[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]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-P