Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ROME81
2003-01-09 15:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
-------
SUMMARY
-------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. KEY MEMBERS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S FARM
SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFICE TRAVELED
TO ROME, ITALY, NOVEMBER 18-22, 2002, TO BRIEF WORLD FOOD
PROGRAM OFFICIALS ON USDA'S NEW FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY
SYSTEM (FARES) AND TRAIN SELECT MEMBERS OF WFP STAFF ON THE
SYSTEM. THIS SUCCESSFUL VISIT WILL REQUIRE FOLLOW-UP ON: (A)
FINALIZING A "BRIDGE" BETWEEN THE USDA'S FARES AND WFP'S
WINGS SYSTEMS; (B) PERFECTING PROPER DATA ENTRY BY WFP STAFF
INTO THE FARES SYSTEM; AND (C) BETTER DATA SHARING ON
COMMODITY LOSSES BETWEEN USDA AND WFP. USDA'S UPCOMING
KANSAS CITY APRIL 2003 CONFERENCE SHOULD PROVIDE BOTH
PARTIES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW INITIAL PROGRESS
AND PLOT NEXT STEPS. END SUMMARY.
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
2. USDA/FSA KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFICE STAFFERS ETHEL
BOWERS AND DAVID LEIM OF THE PROCESSED COMMODITIES DIVISION
AND NELSON RANDALL OF THE EXPORT OPERATIONS DIVISION
TRAVELED TO ROME, ITALY, NOVEMBER 18-22, 2002 - TO BRIEF
WORLD FOOD PROGRAM OFFICIALS ON USDA'S NEW FOOD AID REQUEST
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
ENTRY SYSTEM (FARES).
3. THE USDA TEAM MET FIRST WITH WFP'S CHIEF OF THE
PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING BRANCH, VLADMIRO GAROFALO,
DURING WHICH THEY DISCUSSED THE METHODOLOGY OF COMMODITY
PROCUREMENT. THIS PRIMARILY DEALT WITH NON-U.S. DONATIONS,
WHETHER IN-KIND OR CASH DONATIONS. THE MODUS OPERANDI FOR
WFP COMMODITY PROCUREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- EITHER: LOCAL IN-COUNTRY PURCHASES, REGIONAL PURCHASES IN
A NEIGHBORING COUNTRY, OR INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES ON THE
WORLD MARKET (THESE PRESENTLY EQUATE TO 50 PERCENT OF WFP'S
COMMODITY PROCUREMENTS);
- LOAD SURVEYS ARE DONE ON ALL CARGOES WITH TALLIES;
- SURVEYS ARE CONTRACTED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, NOT LONG
TERM. SURVEYOR MUST BE SPECIALIZED IN THE COMMODITY.
AVERAGE COST OF SURVEY: CEREALS USD .30 CENTS/.50
CENTS/METRIC TON; PROCESSED COMMODITIES, USD 3.00 - USD 5.00
METRIC TON;
- TENDERS ARE ONLY PUBLISHED TO APPROVED VENDORS;
- MOST VEGETABLE OIL IS PURCHASED IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND
IS THEN SHIPPED CONTAINERIZED;
- TYPICALLY, WFP CASH PURCHASES ARE BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS:
70 PERCENT CEREAL PRODUCTS, 20 PERCENT BEANS/PULSES AND 10
PERCENT SOYBEAN/PALM/CANOLA EDIBLE OIL.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
--------------
WFP COMMODITY TRACKING SYSTEM "COMPAS"
--------------
4. BOWERS AND LIEM MET WITH ANTONIO DI NUCCI, WFP SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, TO DISCUSS WFP'S COMMODITY TRACKING
SYSTEM CALLED COMPAS. THIS SYSTEM IS USED BY WFP TO TRACK
ALL WFP COMMODITY MOVEMENTS INCLUDING PROGRAM POST-DELIVERY
IN-COUNTRY LOSSES (I.E., FROM THE DESTINATION PORT OF ENTRY
ONWARDS). COMPAS IS WRITTEN IN ORACLE AND IS A DISTRIBUTED,
THICK CLIENT ENVIRONMENT, PROGRAM. THE DATABASE IS
REPLICATED MANY TIMES, FROM THE COUNTRY LEVEL TO THE
REGIONAL LEVEL AND FINALLY TO WFP HEADQUARTERS. NOTE: THERE
ARE APPROXIMATELY 300 WFP OFFICES/SUB-OFFICES RUNNING THE
COMPAS PROGRAM AT PRESENT. END NOTE.
5. COMPAS TRACKS THE COMMODITY BY CONSIGNMENT, INCLUDING
WHERE ONE SHIPPING INSTRUCTION (SI) MAY BE BROKEN DOWN INTO
SEVERAL CONSIGNMENTS. IT RECORDS TRUCK DISPATCHES, BY THE
INPUT OF WEIGHT BILL INFORMATION, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE
CONDITION OF COMMODITIES RECEIVED AT THE DESTINATION
WAREHOUSE(S). IT ALSO TRACKS LANDSIDE TRANSPORT
INSTRUCTIONS, AND ALLOWS FOR IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NGO
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3088
PAGE 01 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
ACTION ECA-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
INL-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 OIGO-00 E-00 UTED-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 IRM-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00
USIE-00 EPAE-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 228C3A 091542Z /38
P 091518Z JAN 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7601
USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY 2473
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
USEU BRUSSELS 3051
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
INFORMATION INPUT FROM THE ACTUAL FEEDING PROCESS.
6. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) (BOTH INDIGENOUS
AND INTERNATIONAL) ARE WFP'S PARTNERS IN THE ACTUAL FEEDING
PROCESS. WFP CONSIGNS THE FOOD AT THE EXTENDED DELIVERY
POINT (OR AT THE VILLAGE LEVEL) TO THE NGO, AND THE NGO THEN
REPORTS BACK TO WFP ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE FED AND THE
COMMODITY QUANTITIES ACTUALLY DELIVERED. COMPAS APPEARS TO
BE A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR TRACKING LOSSES; HOWEVER, THE
OBVIOUS DOWNSIDE IS THE "THICK CLIENT ENVIRONMENT," MEANING
SOFTWARE MUST RESIDE ON EACH PERSON'S PC, WHICH MAKES SYSTEM
UPGRADES/REPLICATION COMPLEX.
-------------- --------------
WFP'S INFORMATION NETWORK AND GLOBAL SYSTEM (WINGS)
FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM REVIEWED
-------------- --------------
7. THE TEAM RECEIVED A WALK-THROUGH OF WFP'S WINGS SYSTEM.
WINGS IS A COMMERCIAL, OFF-THE-SHELF (COTS) "SAP" PACKAGE
THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED FOR USE BY WFP. THE TEAM DISCUSSED
THE SYSTEM'S ADAPTABILITY AND HOW WFP MIGHT ELECTRONICALLY
SHARE INFORMATION WITH U.S. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.
-------------- --------------
WFP'S WINGS AND USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM (FARES)
-------------- --------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
8. THE TEAM MET WITH KEN HERMAN, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
AND DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
DIVISION, AND ROBERT BAYNE, CHIEF OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, TO DISCUSS THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE TWO
SYSTEMS AND WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR WINGS TO BE "BRIDGED"
TO THE FARES SYSTEM. HERMAN WAS SUPPORTIVE OF THE FARES
SYSTEM AND POSITIVE ON DEVELOPING INTERNAL LINKS TO PERMIT
THE TWO SYSTEMS TO SHARE INFORMATION. HERMAN AND BAYNE
AGREED TO "TRANSLATE" TABLES THAT ARE DIFFERENT IN THE TWO
SYSTEMS, SUCH AS COMMODITY AND COUNTRY CODES. THIS
TRANSLATION WILL ENABLE BOTH USERS TO READ AND PROCESS
APPROPRIATE FILES. THE USDA TEAM GAVE HERMAN AND BAYNE A
USDA TEST SHIPPING INSTRUCTION XML FORMAT. WFP AGREED TO
DEDICATE THE RESOURCES TO GET THE INFORMATION OUT OF THE
WINGS SYSTEM AND TO SEND IT ALONG TO USDA/FSA IN THE
PROPOSED FORMAT.
9. THE TEAM ALSO MET WITH LYNNE FAIRSERVICE, CHIEF OF THE
ENTERPRISE SERVICES BRANCH, AND EDGARDO YU OF THE SYSTEMS
SUPPORT BRANCH. THEY DISCUSSED NETWORK AND COMMUNICATIONS
ASPECTS OF LINKING FARES AND WINGS.
--------------
USDA TEAM "PITCHES" FARES
--------------
10. THE TEAM GAVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE FARES SYSTEM TO
SEVERAL WFP OFFICIALS, INCLUDING ITS INTERNAL AUDIT
DIVISION. WFP'S QUESTIONS CENTERED ON THE SYSTEM'S
DEPENDABILITY, SECURITY, FLEXIBILITY AND THE DEVELOPMENTAL
ASPECTS OF THE SYSTEM.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
11. TEAM MEMBERS ALSO CONDUCTED PRELIMINARY TRAINING FOR
WFP PERSONNEL THAT WOULD BE DESIGNATED FOR INPUTTING
SHIPPING INSTRUCTION DATA INTO THE FARES SYSTEM. THIS DATA
WOULD BE INPUTTED MANUALLY FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF FARES,
UNTIL THE ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF DATA IS COMPLETED.
--------------
WFP'S IN-COUNTRY COMMODITY LOSSES
--------------
12. THE TEAM MET WITH TONY DOWELL, CHIEF OF INSURANCE AND
LEGAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS DIVISION, AND
VINCENT COMBES, SENIOR INSURANCE AND LEGAL OFFICER
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS DIVISION TO DISCUSS LOSSES AND
SURVEYS. DOWELL AND COMBES EXPLAINED HOW WFP IS THE WORLD'S
LARGEST FOOD AID MOVER. IT WAS DISCUSSED HOW USDA AND WFP
CAN BETTER SHARE LOSS DATA SO TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ON
CHANGES WHERE APPROPRIATE ON PACKAGING USED FOR FOOD AID
PROGRAMS. OF PARTICULAR INTEREST WOULD BE FEEDBACK ON THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BAG USED FOR U.S.
PROCESSED/FORTIFIED PRODUCTS. DOWELL SAID HE WOULD REQUEST
THAT A WFP CONTRACTOR PULL THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER FOR
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3089
PAGE 01 ROME 00081 03 OF 03 091542Z
ACTION ECA-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 VC-00 TEDE-00
INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 IRM-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 228C3F 091542Z /38
P 091518Z JAN 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7602
USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY 2474
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
USEU BRUSSELS 3052
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 03 OF 03 091542Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO USDA/FSA.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
13. THIS SUCCESSFUL VISIT WILL REQUIRE FOLLOW-UP ON: (A)
FINALIZING A "BRIDGE" BETWEEN THE USDA'S FARES AND WFP'S
WINGS SYSTEMS; (B) PERFECTING PROPER DATA ENTRY BY WFP STAFF
INTO THE FARES SYSTEM; AND (C) BETTER DATA SHARING ON
COMMODITY LOSSES BETWEEN USDA AND WFP. USDA'S UPCOMING
KANSAS CITY APRIL 2003 CONFERENCE SHOULD PROVIDE BOTH
PARTIES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW INITIAL PROGRESS
AND PLOT NEXT STEPS. HEILEMAN
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME00081 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. KEY MEMBERS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S FARM
SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFICE TRAVELED
TO ROME, ITALY, NOVEMBER 18-22, 2002, TO BRIEF WORLD FOOD
PROGRAM OFFICIALS ON USDA'S NEW FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY
SYSTEM (FARES) AND TRAIN SELECT MEMBERS OF WFP STAFF ON THE
SYSTEM. THIS SUCCESSFUL VISIT WILL REQUIRE FOLLOW-UP ON: (A)
FINALIZING A "BRIDGE" BETWEEN THE USDA'S FARES AND WFP'S
WINGS SYSTEMS; (B) PERFECTING PROPER DATA ENTRY BY WFP STAFF
INTO THE FARES SYSTEM; AND (C) BETTER DATA SHARING ON
COMMODITY LOSSES BETWEEN USDA AND WFP. USDA'S UPCOMING
KANSAS CITY APRIL 2003 CONFERENCE SHOULD PROVIDE BOTH
PARTIES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW INITIAL PROGRESS
AND PLOT NEXT STEPS. END SUMMARY.
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
2. USDA/FSA KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFICE STAFFERS ETHEL
BOWERS AND DAVID LEIM OF THE PROCESSED COMMODITIES DIVISION
AND NELSON RANDALL OF THE EXPORT OPERATIONS DIVISION
TRAVELED TO ROME, ITALY, NOVEMBER 18-22, 2002 - TO BRIEF
WORLD FOOD PROGRAM OFFICIALS ON USDA'S NEW FOOD AID REQUEST
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
ENTRY SYSTEM (FARES).
3. THE USDA TEAM MET FIRST WITH WFP'S CHIEF OF THE
PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING BRANCH, VLADMIRO GAROFALO,
DURING WHICH THEY DISCUSSED THE METHODOLOGY OF COMMODITY
PROCUREMENT. THIS PRIMARILY DEALT WITH NON-U.S. DONATIONS,
WHETHER IN-KIND OR CASH DONATIONS. THE MODUS OPERANDI FOR
WFP COMMODITY PROCUREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- EITHER: LOCAL IN-COUNTRY PURCHASES, REGIONAL PURCHASES IN
A NEIGHBORING COUNTRY, OR INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES ON THE
WORLD MARKET (THESE PRESENTLY EQUATE TO 50 PERCENT OF WFP'S
COMMODITY PROCUREMENTS);
- LOAD SURVEYS ARE DONE ON ALL CARGOES WITH TALLIES;
- SURVEYS ARE CONTRACTED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, NOT LONG
TERM. SURVEYOR MUST BE SPECIALIZED IN THE COMMODITY.
AVERAGE COST OF SURVEY: CEREALS USD .30 CENTS/.50
CENTS/METRIC TON; PROCESSED COMMODITIES, USD 3.00 - USD 5.00
METRIC TON;
- TENDERS ARE ONLY PUBLISHED TO APPROVED VENDORS;
- MOST VEGETABLE OIL IS PURCHASED IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND
IS THEN SHIPPED CONTAINERIZED;
- TYPICALLY, WFP CASH PURCHASES ARE BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS:
70 PERCENT CEREAL PRODUCTS, 20 PERCENT BEANS/PULSES AND 10
PERCENT SOYBEAN/PALM/CANOLA EDIBLE OIL.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00081 01 OF 03 091541Z
--------------
WFP COMMODITY TRACKING SYSTEM "COMPAS"
--------------
4. BOWERS AND LIEM MET WITH ANTONIO DI NUCCI, WFP SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, TO DISCUSS WFP'S COMMODITY TRACKING
SYSTEM CALLED COMPAS. THIS SYSTEM IS USED BY WFP TO TRACK
ALL WFP COMMODITY MOVEMENTS INCLUDING PROGRAM POST-DELIVERY
IN-COUNTRY LOSSES (I.E., FROM THE DESTINATION PORT OF ENTRY
ONWARDS). COMPAS IS WRITTEN IN ORACLE AND IS A DISTRIBUTED,
THICK CLIENT ENVIRONMENT, PROGRAM. THE DATABASE IS
REPLICATED MANY TIMES, FROM THE COUNTRY LEVEL TO THE
REGIONAL LEVEL AND FINALLY TO WFP HEADQUARTERS. NOTE: THERE
ARE APPROXIMATELY 300 WFP OFFICES/SUB-OFFICES RUNNING THE
COMPAS PROGRAM AT PRESENT. END NOTE.
5. COMPAS TRACKS THE COMMODITY BY CONSIGNMENT, INCLUDING
WHERE ONE SHIPPING INSTRUCTION (SI) MAY BE BROKEN DOWN INTO
SEVERAL CONSIGNMENTS. IT RECORDS TRUCK DISPATCHES, BY THE
INPUT OF WEIGHT BILL INFORMATION, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE
CONDITION OF COMMODITIES RECEIVED AT THE DESTINATION
WAREHOUSE(S). IT ALSO TRACKS LANDSIDE TRANSPORT
INSTRUCTIONS, AND ALLOWS FOR IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NGO
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3088
PAGE 01 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
ACTION ECA-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
INL-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 OIGO-00 E-00 UTED-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 IRM-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00
USIE-00 EPAE-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 228C3A 091542Z /38
P 091518Z JAN 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7601
USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY 2473
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
USEU BRUSSELS 3051
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
INFORMATION INPUT FROM THE ACTUAL FEEDING PROCESS.
6. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) (BOTH INDIGENOUS
AND INTERNATIONAL) ARE WFP'S PARTNERS IN THE ACTUAL FEEDING
PROCESS. WFP CONSIGNS THE FOOD AT THE EXTENDED DELIVERY
POINT (OR AT THE VILLAGE LEVEL) TO THE NGO, AND THE NGO THEN
REPORTS BACK TO WFP ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE FED AND THE
COMMODITY QUANTITIES ACTUALLY DELIVERED. COMPAS APPEARS TO
BE A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR TRACKING LOSSES; HOWEVER, THE
OBVIOUS DOWNSIDE IS THE "THICK CLIENT ENVIRONMENT," MEANING
SOFTWARE MUST RESIDE ON EACH PERSON'S PC, WHICH MAKES SYSTEM
UPGRADES/REPLICATION COMPLEX.
-------------- --------------
WFP'S INFORMATION NETWORK AND GLOBAL SYSTEM (WINGS)
FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM REVIEWED
-------------- --------------
7. THE TEAM RECEIVED A WALK-THROUGH OF WFP'S WINGS SYSTEM.
WINGS IS A COMMERCIAL, OFF-THE-SHELF (COTS) "SAP" PACKAGE
THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED FOR USE BY WFP. THE TEAM DISCUSSED
THE SYSTEM'S ADAPTABILITY AND HOW WFP MIGHT ELECTRONICALLY
SHARE INFORMATION WITH U.S. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.
-------------- --------------
WFP'S WINGS AND USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM (FARES)
-------------- --------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
8. THE TEAM MET WITH KEN HERMAN, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
AND DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
DIVISION, AND ROBERT BAYNE, CHIEF OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, TO DISCUSS THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE TWO
SYSTEMS AND WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR WINGS TO BE "BRIDGED"
TO THE FARES SYSTEM. HERMAN WAS SUPPORTIVE OF THE FARES
SYSTEM AND POSITIVE ON DEVELOPING INTERNAL LINKS TO PERMIT
THE TWO SYSTEMS TO SHARE INFORMATION. HERMAN AND BAYNE
AGREED TO "TRANSLATE" TABLES THAT ARE DIFFERENT IN THE TWO
SYSTEMS, SUCH AS COMMODITY AND COUNTRY CODES. THIS
TRANSLATION WILL ENABLE BOTH USERS TO READ AND PROCESS
APPROPRIATE FILES. THE USDA TEAM GAVE HERMAN AND BAYNE A
USDA TEST SHIPPING INSTRUCTION XML FORMAT. WFP AGREED TO
DEDICATE THE RESOURCES TO GET THE INFORMATION OUT OF THE
WINGS SYSTEM AND TO SEND IT ALONG TO USDA/FSA IN THE
PROPOSED FORMAT.
9. THE TEAM ALSO MET WITH LYNNE FAIRSERVICE, CHIEF OF THE
ENTERPRISE SERVICES BRANCH, AND EDGARDO YU OF THE SYSTEMS
SUPPORT BRANCH. THEY DISCUSSED NETWORK AND COMMUNICATIONS
ASPECTS OF LINKING FARES AND WINGS.
--------------
USDA TEAM "PITCHES" FARES
--------------
10. THE TEAM GAVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE FARES SYSTEM TO
SEVERAL WFP OFFICIALS, INCLUDING ITS INTERNAL AUDIT
DIVISION. WFP'S QUESTIONS CENTERED ON THE SYSTEM'S
DEPENDABILITY, SECURITY, FLEXIBILITY AND THE DEVELOPMENTAL
ASPECTS OF THE SYSTEM.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00081 02 OF 03 091542Z
11. TEAM MEMBERS ALSO CONDUCTED PRELIMINARY TRAINING FOR
WFP PERSONNEL THAT WOULD BE DESIGNATED FOR INPUTTING
SHIPPING INSTRUCTION DATA INTO THE FARES SYSTEM. THIS DATA
WOULD BE INPUTTED MANUALLY FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF FARES,
UNTIL THE ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF DATA IS COMPLETED.
--------------
WFP'S IN-COUNTRY COMMODITY LOSSES
--------------
12. THE TEAM MET WITH TONY DOWELL, CHIEF OF INSURANCE AND
LEGAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS DIVISION, AND
VINCENT COMBES, SENIOR INSURANCE AND LEGAL OFFICER
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS DIVISION TO DISCUSS LOSSES AND
SURVEYS. DOWELL AND COMBES EXPLAINED HOW WFP IS THE WORLD'S
LARGEST FOOD AID MOVER. IT WAS DISCUSSED HOW USDA AND WFP
CAN BETTER SHARE LOSS DATA SO TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ON
CHANGES WHERE APPROPRIATE ON PACKAGING USED FOR FOOD AID
PROGRAMS. OF PARTICULAR INTEREST WOULD BE FEEDBACK ON THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BAG USED FOR U.S.
PROCESSED/FORTIFIED PRODUCTS. DOWELL SAID HE WOULD REQUEST
THAT A WFP CONTRACTOR PULL THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER FOR
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3089
PAGE 01 ROME 00081 03 OF 03 091542Z
ACTION ECA-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 VC-00 TEDE-00
INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 IRM-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 228C3F 091542Z /38
P 091518Z JAN 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7602
USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY 2474
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
USEU BRUSSELS 3052
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 03 ROME 000081
SIPDIS
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
USDA/FSA FOR SMITEFF, AMERRICK AND NMRANDALL
DCHA/D/FFP LANDIS, JON BRAUSE, JDRUMMOND AND JTHOMPSON
STATE FOR IO A/S HOLMES, IO/EDA SWINNICK, PRM/JZIMMERMAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU AORC PREF EAGR EU WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDAEAID WFP UN USDA
SUBJECT: USDA/FSA DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00081 03 OF 03 091542Z
RELATED TO LINKAGE TO USDA'S FOOD AID REQUEST ENTRY SYSTEM
(FARES)
ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO USDA/FSA.
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COMMENT
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13. THIS SUCCESSFUL VISIT WILL REQUIRE FOLLOW-UP ON: (A)
FINALIZING A "BRIDGE" BETWEEN THE USDA'S FARES AND WFP'S
WINGS SYSTEMS; (B) PERFECTING PROPER DATA ENTRY BY WFP STAFF
INTO THE FARES SYSTEM; AND (C) BETTER DATA SHARING ON
COMMODITY LOSSES BETWEEN USDA AND WFP. USDA'S UPCOMING
KANSAS CITY APRIL 2003 CONFERENCE SHOULD PROVIDE BOTH
PARTIES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW INITIAL PROGRESS
AND PLOT NEXT STEPS. HEILEMAN
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME00081 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED