Analysis of Results: Under Goal VI, 74 Indicators are aligned under 47 Performance Goals. Several Indicators were added, deleted, or modified in this Report that did not first appear in the Annual Performance Plan for FY 2001. This was done to ensure that significant accomplishments that were not anticipated last year were reported. While it is not possible to report all accomplishments numerically, the progress projected in all 72 Indicators was completed or substantially completed during FY 2001.

OBJECTIVE 6.1: Support Education: "Support higher education in agriculture to give the next generation of Americans the knowledge, technology, and applications necessary to enhance the competitiveness of United States agriculture."

All of the activities relating to this objective are crosscutting in nature and reflected in the strategies and performance goals under the six ARS Goals.

OBJECTIVE 6.2: National Agricultural Library: "Serve as the primary agricultural information resource of the

United States."

STRATEGY 6.2.1: Increase awareness and use of National Agricultural Library (NAL) products and services: Collect, organize, and provide access to information that supports agricultural programs and responds to information needs.

During FY 2001, NAL will

begin analyzing information center programs to ensure accurate focus and customer satisfaction.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) Customer Satisfaction Survey was sent out in September 2001. The return rate was 30 percent (of 2,200 sent).

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Results will be used to identify FNIC services and information products that are most used and areas needing improvement and will be compared to results of the last survey performed two years ago.

continue to collect and combine data on reference and research information services and information centers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Based on feedback from customers such as Unilever, Monsanto, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Dupont, Cargill, Dow, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Glaxo Wellcome, and other companies which mine TEKTRAN on regular basis, the NAL Technology Transfer Information Center (TTIC) redesigned the TTIC and the Biofuels home pages to better feature general agricultural research and technology and specific R&D work related to biofuels. TEKTRAN is a database which includes pre-publication notices of recent research results from the Agricultural Research Service and USDA.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Daily hits on these TTIC sites averaged 507,000 per month in, an increase of more than 100,000 a month over FY 2000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL is identifying data on customer services required to fulfill annual reporting requirements and provide NAL management and stakeholders with tools for quantifying NAL operations and trends. NAL is working with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to learn from NLM customer relationship management experiences and their applicability to the NAL environment.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:In FY 2002, NAL will complete the process of identifying requirements for customer relationship management functionality, research market offerings, test potentially suitable products, and determine parameters for acquisition (money, technical infrastructure, support infrastructure).

During FY 2001, NAL will

continue to reduce turn-around times in serving customers by collecting data and incorporating results into customer service operations.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL?s Document Delivery Services Branch (DDSB) identified a software package to collect data on collection usage. Preliminary studies determined that the software is compatible with existing NAL systems.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Implementation can proceed in FY 2002.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:As a result of an informal survey of document delivery needs of remote customers, DDSB distributed information on electronic document delivery options and provided Ariel? software to selected remote users to improve delivery of information. Ariel allows rapid delivery of documents using the Internet.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: DDSB increased the use of electronic document delivery methods by informing patrons and distributing Ariel software.

During FY 2001, NAL will

continue to develop and improve its web-based information delivery systems.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DDSB improved service by distributing Ariel software to users in remote areas.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: With the implementation of Ariel software, DDSB was able to deliver articles faster via the Internet, provide cleaner, more usable copies, and reduce labor costs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DDSB purchased and installed software and hardware, establishing a Relais test Web site. Testing was initiated and a full implementation plan was developed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Initial testing has resulted in identification of major steps required for full production phase.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The total volume of direct customer services increased by 30 percent, to almost 30 million services.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: More customers were able to access NAL services than ever before.

During FY 2001, NAL will

complete the first version of the thesaurus.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Data entry and review of terms for all categories were completed and the draft first version of the thesaurus was implemented for indexing approximately 4,000 ARS research reports for Research Management Information System (RMIS)/Agricultural Research Information System (ARIS). The official release of the first version to the public is planned for January 1, 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The availability of a U.S. national authority for categorizing and describing agricultural topics provides a standard tool that will facilitate the organization and retrieval of information from Web sites, databases, datasets, and full text repositories.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Guidelines for indexing the ARS research reports were completed and used to index 3,500 research reports for the re-designed ARIS database. Additional guidelines were developed for indexing food safety resources compiled by NAL for the Food Safety Research Information (FSRIO) database.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Retrieval of research information from the ARS Web site, the ARIS database, and the FSRIO database is improved for all users because of the consistent application of standard terminology that includes synonyms and alternate forms.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Revisions to the thesaurus were made as a result of the application of descriptors in indexing RMIS reports and food safety research for FSRIO. Completion of the indexing of RMIS research reports was deferred by agreement with the ARS National Program Staff and the Office of the Chief Information Officer when the system implementation was delayed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The thesaurus is more complete with the expanded list of topical headings and synonyms provided by subject experts and information specialists.

During FY 2001, NAL will work to develop collaborative partnerships on the international level to further expand subjects covered, and promote interoperability between systems.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Agriculture Network Information Center (AgNIC) accepted three new partners. One is the Agricultural Information and Documentation System for America (SIDALC), a partnership of over 50 Latin American agricultural institutions and organizations. AgNIC is working to collaborate with several other international institutions including the Antonio Narro Agricultural University (Mexico) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. Work to promote interoperability continues.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: SIDALC provides access via AgNIC to tens of thousands of Spanish language resources.

During FY 2001, NAL will

develop an innovative outreach program involving partners and networks to improve library interaction with minority, disabled, and other under-served customers, and request FY 2002 funding to implement it.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL Special Collections added six ADA compliant finding aids (indexes to the content of manuscript collections) to the NAL Web site.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ADA compliant finding aids provide enhanced access to Web content for visually impaired users. The finding aids provide access to a wealth of resources previously available only onsite in the Library?s Abraham Lincoln Building.

Previously counselors, interacting with users of the WIC program, were weak in the area of nutrition and could not provide in depth nutritional counseling. FNIC, working with WIC, assisted them by making materials available to increase knowledge of and access to the information they need to do a better job for their clients. The knowledge, skills, cultural competency and practices of the nutritionists and other professionals who work with them have been improved a great deal through the use of this system.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DDSB Special Collections identified a collection of material of interest to Native Americans and researchers in Native American history and culture. Special Collections designed and installed an exhibit in the Library and created an associated Web-based exhibit highlighting this collection. A corresponding finding aid and information brochure were developed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The exhibit, associated brochure, and finding aid make this unique information more widely available to NAL?s diverse customer groups.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Special Collections developed finding aids to several manuscript collections previously unknown to researchers. New and previously print-only finding aids were added to NAL?s Web site. Special Collections distributed to educators, ranchers, veterinary schools, and scientists more than half of the original printing of the CD-ROM sampler documenting seven decades of screwworm eradication programs. NAL added the content of the CD-ROM to its Web site to make these historic materials even more widely available.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Previously unknown resources in the NAL are now accessible and available for increased use.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The NAL Web site grew by 25 percent. Major enhancements included:

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Much more information about NAL resources is much more easily accessible to the Library?s worldwide clientele.

During FY 2001, NAL will

complete development of a diversity program plan.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Completed a diversity program plan subject to final approval by the NAL Management Team.

Hosted the 2001 Tribal College Librarians Institute.

Trained two South African librarians via the Cochran Fellowship Program.

The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) hired an Asian American food safety information specialist with computer expertise as well as an African American student as a Web site technician.

FNIC is also assisting in training dieticians for the future. The Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland, in partnership with FNIC, is offering a dietetic internship with an emphasis in information technology. The emphasis in information technology is based on the expectation that future dietitians must understand and make use of information technology in the 21^st Century. After completing classes in Web site and database development at the University of Maryland, interns apply their knowledge in developing databases and web pages, evaluating Web sites, providing reference services and developing publications at the Food and Nutrition Information Center.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The NAL Diversity Program Plan provides a framework for the Library to build and maintain a diverse and high quality staff and develop an all-inclusive approach to information delivery and outreach services.

NAL training programs and outreach to tribal colleges improved the expertise of minority librarians.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Identified the American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Scholarship Initiative as one program NAL may utilize on an ongoing basis to identify high caliber minority candidates for library internship/fellowship opportunities.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The Spectrum Program serves as an ongoing training and developmental program for minority professionals. It can serve as a recruitment resource and public relations tool for the Library.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL identified two options for funding the training of minority information professionals: (1) to offer matching funding to an awarded ALA Spectrum Scholar who demonstrates an interest in agricultural librarianship; (2) to establish a two-year Minority Fellowship Program at NAL. The Spectrum Initiative is a partnership arrangement for minority professionals accepted to library school.

Also advised minority customers/partners of federal funding, e.g., national leadership grants for libraries and museums.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The assistance provides minority-serving institutions additional support for food and agricultural information collection, preservation/digitization, participation in professional leadership training, and sources of materials for their collections.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Signed the Memorandum of Understanding to establish the NAL Medgar Evers College (MEC), City University of New York (CUNY) Partnership. Identified next steps to move the initiative forward through workshops, electronic linkages and site visits.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This partnership enhances USDA?s support of urban minority educational institutions at all levels. It will enhance access to scientific information for Medgar Evers College (MEC), City University of New York (CUNY) and the urban communities it serves.

STRATEGY 6.2.2: Strengthen National Agricultural Library Operations: Anticipate and provide information products and services, including educational programs, that enable NAL's diverse customers to identify, locate, and obtain desired information on agricultural topics.

During FY 2001, NAL will

complete the retrospective coverage of agricultural economics documents from the Research in Agricultural and Applied Economics web site.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Records for the economics resources on the AgEcon Web site have been added to AGRICOLA with links to the original publications as they are digitized.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: AGRICOLA becomes another important finding tool for locating important agricultural economics resources compiled by the land-grant libraries.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A set of standard data elements has been developed and adopted as the required metadata to describe NAL produced publications and electronic resources. NAL continues to provide advance cataloging data in AGRICOLA that is available at the same time the publication is released.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Permits the timely announcement of NAL products in AGRICOLA and by Web search engines; increases the potential audience for these publications.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Over 900 new records describing food safety and food safety research resources were added to AGRICOLA.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Many of the new AGRICOLA records describing food safety and food safety research resources are directly linked to their full text documents on the Internet, providing instant access to the information for researchers and the general public.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL initiated the National Agricultural Library Digital Desktop Library Initiative, through which expensive electronic information products will be licensed USDA -wide, in collaboration with USDA agencies, to reduce cost and expand greatly access to key electronic information products. Two important products were licensed for worldwide USDA-wide access creating savings and cost avoidance, and several other licenses were in preparatory stages.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: More USDA personnel have 24/7 access to key online tools at greatly reduced per-use cost.

During FY 2001, NAL will

evaluate the impact of reclassifying active titles in the old classification ranges, and compressing the collection housed therein.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL established a committee with representation from all divisions that developed a plan and timelines for reclassification. After identifying the activities involved and evaluating the impact of the limitations of the current electronic library management system (ISIS) on this work, the committee decided that reclassifying active titles to the Library of Congress classification scheme was not practical until NAL implemented a new electronic library management system.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A reclassification plan was completed, but the activity has been postponed until NAL implements a new electronic library management system.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The design of the 5^th floor was completed in collaboration with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NAL is working to achieve NARA Affiliated Archive Status to house rare collections on this floor. Construction is expected to begin in early Calendar Year 2002 with an anticipated seven month construction period.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Renovation of the 5^th floor will provide a secure environment for rare materials.

During FY 2001, NAL will

evaluate its security policies and procedures including access to and security of the collection.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL assembled a security task force with representation from all divisions which developed a formal report, submitted to the management team.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Several recommendations were implemented: formation of a permanent security committee, reinstatement of security staffing at the employee entrance, and purchase of an x-ray machine to aid in mail inspection.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Special Collections staff reviewed procedures, implementing changes to increase security.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: No materials were reported stolen from Special Collections in FY 2001.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL organized and digitized the majority of the Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange which includes unique resources on USDA programs.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Digitizing these materials will preserve them as many of the items are in fragile condition. Unique materials, once inaccessible, are now available in electronic format. This guarantees future availability and increases usefulness of the collection as material formerly available onsite only can be accessed via the Web.

During FY 2001, NAL will increase the number of records in AGRICOLA by 75,000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL exceeded the goal by 14 percent with the addition of 86,155 AGRICOLA records.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Increased access for all customers to the agricultural information in NAL?s collection and available via the Web.

During FY 2001, NAL will

develop guidelines and procedures to ensure that new electronic resources on NAL?s web site are described and linked in AGRICOLA.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL?s Water Quality Information Center expanded its Web database of online documents related to water and agriculture from 653 titles to 990 titles.

NAL is participating with other research libraries and federal information centers in a nationally coordinated project to develop, test and evaluate best practices for the description and discovery of Internet resources (CORC).

IMPACT/OUTCOME: NAL and USDA customers will be able to get the full-text of more publications immediately upon discovery of usefulness and availability of information.

Customers benefit from expanded access to Internet resources via NAL?s catalog and the national bibliographic utilities and the ability to use real-time pathfinders to locate sets of relevant resources.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL coordinated the development of the ARS plan for digitizing and archiving the reprints of ARS scientists; the plan was delivered to the ARS OCIO for implementation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Implementation of the plan will result in no-fee immediate Internet availability of ARS research reports.

During FY 2001, NAL will

begin construction to convert the 5^th floor from office space to a "stack" floor. Construction commenced mid-summer of 2001 with an anticipated completion date of summer 2002.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As stated in 6.2.2.2, the design of the 5^th floor was completed with anticipated construction beginning early in Calendar Year 2002. Construction is expected to take approximately seven months.

Focus was also directed to the aging electrical and plumbing systems. Phases 1 and 2 (replacement of the switchgear) of the 5 phase electrical project were awarded. Work began in late FY 2001. With anticipated $1.8 million FY 2002 Building and Facilities (B&F) funding, the electrical project will be completed during FY 2002, as well as a design completed and construction begun on the plumbing system.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: infrastructure issues have caused some closures of the building and water damage to areas. Repair of these systems will alleviate these issues.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Phases 1 and 2 of the electrical upgrade systems were awarded with combination of R&M and Headquarters funding and work will begin in early 2002. The remaining phases will be awarded in FY 2002 with Building and Facilities (B&F) funds. Replacement of reheat coils was completed and the freight elevator repairs started in late 2001 with anticipated completion in early 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Replacement and repair of these systems will eliminate immediate concerns of failure safety issues and disruption will be eliminated.

During FY 2001, NAL will develop a systematic approach to computer life cycle management.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Researched and evaluated techniques, methods, and current practices in other organization.

Prepared draft document of systematic approach to life cycle management for NAL desktops.

Applied principles when evaluating servers and determined appropriate upgrades or retirements for systems.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: NAL is positioned to implement life cycle tracking and upgrades of NAL computers. This position is especially significant as NAL proceeds with a new Electronic Library Management System and migration to a new client operating system.

During FY 2001, NAL will refine its information system security policy and continue to evaluate ways to further enhance its security posture.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Refined all system security policies as required by ARS.

Implemented a state-of-the-art application for firewall redundance.

Established committees for cyber security and disaster recovery.

Refined procedures for dealing with computer viruses.

Prepared a cyber security assessment.

Trained IT personnel on current security issues.

Increased user awareness of security issues.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Significant and immediate benefit of strengthened security posture.

During FY 2001, NAL will

continue its effort to identify and acquire a new electronic library management system.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The market analysis, statement of work for the system procurement and procurement plan were completed by April. In late FY 2001, NAL and ARS Procurement agreed to utilize the procurement services of GSA for the system and transferred the funds and procurement responsibility to GSA.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: GSA information technology procurement staff have extensive experience with systems purchases and it should be possible to bring in a new system in early 2002.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The schedule for evaluation of candidates systems has been moved to February 2002 and selection to March 1, 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The implementation of a new system has been delayed by approximately four months.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In consultation with GSA, NAL developed a procurement strategy to solicit responses to NAL?s requirements from system vendors on GSA schedule and to request vendors to provide live demonstrations of capabilities for the NAL staff as part of the formal evaluation process.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: NAL will select the system that best meets the library?s functional requirements by reviewing the vendors? written responses and their respective system demonstrations of specific library processing.

During FY 2001, NAL will

continue to seek opportunities to streamline administrative processes. $23,000 in contractual services will be cut to continue program emphasis.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Emphasis was put on cross-training staff to ensure adequate coverage during times of absence. The implementation of the Foundation Financial Information System (FFIS) to replace the Central Accounting System (CAS) at the National Finance Center (NFC) will change some of the ways business is done so focus will be on addressing these issues as staff become familiar with new processes.

Amount of time guard services were used and trash pickup services were reduced. However, due to increased security concerns, an additional guard was hired for the employee entrance.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: With the implementation of FFIS, some staff assumed new responsibilities. Due to the newness of the system, "bugs" needed to be worked out, taking up more time than expected to perform functions. It?s anticipated that as staff become more familiar with the system, processes will run smoothly.

Although administrative costs are scrutinized for cost-saving opportunities, any additional cuts would compromise security and program support.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL identified the need to develop disaster recovery plans for the building, equipment, and collection. NAL will complete a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) in early FY 2002 and establish Task Forces to develop disaster recovery plans with draft plans projected for April 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The procedures, supplies and key personnel will be identified and available in case of disasters that effect the building, equipment and/or collection to ensure that NAL can resume core business operations as quickly as possible.

During FY 2001, NAL will

explore further its internal electronic communication needs and formulate guiding policies and procedures for internal electronic communications.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Competing priorities included responding to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; Web site snapshot for NARA; and NAL?s immediate need for a new search engine for web pages

IMPACT/OUTCOME: NAL?s ability to conduct business was not significantly damaged. Limited impact was due to the functionality of our LAN and the comprehensiveness of our public web pages. NAL will pursue the implementation of the goal in FY 2002 contingent on available staff resources.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Implementation of an Intranet did not begin in FY 2001. Competing priorities for staff resources prevented NAL from pursuing this goal.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: NAL?s ability to conduct business was not significantly damaged.

During FY 2001, NAL will ensure that each staff member receives adequate training to support his or her function. Staff members will also be given career enhancement opportunities such as details, shadowing assignments, and agency leadership development programs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Staff received training in their areas of expertise as well as in cross-functional areas. In addition, there were staff who went on detail in other areas of ARS.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Staff have been cross-trained in other areas beyond their normal duties, ensuring that customers? requests are addressed when some staff are away from the office. In addition, new ideas have been brought into the organization, expanding the range of options for handling business.

During FY 2001, NAL will

develop a detailed staff succession plan.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NAL management met with a Human Resource Division representative to address succession planning. The Administrative Officer will take the lead in developing a formal plan.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Although not yet developed, the intent is to provide opportunities for staff within NAL to move into higher level positions, resulting in a pool of eligible candidates for management and other positions. The plan will also allow for bringing in staff from other parts of the Agency and other Agencies so new ideas and personalities are integrated into NAL.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Within the Administrative Office, staff were provided opportunities to act in various positions as well as detail opportunities. Membership in the newly developed ARS mentor program was also encouraged and several staff members will be participating as a mentor or mentee.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Staff members were able to experience a different perspective with regard to details and acting assignments. Some new/different ways of doing business were introduced.

OBJECTIVE 6.3: 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."

STRATEGY 6.3.1: Develop research agenda: IdentifyARS program priorities and core research capabilities and use them to provide leadership in developing national research agendas.

During FY 2001, ARS will convene a number of programmatic workshops and conferences to help shape the ARS research agenda.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: While the initial series of National Program Workshops were completed at the end of FY 2000, ARS has continued to convene programmatic workshops and conferences involving customers, stakeholders, and scientists to focus on new, emerging, or reemerging issues. In FY 2001, ARS conducted 9 such workshops.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS workshops and conferences ensure the continued relevancy of the Agency?s research activities.

STRATEGY 6.3.2: Civil rights: 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 and stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, and employees.

During FY 2001, ARS will expand scheduled meetings with customers and employees for input on meeting their needs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS is continuing to sponsor and co-sponsor international and national symposia and exhibits, attend meetings and workshops at State level and with small farmer organizations, as well as lecturing at 1890 and 1862 land-grant colleges and universities.

In addition, Liaison Officers from the 1890 Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI), the Executive Director, USDA HSI National Program, and the Director of Texas A&M Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences attended the Diversity Enhancement in Agricultural Research Team meeting. The goals ? to obtain input/feedback from these representatives about ways to (1) better work with the representatives finding talented minorities, females, or people with disabilities and get them interested in agricultural research and food science, and (2) develop effective ways to increase diversity in the workforce through mentoring, special programs, temporary employment, etc., were achieved.

To promote research programs and strengthen cooperative efforts, ARS representatives met with customers/stakeholders, or presented papers, attended meetings and workshops. Tribal College Librarians Institute sponsored by ARS/NAL was held. Librarians from the thirty-one 1994 Land Grant Institutions were invited to attend. Thirty-six librarians and library technicians representing twenty-five campuses from twenty-two of the Tribal Colleges and Universities attended the event.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A brochure for use in promoting the ARS Watershed Program was developed and disseminated to highlight the fundamental watershed related issues that our Nation faces, and to describe ARS-related research that addresses these issues.

The goal of the Tribal College Librarians Institute was to discover information resources that will prove invaluable as the Native American librarians return to their schools to serve their faculty and students. In addition, they received information on such diverse topics as the history of the American Indian education at the Hampton Institute and the preservation of Native American traditional crops. These librarians gained knowledge through site visits of the Smithsonian Institution?s National Museum of the American Indian Cultural Resource Center, the Museum of American History, and the National Library of Medicine for demonstrations of new information technology advances. The Institute forged stronger ties with the Tribal Colleges and heightened opportunities for cooperation among the libraries in developing enhanced procedures for sharing information.

During FY 2001, ARS will maintain and keep EEO/CR web page current and create a diversity web page.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The EEO/CR web page is on line and is continuously updated with current information. In addition, a diversity web page was created that highlights a number of activities to include the Centers of Excellence and the diversity committees.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Customers and stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, and employees are kept up to date on civil rights and diversity issues and progress.

During FY 2001, ARS will identify the responsible officials and will implement the recommendations in the EEO Compliance Review Report.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS was found to be in compliance with equal opportunity and Civil Rights employment requirements for the period reviewed, October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1999, and October 1, 1999 through September 12, 2000. It was found that all of the programs reviewed were in compliance, and the monitoring and evaluation systems and work environment pertaining to equal opportunity and Civil Rights employment were in compliance. The handling of employment complaints was also in compliance. In the seven instances of noncompliance requiring corrective actions, ARS Civil Rights Staff is working with appropriate personnel to implement corrective actions.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Appropriate offices and personnel were identified to handle the seven instances of noncompliance requiring corrective actions. The Civil Rights Staff is coordinating the actions for fast eradications.

During FY 2001, ARS will use the software to analyze workforce profiles and monitor the discrimination complaint process.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Since the purchase date, the system was not operative. There was lack of technical assistance, which forced ARS to abort the contract for the EEO Assistant data base system.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Since the system was unsuccessful, ARS has been researching other avenues to accomplish this performance goal. One possibility is to access data from a system that the Human Resources Division will be utilizing in FY 2002. This system will be directly connected to personnel data, which will eliminate the possibility of error in downloading the information required to meet the performance goal.

STRATEGY 6.3.3: Management of facilities: Provide appropriately equipped Federal facilities required to support the research and information activities of ARS into the next century.

During FY 2001, ARS will continue its construction, modernization, and repair and maintenance program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS 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 2002 to FY 2011. In addition, ARS was successful in acquiring $18,300,000 in repair and maintenance funds, and $74,037,000 in B & F funds.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The ARS employee work environment will meet all safety and health requirements, as well as meet the President?s energy conservation goals.

During FY 2001, ARS will identify facilities to be modernized and constructed in accordance with mission priorities. These projects will be forwarded to the Department for B&F funding consideration.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS forwarded to the Department a request for $352,210,000 in new B & F funding to address facility needs. Of this amount, Congress eventually appropriated $74,037,000 to new construction and facilities modernization at priority locations.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: With these improved facilities, ARS scientists have available state-of-the-art facilities in which to conduct research. Additionally, the employee work environment will meet all safety and health requirements, as well as meet the President?s energy conservation goals.

STRATEGY 6.3.4: Maintenance of core research capabilities: Develop and implement comprehensive human resource systems and other administrative and financial support 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.

During FY 2001, ARS will continue to conduct consolidated scientists recruitment and provide orientation and training for new scientists and research leaders.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A continued focus has been placed on recruitment and hiring of research scientists in ARS. In response to this challenge, there were two consolidated recruitment efforts, paid advertisements on consolidated basis, and close tracking on the status of all research scientist vacancies. As a result of these efforts, 141 new research scientists were hired and the on-board research scientist employment level increased to 2041 (including 39 pending EOD?s).

Additionally, a formal training program for new research leaders was implemented in and all new scientists received a detailed orientation on agency programs, policies, and priorities. This has equipped the new research leaders and scientists to better transition to their new roles with ARS.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS has a stronger and high quality research capability which is better able to respond to rapidly changing and emerging agricultural problems in the United States and internationally. New research leaders are more familiar with ARS policies and procedures regarding program accountability, reporting research, and administrative processes supporting their research mission.

During FY 2001, ARS will continue its Research Associate Program as a source of qualified candidates for its permanent research positions.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In FY 2002, ARS had 245 Research Associates on the rolls.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Thirty-two postdocs (13 percent) were competitively placed into permanent research scientist positions.

STRATEGY 6.3.5: Provide administrative support to REE: Serve as the lead agency in providing administrative and financial management services for Research, Education, and Economics (REE) headquarters and field locations.

During FY 2001, ARS will review the need for revisions to the AFM Strategic Plan and seek customer, employee, and stakeholder input to the planning process.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: AFM customers and employees were consulted on their needs and interests as a basis for drafting revised outcome, goal, and objective statements for inclusion in a revised AFM strategic plan.

New goal and objective statements were developed and shared/discussed with AFM customers by AFM Division Directors and their staffs. These draft goals and objectives were considered by the AFM Council and approved.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Approved goals and objectives are now being used as a basis for developing "business plans" for all levels of the ARS administrative and financial management community which tie individual employee performance standards to their unit?s annual business plans and to the goals and objectives of the AFM strategic plan.

During FY 2001, ARS will implement a revised Strategic Plan reflecting the priorities of REE customers and employees.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The ARS AFM Council adopted a revised strategic planning process which better ties strategic outcomes, goals, and objectives to business plans developed by AFM managers, supervisors, and employees. Thus, AFM employees work directly with their customers and peers in developing strategic business plans based on interaction with customers.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: AFM will implement a revised strategic plan to coincide with the beginning of the next annual performance period which starts January 1, 2002. This will align accomplishments of AFM?s strategic priorities with customer input and better link individual accountability to strategic service goals and objectives.

During FY 2001, ARS will undergo a comprehensive review by a private consultant of administrative and financial management support, conduct written customer service surveys, meet regularly with REE agency administrators, conduct customer focus group sessions, and solicit customer feedback through the AFM Web site.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A comprehensive review of AFM customer services was completed by a private consultant selected by representatives of the four REE Agency Administrators. A detailed report was presented to the four Agency Administrators who agreed upon actions to be implemented in response to the consultant?s report. These actions are being implemented by the various AFM functional divisions with periodic status reports to the AFM employees and customers.

Each AFM division completed customer surveys and posted the results of each division?s internet home page. AFM division directors have established a specific weekly schedule for customer service visits for themselves and key staff members.

The Deputy and Associate Deputy, AFM, conduct monthly meetings with the "administrative liaisons" for each of the customer agencies; and the Deputy Administrator participates in quarterly meetings with the Agency Administrators as a group.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Customer service needs and interests have been clearly identified. AFM services continue to be carried out efficiently. Communications with customers is good, and customer satisfaction is high.

STRATEGY 6.3.6: Program Excellence and Relevance: Ensure excellence and relevance to ARS National Programs through peer reviews of research projects.

During FY 2001, ARS will panel peer review approximately 250 research projects. (Standard annual projection for the 5-year peer review cycle of an estimated 1,100 projects.)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One hundred and fifty-two projects were panel reviewed. About twenty projects were postponed due to critical vacancies and two panel sessions were postponed to FY 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The five-year cycle of panel peer reviews is progressing as planned in 1999 with minor adjustments.

During FY 2001, ARS will conduct RPES reviews of approximately 350 agency scientists.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Three hundred and seventy-five scientist positions were reviewed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Fifty percent of the scientists reviewed were promoted based on the impact of their research on the scientific program.

STRATEGY 6.3.7: Improve financial management: ARS/Administrative and Financial Management will support Departmental efforts to improve financial management.

During FY 2001, ARS will

continue to work with the OCFO on the design and modification of the FFIS for use by REE.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS worked with OCFO to successfully design and modify FFIS for the use of the four REE agencies, and FFIS was implemented for the FY 2002 cycle.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: FFIS was successfully put into operation effective October, 2001.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: FFIS implementation work groups continue their work.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Implementation continues.

During FY 2001,ARS will continue compliance with the FMFIA, including the timely completion of audit report recommendations and the timely correction of any FMFIA weaknesses that are identified.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The FMFIA reports were submitted in a timely manner.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: FMFIA reports disclosed no material weaknesses.

During FY 2001, 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 submitted the FY 2001 REE mission level consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and supplementary information to be incorporated into the Department?s consolidated statements.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: REE consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and supplemental information was accepted as complete and responsive by the Department.

STRATEGY 6.3.8: Outreach: ARS will bring the benefits of research to under-served populations, identify barriers that prevent under-served populations from receiving and using agency-generated knowledge/technology, and increase participation of under-represented groups in agency procurement contracts.

During FY 2001, ARS will create a database directory.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Agency determined that most of the organizations that serve the socially disadvantaged, limited resources, historically under-served producers and processors are local or State based. Responsibility for these outreach activities, including working with the State and local organizations that serve these target populations, was devolved to the 8 ARS Area Offices.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Each ARS Area Office and the research locations, where appropriate in each Area, work directly with the organizations in their area to address the research needs and to transfer research products (knowledge and new technologies) to these target populations.

During FY 2001, ARS will sponsor a national outreach workshop.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This task was completed in November 2000, see the Agricultural Research Service FY 2000 Annual Performance Report, Appendix A.

During FY 2001, ARS will convene area outreach workshops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: After the National Outreach Workshop was held in Laurel, Maryland, in November 2000, the Agency decided that the workshop model might not be the best vehicle for all 8 ARS Areas to follow. The Area Offices were given discretion to shape their outreach efforts to meet the specific needs of their areas.

Baseline data for extramural agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, and Letters of Agreement with organizations serving historically under-served populations was established and reported in FY 2000.

During FY 2001, ARS will increase its extramural agreement awards to organizations which serve under-served populations by no less than 20 percent over its established baseline.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS made 21 awards to historically under-served organizations (1890's) in FY 2001 totaling almost $2.7 million.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS exceeded its goal of a 20 percent increase in the number and funding of extramural grants to organizations serving these target populations.

During FY 2001, ARS will demonstrate efforts to enhance participation of under-served groups in program activities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The 8 ARS Area Offices are primarily responsible for implementing the Agency?s outreach initiatives. In FY 2001, the Area Offices and research locations organized and/or participated in a wide-range of outreach activities designed to reach limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and/or historically under-served populations. These activities included, but were not limited to, targeted conferences (8), special field days (4), special tours/demonstrations (6), efforts to establish or expand linkages with the 2501 outreach directors (3), workshops (9), presentations (4), brochures (1), the development of an area outreach plan (1), and support for special education programs (2).

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS involved under-served populations in its program and outreach activities and developed special outreach mechanisms to better serve historically under-served producers and processors.

During FY 2001, ARS will demonstrate increased activities in these areas.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS? Area Offices identified 9 examples of joint research with HBCU/1890 institutions and 8 examples of specific outreach efforts to Indian tribal organizations designed to transfer research products to potential users.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS is actively working to better transfer the products of its research to target populations.

During FY 2001, ARS will inform research leaders and other managers of their outreach responsibilities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The ARS Outreach Coordination keeps senior managers and key research leaders updated on their responsibilities under this initiative.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Key leaders are kept informed and actively pursue goals of the outreach initiative.

During FY 2001, ARS will identify through national outreach workshops ways to make ARS generated information more accessible to organizations serving under-served populations.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This is being accomplished at the Area and location level.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Products of ARS research now reach target populations.

During FY 2001, ARS will identify through national outreach workshops and related activities ways to involve historically under-served students in agriculture and food service.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS funded a small grant to Berea College, Kentucky, to support 4 undergraduate agriculture students at ARS? European Biological Control Laboratory in Montferrier-sur-Lez, France, and the Australian Biological Control Laboratory in Brisbane, Australia. Students from Berea College have limited financial resources but have high academic potential. This grant was intended to reach target population students studying agriculture.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This is just one example of ARS? efforts to support students from the target populations and encourage their interest in agriculture/agricultural research.

During FY 2001, ARS will identify barriers and seek to remove or overcome them.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It has not been possible to measure specific activities under this indicator as a free-standing performance goal. ARS? efforts to overcome barriers to target population participation are included in the accomplishments reported under Performance Goals 6.3.8.6, 6.3.8.7, 6.3.8.9, and 6.3.8.10.