Task completed in FY 1997.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:To prepare for the move of Reference to its temporary location during renovation, NAL cancelled subscriptions to the paper copies of several expensive reference tools and abstracting and indexing services that are duplicated by electronic subscriptions, most notably, Chemical Abstracts.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Users have quick and convenient access to key references. These tools can now be accessed by multiple simultaneous users from multiple locations. NAL saved several thousands of dollars in materials expenditures by cancelling these paper copies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL added to the AGRICOLA database, references and Internet addresses for over 1,100 electronic documents, reports and serial titles which were predominantly USDA publications. A mechanism was developed to identify invalid links to the Internet resources and begin maintaining these to ensure ongoing access.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Users of NAL’s Internet AGRICOLA database can access immediately the full text of relevant resources retrieved in searches. Access to currently maintained electronic resources is timely and convenient.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL and its land grant partners initiated a pilot project which seeks to demonstrate that use of standard metadata and classification structure will improve access.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The pilot project is underway but will not conclude until FY 2000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL developed a subject classification structure for organizing AgNIC resources, and a standard metadata record for the description and access to AgNIC information resources. The metadata record maps to several international standards for description, including Dublin Core, GILS (Government Information Locator Service), and MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging).

IMPACT/OUTCOME:If, at the conclusion of the pilot project, these two NAL-developed tools for organizing AgNIC are adopted for widespread use, they have the potential for dramatically improving access to agricultural information.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will collect and analyze tracking information to determine customer needs. This information will be valuable in restructuring and enhancing the information and services offered to institutions of higher education.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL has collected and is entering into a database, customer requests for FY 1997 and FY 1998. The results of this study will be reported in the second quarter of FY 2000.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The resulting usage data will help in planning future products and services.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will expand electronic methods of document delivery to reduce time to requesters. New software delivery packages and enhancements to current software will continue to be reviewed and implemented.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL expanded electronic methods of document delivery to reduce time to requesters. New software delivery packages and enhancements to current software were reviewed and implemented. Electronic requests continued to be the primary method of transmission. NAL upgraded all four Ariel ^TM workstations and added a fifth Ariel ^TM workstation in FY 1999. All Ariel ^TM workstations received upgraded software packages. Additional memory was added to two fax/scanners for greater efficiency in sending and receiving files. An additional high volume printer was also added. The Pineville Arkansas Forest Service Station, the Arboretum library, the ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center library, and the J. D. Boyd Library of Alcorn State University were provided copies of Ariel ^TM software for their use.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:As a result of these activities, efficiency and accuracy in receipt and delivery of requested materials continues to improve.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL completed the conversion of bibliographic records for monographs. The addition of the records to AGRICOLA has begun and is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 1999.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:More printed resources in agriculture and related topics were made available to users through NAL’s online catalog and distributed to AGRICOLA users.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Workflow changes were implemented to add records to the catalog for books at the time of order receipt.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Books received from the Library’s principal vendor are accompanied by cataloging records, expediting the addition of these books to the collection with a minimum of additional processing. Bibliographic records and materials are available to on-site and interlibrary loan users in a shorter time.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:This activity was begun in FY 1999 but not yet completed. Processing priorities for receiving and cataloging have been revised and implemented. Throughput goals for indexing are in development.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This activity will be completed in FY 2000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A multi-year contract to convert the manual serial records file to machine readable form was issued in September 1999. The inventory of in-process serials were all cataloged or prepared for shelving in the collection. Current serial receipts are now being cataloged and released to the collection within 30 days.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:NAL has decreased the time needed to complete the processing of new serial titles and provided catalog entries with collection locations for over 400 in-process titles. FY 1999 serials cataloging output increased by 100 percent over the previous fiscal year. Timely document delivery and fulfillment of onsite requests are improved by the rapid delivery of books and serials to the collection.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will make training materials available electronically to all of USDA, and implement plans for pilot testing of satellite-based training with some NAL customers. These actions will enable more NAL customers to have access to training.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL tested the technical feasibility and identified the issues involved with negotiating agencywide access to electronic resources. In addition, web-based access to licensed resources for the ARS staff were evaluated.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS users will have available from the desktop PC, a selection of relevant agricultural information resources. This will ensure timely on demand access to needed information to support ongoing research.

STRATEGY 2.3:Preservation of significant materials: Preserve significant and important works in agriculture and the fields related to agriculture to ensure availability of NAL's collections to current and future generations.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will continue to build the national archive for agricultural literature and acquire additional offsite storage space for archival copies prepared by program cooperators.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL obtained the master microfilm negatives of the original state and local agriculture projects from the 1980s, for transfer to National Underground Storage (NUS), in Boyers, Pennsylvania, a secure facility with preservation environmental controls. In addition, NAL has obtained the master negatives from phase one of the U.S. Agricultural Information Network (USAIN) preservation microfilming project for transfer to NUS.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The establishment of this national archive for agricultural information will ensure that significant research information on agriculture is preserved and available for current and future generations of scientists, educators, and producers.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, NAL will begin to implement the action plan for preserving digital USDA publications (pending funding allocation) in collaboration with a steering committee representing mission areas of USDA.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:NAL convened a national steering committee representing mission areas of the USDA to begin implementation of the Framework for Preservation of and Permanent Public Access to USDA Digital Publications . The committee is overseeing a small scale pilot project to inventory digital publications produced by one USDA agency.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The implementation of the recommendations in the Framework for Preservation of and Permanent Public Access to USDA Digital Publications will have a long-term impact on the availability and distribution of agricultural information to the USDA and the United States citizens. Development of a program for monitoring the quality of electronically archived publications will ensure both preservation and access to important digital USDA publications.

Initiative 3:Creative Leadership: Promote Excellence, Relevance, and Recognition of Agricultural Research through Creative Leadership in Management and Development of Resources, Communications Systems, and Partnerships with Our Customers and Stakeholders.

Analysis of Results:This Initiative focuses on a number of leadership activities/areas that are essential for ARS to maintain the core scientific capability needed to fulfill its mission. Under this Initiative, 17 Indicators are aligned under 24 Performance Goals. Because of the unique and dynamic nature of measuring activities under this Initiative, the Agency was not able to identify specific Indicators for several Performance Goals in FY 1999 and several other Indicators were not successfully completed. In some of these areas, the Agency is rethinking its approach to planning and reporting under certain Performance Goals and Indicators. When this review is completed, its’ conclusions will be reflected in the next Annual Performance Plan and Report.

The Report indicates which Performance Goals and Indicators were not accomplished. The progress projected in the remaining Indicators was completed or substantially completed during FY 1999.

STRATEGY 3.1:Develop research agenda: Identify ARS program priorities and core research capabilities and use them to provide leadership in development of the coordinated REE and national research agendas.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will meet all REE and Departmental deadlines for submissions required by the strategic plan.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS’ Annual Performance Plan was submitted within the time frames established by USDA and REE.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS’ Annual Performance Plan was submitted to Congress as part of the total Departmental performance plan. REE did not develop a coordinated research agenda in FY 1999.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will meet REE deadlines for submission of materials related to the Coordinated Research Agenda.

REE did not develop a coordinated research agenda in FY 1999.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will respond to threats to the security of American agriculture and to the safety of the Nation’s food supply.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) (scab) of wheat and barley has caused devastating yield losses (more than $3 billion since 1993) and resulted in lower quality grain because of the presence of a fungus-produced mycotoxin. In the last three years ARS funding for research on FHB has increased dramatically from $200,000 to $5,800,000 annually. A large research program involving ARS and university scientists has been established to deal with the FHB problem. Goals are the generation of FHB-resistant varieties and the development of integrated disease control strategies.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Through a comprehensive, coordinated research program solutions to the scab problem are expected within a few years. Without this program, solving the scab problem would have been substantially delayed.

STRATEGY 3.2:Civil Rights: ARS is committed to the principal of Civil Rights and the implementation of the Civil Rights Action Team Report. The ARS Civil Rights Staff (CRS) recognizes that systematic communication is important as a means of ensuring that its services meet the expectations and needs of its customers/stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, and employees.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will develop a series of topical brochures and fact sheets to provide specific EEO/Civil Rights program information to ARS managers, supervisors, employees, EEO Advisory Committees, students, universities, and others. Topics will include student programs, special emphasis programs, and the role of EEO Advisory Committees. These are needed so that managers and employees are better informed and students and universities will have increased awareness of opportunities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Two topical brochures have been developed on the informal and formal EEO Complaints Program. The brochures are currently being reviewed by the ARS Information Staff. The Counseling Fact Sheet was distributed to management and is available to all employees via the ARS EEO/CR Website.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS managers, supervisors, and employees will be better informed.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The indicator has not been completed but it will be completed in FY 2000. ARS has contracted with an 8(a) firm to conduct an Agencywide on-site EEO compliance review during FY 2000.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The compliance review will provide a systematic method for obtaining information and feedback from and to ARS managers, supervisors, and staff. If appropriate, ARS will take corrective action.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS has contracted with a firm to develop the database which will provide all information regarding employment-related activities and it will provide a mechanism for analysis.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS will effectively utilize agency resources and will provide accurate reports to management on an as-needed basis.

STRATEGY 3.3:Additional funding: Encourage acquisition of additional funding to improve ARS programs and priorities.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will meet or exceed the targets set for securing additional funding.

ARS is rethinking this Performance Goal and Indicator. As presently configured the approach is not meeting the Agency’s needs. If a more useful approach can be determined, reporting will begin in FY 2001.

STRATEGY 3.4:Customer service: Improve customer service.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will establish targets for expanding customer input and improving customer satisfaction.

ACCOMPLISHMENT:As part of the process of implementing the new National Programs, ARS held approximately 25 National Program Workshops during FY 1999. These sessions brought together a wide range of customers, stakeholders, partners and ARS scientists and managers to discuss the future directions of research in each programmatic area. Evaluation forms were used at each workshop which reflected a high level of customer/stakeholder satisfaction.

IMPACT:The National Program Workshops have expanded and formalized the interaction between ARS and its customers and stakeholders. This interaction increases mutual understanding and helps ensure that the scientific work of the Agency is relevant to the needs of American agriculture and related industries.

Reporting will begin in FY 1999.

STRATEGY 3.5:Management of facilities: Provide appropriately equipped Federal facilities required to support the research and information activities of ARS into the next century.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will update annually the ARS facilities modernization plan which identifies ongoing repair and maintenance needs of existing Agency laboratory and support facilities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS implemented Congressionally directed new construction and facilities modernization and repair and maintenance programs.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The Agency implemented priority construction, modernization, and repair and maintenance needs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Updated the 10 Year Facilities Plan which identified future projects or needs in terms of repair and maintenance/modernization, new construction, energy retrofit, accessibility, hazardous waste clean up, and building disposal/demolition needs from FY 2000 to FY 2009.

Implemented Congressionally directed new construction and facilities modernization at priority locations.

Implemented repair and maintenance programs at 38 locations. Some of the types of projects include repairs or upgrades to roofs, building systems, sewage systems, roads, greenhouses, fencing, accessibility projects, Y2K upgrades, and fire alarm systems.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS scientists have available state of the art facilities to conduct research. In addition, the employee work environment meets safety and health requirements, as well as the President’s energy conservation goals.

STRATEGY 3.6:Maintenance of core research capabilities: Develop and implement comprehensive human resource systems and policies to support and enhance ARS' core research capabilities while maintaining the flexibility to shift research and form interdisciplinary teams to address emerging problems.

Conducting six new scientist orientation sessions for newly hired research scientists. They were introduced to ARS and Area management philosophy and expectations, including the administrative requirements and procedures needed to be successful.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS has implemented an aggressive strategy to ensure the quality of its scientific workforce and has reestablished the Agency’s competitive recruitment position in the scientific community. ARS has increased its core research capability by a net of 51 scientific research positions.

ARS reevaluated this approach and decided not to develop this database at this time.

Indicators:

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS had 261 postdocs on the rolls; 37 have been placed into permanent research scientist positions.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These accomplishments exceed the goals of 260 postdocs on board and conversion of 10 percent of them into full time SYs.

STRATEGY 3.7:Provide administrative support to REE: Serve as the lead agency in providing administrative and financial management services for Research, Education, and Economics.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will revise the AFM Strategic Plan and make it available to customers, employees, and stakeholders.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A revised Strategic Plan was developed and placed on the AFM home page for review and reference by customers, employees, and stakeholders.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The AFM Strategic Plan addressing customer service requirements was issued in April.

During FY 1999, AFM will circulate the revised Strategic Plan to its REE customers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The Strategic Plan was revised and circulated.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:AFM services continue to be provided consistent with customer need as identified in the Strategic Plan.

STRATEGY 3.8:Program excellence and relevance: Ensure excellence and relevance of ARS programs through a variety of comprehensive reviews.

Reporting will begin in FY 2000.

Reporting will begin in FY 2000.

STRATEGY 3.9:Improve financial management: ARS/Administrative and Financial Management will support Departmental efforts to improve financial management.

Reporting will begin upon issuance of Departmental evidence on the Foundation for Financial Information System (FFIS) for mandatory use by USDA Agencies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS convened a REE Foundation Financial Information System (FFIS) preimplementation team. The USDA Risk Management Agency in Kansas City, Missouri, was visited to learn about its strategy, experiences, and 'pros and cons' with the implementation of FFIS. Several preplanning sessions with the Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Project Office Staff were conducted to become better acquainted with the FFIS product. A planning package was developed with recommended corporate strategy, issues, actions and options for REE senior management decisions to begin implementing the FFIS system and associated applications.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS, on behalf of REE, will use a conservative implementation approach that permits the fund holders to maintain stewardship and reporting control over the status of funding sources, assets, obligations, and expenditures. This approach will afford REE agencies sufficient budgetary and proprietary accounting controls, and time to test the new FFIS accounting system to contain and fix any problems that may occur early on.

Reporting will begin upon issuance of Departmental evidence on the FFIS for mandatory use by USDA agencies.

During FY 1999, ARS will continue compliance with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA), including timely completion of audit report recommendations and the timely correction of any FMFIA weaknesses that are identified.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:No material weaknesses were identified in program reviews and/or evaluations conducted by staffs. Neither the GAO, the OIG, nor other external audit organizations disclosed any findings of material weaknesses during FY 1999.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS’ 1999 evaluations indicated that the systems for internal accounting and administrative control provided reasonable assurance that control objectives were achieved.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will continue to work with the OCFO and the National Finance Center (NFC) to implement USDA cost accounting standards on behalf of all REE agencies, and perform biennial reviews of user charges as required by OMB Circular A-25. ARS will also continue to review Agency operations to identify new potential user fee situations.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Complete cost accounting applications and reporting will not be accomplished until the implementation of FFIS. The design of FFIS will allow REE to capture cost accounting information for its programs according to Federal accounting standards.

REE has conducted a biennial review of fees and other charges and reported the information in a OCFO data call. In addition, an evaluation was made of potential user fee (things of value) situations that should be reported, but none were found.

Published Bulletin 99-250, 'Collection and Use of Fees for Revocable Permits and Easements,' that provides guidance and instructions for the collections and use of fees for revocable permits, easements, or other special use authorizations for the occupancy or use of land and facilities under agency custody and control.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:No potential new activities or situations were identified relating to user fee requirements other than the information reported in the biennial review. Collections of fees for revocable permits and easements were returned to agency programs.

Indicators:

Reporting will begin upon issuance of Departmental evidence on the FFIS for mandatory use by USDA agencies.

During FY 1999, ARS will prepare, review, and certify the yearly consolidated financial statements of the REE agencies as required under the Chief Financial Officer’s Act.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS responded to all requests from OIG for financial information, and arranged for site visits by auditors to gather information in order to render opinions on audited financial statements.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS is awaiting response from OIG on FY 1999 audited financial statements.