[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46656-46659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20058]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Connect Initiative

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Request for Comments concerning Offshore Minerals Management 
Program's e-Government Initiative.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides the basis and rationale for the e-
Government Initiative, OCS Connect. The purpose of publishing this 
notice is to provide information to the public on the objectives of OCS 
Connect and to solicit public feedback with respect to project 
development.

DATES: We will consider all comments we receive by October 6, 2003. We 
will begin reviewing comments then and may not fully consider comments 
we receive after October 6, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may send comments regarding the OCS 
Connect Initiative and this Notice to the Chief, e-Gov Transformation 
Project; Minerals Management Service; Mail 4009; 381 Elden Street; 
Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary L. Lore, Chief, e-Gov Project 
Management Office; Mail Stop 4009; Minerals Management Service; 381 
Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817; Telephone (703) 787-1623; 
e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OCS Connect is a comprehensive reform 
project that will be a phased, multiyear e-Government transformation of 
the Offshore Minerals Management (OMM) program. OCS Connect was 
mandated by legislation and federal guidance under the Information 
Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 (Clinger-Cohen Act), the 
Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1999, and the Government 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. OCS Connect will dramatically reform 
and streamline business operations by fiscal year 2008. By moving to 
on-line services, the organization will be more ``connected'' to 
customers: industry, citizens, and other governmental agencies.

OMM's Vision for OCS Connect

    To facilitate customized and electronic information exchange 
between MMS and its OCS customers--industry, citizens, and other 
governmental agencies.

Goals of OCS Connect

    [sbull] Increase ease of use and allow better access to 
stakeholders for OMM's services and information.
    [sbull] Decrease cycle time to receive and process stakeholder 
requests.
    [sbull] Increase collaboration and information sharing within OMM 
and between constituencies.
    [sbull] Increase the quantity and quality of value-added analysis 
of offshore resources.
    [sbull] Improve data and information capabilities.

Scope of OCS Connect

    Currently, OMM relies heavily on paper-based processes and systems. 
The recent evolution in internet technologies has presented a unique 
opportunity for OMM to minimize paper-based processes, to improve data 
management, and to increase the efficiency of its workforce. OCS 
Connect will allow the OMM to transform their traditional business 
practices to more efficient, streamlined business practices.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Streamlined business
      Traditional business practices                  practices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper-based processes cause long lead       Standardized, online
 times in approval process for permits.      electronic permit filing,
                                             reporting and approvals
                                             significantly reduce cycle
                                             times.
Multiple filings required with different    Data standards will
 government bodies.                          facilitate electronic
                                             exchange of data with
                                             different government bodies
                                             and reduce the number of
                                             redundant filings.
Multiple data sources available in          Portals offer one-stop
 different locations for information         ``shopping'' for
 sharing.                                    information exchange.

[[Page 46657]]

 
Multiple data formats.....................  Standardized, industry
                                             accepted data formats
                                             enable efficient
                                             information sharing
                                             throughout the E&P
                                             industry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Benefits of OCS Connect to Stakeholders

    In addition, Industry will be able to enter a single portal to 
receive information and conduct more efficient online exploration, 
development, and production transactions, resulting in time and cost 
savings.
    Citizens will be able to enter a single portal that delivers 
customized and user-friendly information and encourages increased 
online participation in the oil and gas regulatory and planning 
processes.
    Governmental agencies will share common data, exchange standards 
and future applications. Multiple agencies may access an online 
permitting system to obtain information, conduct reviews and approve 
industry requests.
    Privacy and security will be provided through secure data 
architecture to ensure confidentiality of necessary data and requests 
by stakeholders.

The Overall Result

    The OMM will be more customer-focused, efficient, and effective in 
serving their constituencies through streamlined business execution.

     Specific Deliverables Due to Workflow Automation by OCS Connect
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Explanation of the
                                                         OCS connect
                                                         deliverable
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Related Deliverables from OCS Connect:
    Singular Enterprise Architecture Development..  A baseline
                                                     enterprise
                                                     architecture will
                                                     be developed to
                                                     include
                                                     stakeholders,
                                                     business, data,
                                                     applications,
                                                     technology and the
                                                     relationships among
                                                     them. Architecture
                                                     will be leveraged
                                                     into other
                                                     governmental
                                                     bureaus for
                                                     consistency.
    Consistent Established Data Standards.........  Established data
                                                     standards will
                                                     expedite data
                                                     utilization and
                                                     interpretation
                                                     thereby reducing
                                                     cycle time. For
                                                     example:
                                                      [sbull] Reduces
                                                    time validating
                                                    data;
                                                      [sbull] Expedites
                                                    quality control of
                                                    data;
                                                      [sbull] Reduces
                                                    data loading time;
                                                      [sbull]
                                                    Facilitates
                                                    interface between
                                                    software suites;
                                                      [sbull]
                                                    Facilitates data
                                                    sharing and
                                                    collaboration;
                                                      [sbull] Ensures
                                                    consistency in State
                                                    and Local spatial
                                                    data for ease of
                                                    use.
    Electronic Data Stores........................  Different data sets
                                                     stored for ease of
                                                     retrieval for
                                                     various data
                                                     interpretation such
                                                     as:
                                                      [sbull] G&G data--
                                                    well logs and data,
                                                    seismic data;
                                                      [sbull] Gravity
                                                    and magnetic data;
                                                      [sbull] Marine
                                                    cadastral data sets;
                                                      [sbull] Production
                                                    data;
                                                      [sbull] Lease
                                                    history data;
                                                      [sbull] Thematic
                                                    maps.
    Electronic Data Submission....................  Data can be
                                                     submitted
                                                     electronically
                                                     instead of in a
                                                     manual, paper based
                                                     process. Types of
                                                     data will include,
                                                     but not be limited
                                                     to:
                                                      [sbull] Reservoir
                                                    data such as run
                                                    tickets and liquid
                                                    verification
                                                    reports, gas
                                                    verification and
                                                    volume reports;
                                                      [sbull] Weekly
                                                    activity reports;
                                                      [sbull] G&G data
                                                    such as well logs
                                                    and analyses,
                                                    seismic data;
                                                      [sbull] Plans &
                                                    Permits;
                                                      [sbull] Land legal
                                                    requests.
    Data Storage, Indexing and Retrieval of Data..  Holistic approach to
                                                     data access will
                                                     allow the lessee to
                                                     pull all G&G,
                                                     leasing,
                                                     adjudication,
                                                     permitting, plan,
                                                     production, and
                                                     reserves
                                                     information on each
                                                     asset.
    Secure Data Architecture......................  Allows for privacy
                                                     in data access and
                                                     for submittal of
                                                     operators data.
    Enhanced Data Management......................  Improved electronic
                                                     processes will
                                                     ensure efficient
                                                     utilization of data
                                                     by allowing access
                                                     to the right data
                                                     at the right time.
    Reduced Cycle Time for Data Analysis..........  Consistency of data
                                                     will allow faster,
                                                     improved analysis
                                                     of an asset
                                                     regarding permits,
                                                     plans, lease sales,
                                                     and environmental
                                                     analysis.
    Data Repository Enabling Life Cycle Review of   A centralized
     Leases.                                         repository that
                                                     stores historical
                                                     and current data on
                                                     lessees and
                                                     operators will
                                                     allow for automatic
                                                     information
                                                     retrieval once
                                                     security clearances
                                                     have been approved.
                                                     Lessees and
                                                     operators will be
                                                     able to work from
                                                     prepopulated
                                                     information forms
                                                     reducing
                                                     resubmission of
                                                     information. Full
                                                     lease history and
                                                     interactions with
                                                     the OMM can be
                                                     retrieved.
Outreach Related Deliverables from OCS Connect:
    Online Rulemaking/Online Commenting...........  Migration of
                                                     rulemaking and
                                                     customer commenting
                                                     to an online forum
                                                     will expedite
                                                     comment review.
    Integration of Multiple Government Agencies     Coordination of
     Requirements.                                   reporting
                                                     requirements across
                                                     governmental
                                                     entities reduces
                                                     time as paperwork
                                                     does not have to be
                                                     submitted multiple
                                                     times in multiple
                                                     formats. For
                                                     example:
                                                      [sbull] The Coast
                                                    Guard's requirements
                                                    have been
                                                    incorporated into
                                                    the Well Permitting
                                                    and Reporting
                                                    System.
    Singular Portal Interface.....................  One portal interface
                                                     will be organized
                                                     around the
                                                     functions for the
                                                     oil and gas
                                                     stakeholders to
                                                     provide a full
                                                     suite of services
                                                     for:
                                                      [sbull] Leasing;
                                                      [sbull] Plans,
                                                    permits, and
                                                    pipelines;
                                                      [sbull] Reporting;
                                                      [sbull]
                                                    Inspections and
                                                    compliance;
                                                      [sbull] OCS
                                                    information;
                                                      [sbull] OCS maps.

[[Page 46658]]

 
    Electronic Environmental Assessments and        Shared data access
     Monitoring.                                     to environmental
                                                     studies will assist
                                                     in quicker
                                                     approvals and
                                                     compliance as well
                                                     as environmental
                                                     impact mitigation
                                                     monitoring.
    Electronic Submission and Online Permitting...  Requests will not be
                                                     paper-based,
                                                     thereby, reducing
                                                     complexity of
                                                     submittals and
                                                     submittal time
                                                     because system will
                                                     allow electronic
                                                     submission of
                                                     attachments:
                                                      [sbull] G&G
                                                    permits;
                                                      [sbull] Platform
                                                    structure permits;
                                                      [sbull] Production
                                                    facility permits;
                                                      [sbull] Lease term
                                                    pipeline
                                                    applications.
    Shortened Approval Processes..................  Electronic
                                                     submission of
                                                     information speeds
                                                     up approval
                                                     processes, and
                                                     thereby, reduces
                                                     tendency for
                                                     stakeholders to
                                                     over-submit
                                                     paperwork in order
                                                     to avoid re-
                                                     submission caused
                                                     by informal
                                                     rejections.
                                                     Shortens request
                                                     time for:
                                                      [sbull] New
                                                    Producible Lease
                                                    Determinations;
                                                      [sbull] Lease
                                                    Suspension Requests;
                                                      [sbull]
                                                    Miscellaneous
                                                    applications such as
                                                    commingling,
                                                    unitization,
                                                    reservoir
                                                    reclassifications,
                                                    abandonment zones,
                                                    etc.;
                                                      [sbull] Deep water
                                                    royalty relief
                                                    requests;
                                                      [sbull]
                                                    Decommissioning
                                                    requests.
    Electronic Notification and Tracking..........  Courtesy
                                                     notifications will
                                                     be sent to
                                                     stakeholders from
                                                     the OMM regarding
                                                     needed filings.
                                                     Also, the status
                                                     and progress of
                                                     requests can be
                                                     tracked.
Time Saving Deliverables from OCS Connect:
    Online Commenting Reduces ``Time to Lease       Expedites OMM's time
     Sale''.                                         to decision making
                                                     over current paper-
                                                     based commenting,
                                                     such as:
                                                      [sbull] Reduces
                                                    manual
                                                    reconciliation of
                                                    public and industry
                                                    commenting regarding
                                                    regulations, laws
                                                    and lease sales;
                                                      [sbull] Allows
                                                    faster compliance
                                                    and approvals from
                                                    other governmental
                                                    agencies;
                                                      [sbull] Reduces
                                                    OMM's analysis and
                                                    definition of the
                                                    lease sale terms and
                                                    conditions.
    Automated System Reduces ``Time to Approval''.  Expedites OMM's
                                                     analyses and
                                                     approvals of
                                                     Exploration,
                                                     Development and
                                                     Production plans of
                                                     leases.
                                                      [sbull] Faster
                                                    consolidation of
                                                    public, public
                                                    interest groups and
                                                    industry comments;
                                                      [sbull] Faster
                                                    access to additional
                                                    data requests from
                                                    the operator;
                                                      [sbull] Faster
                                                    approval cycle.
    Comprehensive Life Cycle View of Asset........  Allows stakeholders
                                                     the ability to view
                                                     historical,
                                                     publicly-available
                                                     data surrounding
                                                     the whole life
                                                     cycle of an asset
                                                     from:
                                                      [sbull] A well
                                                    life cycle
                                                    perspective;
                                                      [sbull] A
                                                    production life
                                                    cycle perspective;
                                                      [sbull] A reserves
                                                    perspective;
                                                      [sbull] A lease
                                                    life cycle
                                                    perspective;
                                                      [sbull] A
                                                    permitting life
                                                    cycle;
                                                      [sbull] An
                                                    approval life cycle;
                                                      [sbull] A
                                                    compliance life
                                                    cycle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    More detailed information regarding the OCS Connect Initiative can 
be found at:
    1. http://www.mms.gov/ommegov/.
    2. http://www.gomr.mms.gov.

OMM Business Cluster

    OMM has identified 14 Business Process Clusters which are listed in 
the table below as potential candidates for re-engineering. We are 
interested in your views as to the importance of these 14 Business 
Clusters to your organization; therefore, please give us your overall 
comments on the merits of re-engineering these clusters. You may note 
those that work well or are most in need of improvement. We are 
particularly interested in any suggestions you may have regarding 
examples of best practices for particular business processes.
    1. Public Commenting.
    2. Manage Regulations, Laws and NTLS.
    3. Produce and Maintain Thematic Maps and Official Cadastral 
Descriptions.
    4. Protect Environmental Resources.
    5. Manage and Administer Leasing Program.
    6. Monitor Lessee and Operator Activity.
    7. Manage Permit Requests.
    8. Manage Plan Submittals.
    9. Analyze and Coordinate G&G Reviews and Interpretations.
    10. Manage Reserves Inventory Program and Perform Resource 
Assessment.
    11. Perform Data Management.
    12. Develop and Support IT/IS Environment.
    13. Perform Economic Analysis, Determine Fair Market Value and 
Forecast Production.
    14. Inspect Operations and Enforce Regulations.
    For a more detailed explanation of OMM's Business Process Clusters, 
please go to the below internet link: http://www.mms.gov/ommegov/PDF/OMM%20Business%20Process%20Clusters.pdf.

Comments

    After reading the Notice summarizing the OCS Connect Initiative, 
please provide us your overall impression of the OCS Connect 
Initiative. We would like your comments as to OCS Connect's impact on 
the openness and information exchange between OMM and its Stakeholders, 
its overall scope, additional key elements needed for its successful 
implementation, any particular benefits or concerns you may have 
regarding the initiative. Please also tell us what type of Stakeholder 
you are to the OMM.
    Send comments in response to this notice directly to the office 
listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice.


[[Page 46659]]


    Dated: July 31, 2003.
Gary L. Lore,
Chief, e-Gov Transformation Project.
[FR Doc. 03-20058 Filed 8-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P