[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 7 (Friday, January 10, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1481-1484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-583]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority
This statement amends part S of the Statement of the Organization,
Functions and Delegations of Authority which covers the Social Security
Administration (SSA). Chapter S4 covers the Deputy Commissioner for
Systems. Notice is given that Subchapter S4L, the Office of
Telecommunications (OTC), is being deleted. Subchapter S4E, the Office
of Systems Operations (OSO), is being retitled to the Office of
Telecommunications and Systems Operations (OTSO), and amended to
reflect the transfer of functions from OTC to OSO. The changes are as
follows:
Section S4.10 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Systems--
(Organization):
Delete:
I. The Office of Telecommunications (S4L).
Retitle:
D. ``The Office of Systems Operations'' (S4E) to ``The Office of
Telecommunications and Systems Operations'' (S4E).
Section S4.20 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Systems--
(Functions):
Delete in its entirety:
I. The Office of Telecommunications (S4L).
Retitle:
D. ``The Office of Systems Operations'' (S4E) to ``The Office of
Telecommunications and Systems Operations'' (S4E).
Amend to read as follows:
D. The Office of Telecommunications and Systems Operations (OTSO)
(S4E) directs, manages and coordinates the planning, acquisition,
implementation, security, operation and maintenance of SSA's computer
systems operations, and plans, implements and evaluates SSA's
communications technology and systems. It directs and coordinates the
transition, implementation and operation of current/ongoing operating
systems support software, including diagnostic software. It is
responsible for evaluating current and emerging communications
technologies and for designing, acquiring, implementing, operating and
maintaining new integrated telecommunications systems combining voice,
data, video, facsimile and other SSA communications requirements. OTSO
directs, manages and coordinates the planning, analysis, design,
acquisition, implementation, operation and maintenance of SSA's
existing telecommunications systems. It manages the telecommunications
operations complexes located at the Central Office, Regional Offices
and field sites. It is responsible for SSA's comprehensive voice
communication management program. OTSO interfaces with other systems
components in the transition and implementation of redesigned
programmatic and administrative systems to progressively replace
existing application systems. It manages the computer operations
complex which processes SSA's programmatic support, administrative,
management information and statistical application systems. OTSO
conducts continuing assessments and engineering analyses of the
computer operations, as well as equipment performance analyses and
coordinates the implementation of necessary improvements to existing
resources. It directs and coordinates the activities associated with
the planning, management, acquisition, procurement and renewal of ADP
equipment, software and technical services for SSA to maintain
operational systems and to prevent progressive deterioration. OTSO
develops, controls and implements operational plans which include the
preparing of technical specifications, evaluation criteria, acceptance
test criteria, facilities engineering plans and budget estimates to
maintain operational systems. It advises the Deputy Commissioner, SSA
Executive Staff and external monitoring authorities such as the General
Services Administration, the General Accounting Office, the Office of
Management and Budget and Congress on SSA's computer systems
operations.
Delete: Existing Subchapter S4L, the Office of Telecommunications.
Retitle: Existing Subchapter S4E, ``The Office of Systems
Operations'' (S4E) to ``The Office of Telecommunications and Systems
Operations'' (S4E).
Change all references to the ``Office of Systems Operations'' to
the ``Office of Telecommunications and Systems Operations'' and all
references to ``OSO'' to ``OTSO'' throughout all Subchapters of Chapter
4.
Section S4E.00 The Office of Telecommunications and Systems
Operations--(Mission):
Amend to read as follows:
The Office of Telecommunications and Systems Operations (OTSO)
(S4E) directs, manages and coordinates the planning, acquisition,
implementation, security, operation and maintenance of SSA's computer
systems operations and the telecommunications systems. It directs and
coordinates the transition, implementation and operation of current/
ongoing operating systems support software, including diagnostic
software. It is responsible for evaluating current and emerging
communications technologies and for designing, acquiring, implementing,
operating and maintaining new integrated telecommunications systems
combining
[[Page 1482]]
voice, data, video, facsimile, and other SSA communications
requirements. OTSO designs and implements the critical interface
between telecommunications facilities and teleprocessing complexes.
OTSO manages the telecommunications operations complexes located at the
Central Office, Regional Offices and field sites. It is responsible for
SSA's comprehensive voice communication management program. OTSO
manages the implementation of production application software at all
network platforms and interfaces other systems components in the
transition and implementation of redesigned programmatic, and
administrative systems to progressively replace existing application
systems. OTSO administers all activities pertaining to configuration
management, change management and problem management with respect to
ongoing and telecommunications operations. It manages the computer
operations complex which processes SSA's programmatic support,
administrative, management information and statistical application
systems. OTSO conducts continuing assessments and engineering analyses
of the computer operations, as well as equipment performance analyses
and coordinates the implementation of necessary improvements to
existing resources. It directs and coordinates the activities
associated with the planning, management, acquisition, procurement and
renewal of all ADP equipment, software and technical services for SSA
to maintain operational and telecommunications systems and to prevent
progressive deterioration. OTSO develops, controls and implements
operational plans which include the preparing of technical
specifications, evaluation criteria, acceptance test criteria,
facilities engineering plans and budget estimates to maintain
operational and telecommunications systems. It advises the Deputy
Commissioner, SSA Executive Staff and external monitoring authorities
such as the General Services Administration, the General Accounting
Office, the Office of Management and Budget and Congress on SSA's
computer systems operations.
Section S4E.10 The Office of Telecommunications and Systems
Operations--(Organization):
C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for
Telecommunications and Systems Operations (S4E), which includes:
Establish:
1. The Distributed Data Processing Management Staff (S4E-1).
Retitle:
H. ``The Division of Standards and Control'' (S4EK) to ``The
Division of Telecommunications Security and Standards'' (S4EK).
I. ``The Division of Operational Resource Management'' (S4EL) to
``The Division of Resource Management and Acquisition'' (S4EL).
K. ``The Division of Teleprocessing Systems Operations'' (S4EN) to
``The Division of Telecommunications Systems'' (S4EN).
Establish:
L. The Division of Integrated Telecommunications Management (S4EP).
M. The Division of National Network Services and Operations (S4EQ).
N. The Division of Network Engineering (S4ER).
Section S4E.20 The Office of Telecommunications and Systems
Operations--(Functions):
C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for
Telecommunications and Systems Operations (S4E) provides the Associate
Commissioner and Deputy Associate Commissioner with staff assistance on
the full range of their responsibilities.
Establish:
1. Distributed Data Processing Management Staff (S4E-1).
a. Directs the plans and activities to implement distributed data
processing systems across SSA.
b. Initiates major program, subprogram, project and task activities
in support of the implementation of Distributed Data Processing
Management Staff (DDPMS) plans outlined in the Integrated Systems Plan
and the Agency Strategic Plan.
c. Oversees/coordinates all DDPMS implementation activity among all
systems components including the incorporation of office automation,
programmatic systems, existing distributed-type systems, stand-alone
personal computer-based systems, pilot systems and user-developed
systems into a unified distributed processing environment.
d. Develops and manages the DDPMS procurement plan, outlining all
acquisitions related to the project. Manages the development of
distributed data processing acquisitions in the Intelligent
Workstation/Local Area Network (IWS/LAN) areas.
e. Develops and manages the delivery, implementation and acceptance
plans for DDPMS acquisitions.
f. Manages the evaluation process for all technology substitutions,
technology refreshments, upgrades and unsolicited proposals for DDPMS.
Manages the administration of DDPMS contracts to include amendments,
cancellations and renewals.
g. Establishes and maintains the coordination and liaison
interfaces to all other systems components, all SSA central office and
field components and external committees, conferences and organizations
involved in and affected by DDPMS.
h. Approves technical specifications, technical evaluation
criteria, technology substitution specifications for DDPMS-related
workstation, network and application acquisitions.
i. Directs project activities to ensure that SSA-level DDPMS
initiatives maintain compatibility with Governmentwide Information
Technology Systems (ITS) standards.
G. The Division of Operational Capacity Performance Management
(S4EJ).
Add:
6. Responsible for analysis of configuration, topology,
connectivity, automation and availability of SSA's national network in
support of performance management, resource utilization and capacity
planning.
7. Performs network modeling and analysis of new applications and
designs to determine network performance impacts. Projects future
capacity requirements for network components and continually monitors
performance to validate projections.
Retitle:
H. The ``Division of Standards and Control'' (S4EK) to ``Division
of Telecommunications Security and Standards'' (S4EK).
Amend to read as follows:
7. Manages a centralized inventory of all SSA ITS and
telecommunications equipment, and manages the ITS excess equipment
process.
Delete ``8'' in its entirety.
Retitle:
I. The ``Division of Operational Resource Management'' (S4EL) to
``Division of Resource Management and Acquisition'' (S4EL)
Amend to read as follows:
1. Directs OTSO's participation in the Information Technology
Systems (ITS) procurement process. Manages, plans and coordinates the
activities relating to business and financial planning of SSA's
telecommunications needs.
2. Performs technical and cost reviews of all OTSO/ITS
procurements. Performs technical review of procurement proposals for
ITS resources, network hardware, software and related services.
11. Develops short-term and long-range tactical planning and
maintains the OTSO macroprocurement plan which relates to planned
acquisitions of ITS and telecommunications equipment, software, system
design and
[[Page 1483]]
system support services and implementation of telecommunication
expansion.
Delete ``8'' in its entirety.
Renumber:
``9'' through ``13'' to read ``8'' through ``12''.
J. The Division of Integration and Environmental Testing (S4EM).
Add:
12. Supports operating system and connectivity software on the LANs
and IWS. It researches and tests current off-the-shelf products for
their network configuration to LAN and workstation needs.
13. Performs systems analysis, configuration design, software
selection, implementation and procurement support for micro-computers,
minicomputers and computer graphics systems and equipment for various
components of OTSO. Provides state-of-the-art technical expertise
including the evaluation of new and existing systems activities and
provides support for enhancements, modifications, design and/or
redesign. It researches and tests current off-the-shelf products for
their network configuration to LAN and workstation needs. Researches
and analyzes emerging office systems developments to ensure technology
awareness and provide supporting systems development, design and
planning implementation.
14. Manages the OTSO technical training program. Assesses needs,
and formulates and executes strategies to upgrade individual knowledge
and skills levels.
Retitle:
K. The ``Division of Teleprocessing Systems Operations'' (S4EN) to
``Division of Telecommunications Systems'' (S4EN).
Delete ``4'', and ``7'' in their entirety.
Renumber ``5'' to ``4'', and ``6'' to ``5''.
Establish:
L. The Division of Integrated Telecommunications Management (S4EP).
1. Plans and manages the strategic and tactical direction of the
SSA voice communications and voice-data integration programs.
2. Provides technical and analytical support for the National 800
Number and other communications initiatives and programs.
3. Provides and manages voice communications systems hardware,
software, services and ancillary equipment for SSA nationwide.
4. Directs the acquisition, operations, maintenance, retention and
disposal of voice communications systems and services SSA-wide.
Develops and administers voice communications ITS contracts.
5. Administers Federal Telecommunication System (FTS) 2000 services
SSA-wide and supports OTSO in representing SSA in all related
negotiations within SSA and with GSA and FTS vendors and carriers.
6. Directs the evaluation, acquisition, installation, operation and
disposal of voice communications systems and services for SSA
nationwide.
7. Serves as the SSA focal point for voice communications capacity
planning.
8. Manages SSA-wide programs for imaging, video, facsimile,
satellite, radio and emergency communications.
9. Manages SSA headquarters voice communications systems.
10. Serves as SSA-level liaison with Federal, State and other
government and private-sector entities on voice communications and
voice-data integration.
11. Manages within SSA the development and application of emerging
voice communications technology.
12. Manages technical solutions for ``800'' and other toll-free
services SSA-wide.
13. Manages the acquisition of data circuits.
Establish:
M. The Division of National Network Services and Operations (S4EQ).
1. Manages the installation, relocation and operation of SSA's
telecommunications network facilities for the transmission of program
and management data over SSA established networks.
2. Monitors telecommunications operations, analyzes equipment
problems and effects proper maintenance and repair.
3. Develops and directs the implementation of new procedures and
updates existing procedures for network node operations.
4. Reports outages to vendor management for prompt resolution and
is responsible for the repair of advanced communications electronics
equipment.
5. Provides emergency support services for equipment
reconfiguration as well as repair, assembly/disassembly and
installation of advanced telecommunications electronics.
6. Serves as the initial point of contact for user and technical
problem determination for telecommunications. Diagnoses data-center
hardware and network problems and coordinates network operations issues
with applications and systems support staff.
7. Monitors and controls functions for the nationwide
telecommunications system. Develops operational procedures to modernize
and streamline network operation and develops plans for automation.
8. Manages traffic flow between telecommunications complexes and
other SSA complexes.
9. Communicates status of the network to other network nodes and
advises users of abnormal or extraordinary situations affecting network
operations.
10. Monitors voice communications operations, analyzes equipment
problems and effects proper maintenance and repair.
11. Directs all teleprocessing system software problem
determination and resolution.
12. Coordinates with other OSO components in addressing
teleprocessing software concerns regarding system capacity issues and
system configuration proposals.
13. Operates and maintains an integrated systems and technical
coordination control center and help desk to coordinate problem
identification and resolution activities.
Establish:
N. The Division of Network Engineering (S4ER).
1. Directs the design, development, implementation, maintenance and
support of specialized data communications software (i.e., Email and
Internet) to support SSA's international network (SSANet).
2. Researches network prototypes and performs testing of new
network technologies and implements and monitors network standards.
3. Supports SSA components as well as other Government agencies to
provide optimum network interface design, management capabilities,
connectivity, availability and response time.
4. Integrates and validates new network hardware such as assistive
devices, software products, versions and maintenance levels into SSANet
and SSANet connectivity management.
5. Manages and coordinates all change management system control
relating to network hardware and software changes to SSANet under the
auspices of the change management facility.
6. Performs Level 3 network monitoring and problem determination
for the SSANet.
7. Develops and implements a network backup recovery.
8. Performs network software planning, installation and management
at all remote sites.
9. Serves as the SSA-level liaison with Federal, State, and local
Government agencies and with the private sector to integrate them into
the SSA network.
10. Responsible for SSANet software distribution and version
management.
[[Page 1484]]
11. Interfaces with SSANet users to determine the impact of new
applications and workloads and supports user liaison and systems
development activities of other SSA components in the resolution of
network technical and operational problems.
12. Manages communications software changes to ensure compatibility
with hardware modifications at Central Office and all remote network
platform locations.
13. Directs the planning, analysis and design of specialized
network software systems for providing information relevant to the
development of existing and proposed data communications systems.
14. Responsible for all aspects of engineering, design,
configuration, implementation and support of LAN Operating System (OS)
software, telecommunications and connectivity service functions at SSA.
15. Responsible for telecommunications and connectivity projects,
including acquisition, implementation, integration and control.
16. Develops, disseminates and enforces standards and policies
relating to workstations, workstation configurations, peripherals,
LANs, LAN OS, local bridges and routers and related customer support
and service.
17. Works with SSA users to provide solutions to LAN
telecommunications needs that are consistent with SSA-network
architecture policies; determines network and interfacing hardware
needs, implementing solutions, planning and expansion; and determines
staff hardware training needs. It assists SSA telecommunications users
in determining and refining services and support requirements,
configuration and engineering solutions, planning for future needs,
coordinating implementation and evaluating effectiveness.
18. Provides a full range of initial and followup
telecommunications and connectivity services and support for SSA users
in network requirements analysis, system design, LAN needs
determination, engineering, implementation, network control, OS
software support and training.
19. Develops and distributes research papers on applied technology
and its relationship to existing and future telecommunications and
connectivity requirements. It also develops alternate systems
configurations to meet specific alternative requirements (non-
traditional technology approaches).
20. Solves network problems by applying information on state-of-
the-art OS, telecommunications and connectivity software and hardware
currently available in the marketplace. It develops turn-key
telecommunications systems and special menus to meet unusual customer
requirements.
21. Responsible for all aspects of network design, network
engineering, network connectivity, development and customization of
network management processes/tools, network automation processes and
network performance.
Dated: November 15, 1996.
Shirley S. Chater,
Commissioner of Social Security.
[FR Doc. 97-583 Filed 1-9-97; 8:45 am]
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