308.60 – Information Systems Steering Committee

Date: 08/09/2018

OPR: Office of Administration

1. Establishment. This chapter authorizes the establishment of the Information Systems Steering Committee (ISSC) in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The ISSC charter is attached as Appendix A.

2. Purpose. The ISSC for the USGS is a standing committee under the authority of the Director, who will make the final decision regarding recommendations of the ISSC. The purpose of the ISSC is to provide leadership for the life cycle of USGS developed management information systems (MIS). The ISSC is focused on improving the quality of and access to information about USGS science projects with the long-term goals to:

A. Create a user-friendly, modular query tool that accesses reliable, authoritative information;

B. Develop and enforce data standards; and

C. Provide multi-year planning and budgeting capabilities.

The Committee is authorized to decide the direction of USGS MIS, set bureauwide MIS-related policy, and allocate resources to achieve MIS goals.

3. Representation. The ISSC will utilize information system subcommittees to assist in effectively managing the application development and maintenance lifecycle.

A. Information Systems Steering Committee. Members that make up the ISSC include: 

(1) Associate Director for Administration 

(2) Associate Director for Budget, Planning and Integration 

(3) Chief, Office of Enterprise Information/Associate Chief Information Officer

(4) Two members of the USGS Senior Leadership (rotating)



B. Other Representation. An ISSC Chair will be selected from among the three permanent members by the Deputy Director for Administration and Policy. The Chair will provide staff support to the team through their organization and will provide continuity. A Co-chair will be appointed by the Chair. The Chair will coordinate and lead the meetings and ensure that decisions are documented and implemented. The Co-chair will assume the roles of the Chair if the Chair cannot attend the meeting. Rotating members are appointed by the Director of the USGS and serve at the Director's discretion. Members may, at times, choose to select an alternate representative authorized to vote by proxy in their absence.

4. Staff. The Director provides advice and support to the committee, as needed.

5. Subcommittees. The chairpersons of the ISSC may establish subgroups on a permanent or ad hoc basis with the consensus of the members of their respective groups.

6. Meetings. The ISSC holds meetings on a monthly basis or as needed.

7. Type of Organization. Permanent.

8. Termination Date. The charter for the ISSC will be reviewed at least every 3 years. It is valid until rescinded.

/s/ Roseann Gonzales                                        August 9, 2018



_________________________________    _________________

Roseann Gonzales                                            Date

Associate Director for Administration