer systems, televisions, fax machines, telephones, and other "information appliances," (3) information databases and services (e.g., "digital libraries"), and (4) trained people who can build, maintain, and operate these systems. In the future, the NII will enable all Americans to access information and convey voice, video, and data to others for an affordable price.

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). OSTP serves as a source of scientific, engineering, and technological analysis and advice for the President with respect to major technology policies, plans, and programs of the federal government.

OMB Circular A-130. Document issued by OMB titled Management of Federal Information Resources. This document provides uniform government-wide information managementpolicies in such areas as information resources management planning, records management, and information dissemination policy.

One-stop shopping. Customer access to the government or private sector that allows connection to a full menu of services. This may be accomplished via kiosk, personal computer, telephone, or other means.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1980. This act established a broad mandate for agenciesto perform their information management activities in an efficient, effective, and economical manner. This act requires OMB to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate information management practices and policies governmentwide.

Regulation E (Reg E). Reg E of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act applies to electronic transactions that result in a debit or a credit to a consumer asset account. This provision limits recipient liability for misused, lost, or stolen benefits whether or not they are negligent.

Service to the Citizen Intergovernmental Task Force. An interagency task force established to improve the federal government's delivery of services to customers. This task force alsoworks to develop customer service-related partnerships with state and local governments, private industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations.

Virtual agency. A citizen's view of how the government appears to operate based upon electronically enabled, integrated program information and services organized around common functions of service. Examples could be a virtual housing agency or a virtual entitlement agency.

Working Capital Fund (WCF). A legislatively authorized fund that enables an agency to centrally finance various services. Working capital funds are typically used by agencies to finance administrative services and telecommunications.

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