ISSC helped the U.S. Forest Service (FS) to meet the requirements of the Open Access policy released by the Obama Administration’s Office of Science and Technology Policy in 2013. The mandate required Federal agencies to make research data available to the public. The FS Research Data Archive was created in 2010.It is an effort for research projects of all sizes to store research data and make it publicly accessible via a centralized repository representing the breadth of Forest Service research. It evolved with newer technology and management components as improvements for managing research data became more varied; it also includes an Android based mobile application, Research Data Archive (USFS).

ISSC introduced several Proofs-of-Concept and production Drupal efforts that utilized the Forest Service Drupal core to produce an improved web presence that helped the Research and Development organization increase traffic and positive feedback.

ISSC supports the FS R&D (Research & Development) community by providing business modernization and application development and maintenance expertise. We work with the FS R&D community to identify and develop selected capability areas for improving business processes. The implementation of realizing a mature capability area begins with a test using Proofs-of-Concept before proceeding with full-scale development and deployment across the enterprise.

ISSC supported the FS Chief Information Office implementing and operating the following eGovernment (eGov) support programs: Enterprise Architecture Office, eGov Modernization support, and Proof-of-Concept development. The Project Management Office was responsible for initiating and controlling all projects related to Enterprise Architecture, eGov Modernization, and Proof-of-Concept development by applying earned value management techniques, risk management, and Project Management Institute (PMI) industry standards.

 The Enterprise Architecture (EA) Office focused on developing an FS EA Framework and Solutions Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodology for creating eGovernment (eGov) Modernization and Proof-of-Concept artifacts in addition to creating and managing the FS EA repository. The eGov Modernization support involved creating lines-of-business modernization plans using FS EA Framework and SDLC  methodology. Proof-of-Concept development involved creating pilot solutions identified in line-of-business modernization plans and planning for scale-up and national deployment of successful pilot products.  

e-ISuite is an interagency application with users in U.S. Forest Services as well as users in other government departments (the National Wildfire Coordinating Group – NWCG). It is deployed, utilized, and updated on individual incident sites using other fire applications, like ROSS (Resource Ordering and Status System). e-ISuite allows users to provide automated information management and tracking support for key incident business management functions including:

1. Resource Check-In, Tracking, and Demobilization

2. Financial Tracking and Reporting

3. Timekeeping

4. Incident Action Plan (IAP) Development

5. Reports