Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE32281
2009-04-02 23:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

CMI: WORLDWIDE ROLLOUT OF ESERVICES

Tags:  AMGT KICA 
pdf how-to read a cable
UNCLASSIFIED STATE 00032281 

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R 022311Z APR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI 6555
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 032281 

FOR MANAGEMENT OFFICERS AND ICASS COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM
THE REGIONAL INITIATIVES COUNCIL (RIC)

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: AMGT KICA

SUBJECT: CMI: WORLDWIDE ROLLOUT OF ESERVICES

REF: STATE 1097

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 032281

FOR MANAGEMENT OFFICERS AND ICASS COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM
THE REGIONAL INITIATIVES COUNCIL (RIC)

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: AMGT KICA

SUBJECT: CMI: WORLDWIDE ROLLOUT OF ESERVICES

REF: STATE 1097


1. SUMMARY: A majority of missions have submitted
statements affirming that they have launched the Collaborative
Management Initiative (CMI). Many of these participated in
the phased rollout of the newest version of eServices.
Encouraged by this progress, the Regional Initiatives Council
(RIC) is making the eServices software available for all posts
to download as soon as they have affirmed CMI's launch. In
response to requests from ICASS agencies, the RIC has
authorized the development needed to give non-OpenNet users
access to eServices. To ensure success in the deployment and
use of the internet-accessible version, the RIC is mandating
that by June 15, 2009, all posts install and deploy the most
recent WebPASS suite, located on the PASS PMO website. On
that date, earlier versions of WebPASS will no longer be
supported by the technical staff on the PASS PMO Help Desk.
In consultation with M/FLO and MED, special consideration has
been given to using eServices to request CLO and MED services
at post. END SUMMARY.

Moving from Launch to Implementation
--------------


2. Since January, 59 percent of all missions have affirmed
their implementation of all steps in the CMI launch, as
requested in reftel. Of these, nearly 80 missions have
downloaded, installed, and successfully deployed to their
customers WebPASS 2.06.02, eServices 1.09.01, and GSR 1.02.01.
OpenNet users at these posts are now able to electronically
request any of the 195 ICASS services available locally. At a
few posts, this option is also available to USAID customers
where connectivity has been established between OpenNet and
the local USAID network.


3. Based on the success of this phased rollout, the RIC has
agreed to make the software available to all remaining posts
as soon as they complete the mandated steps in the CMI launch,
enter the dates of completion on the CMI website, and submit
an affirmation e-mail to the CMI point of contact in their
regional bureau. The software packages will be available on
or about April 15 on the PASS Program Management Office (PASS
PMO) website at http://pass.irm.state.gov/index.cfm . PASS PMO
will notify post IM sections, through their normal process, of
the exact timing of the software's availability.


4. The RIC recommends that all remaining posts complete the

CMI launch steps and submit their affirmation statements as
soon as possible but no later than the start of the summer
transfer cycle. To ensure the smoothest possible transition
to the new system, posts are advised not to download the
software until they complete the CMI launch, which was
designed to set the conditions for successful eServices
implementation at post. eServices, in turn, is a prerequisite
for transitioning to a new internet-accessible version of the
software.

The Next Step: Internet Accessibility
--------------


5. In response to requests from numerous ICASS customer
agencies, the RIC approved and is managing the development of
a new version of eServices that will give non-OpenNet
customers the ability to submit service requests
electronically through the internet. The target deployment
date for this updated WebPASS software is June 15, 2009. Once
the internet-accessible version is installed and deployed at
posts, an OpenNet account will no longer be required to access
eServices. This will enable employees with USG e-mail
addresses to submit requests from workstations linked to non-
State servers at post via the internet.


6. The successful deployment of internet-accessible
eServices will require every post to have installed the latest
version of the WebPASS software suite. Our scarce resources
limit our ability to adequately support many different and
older versions because of the significant programming changes
that are incorporated in the WebPASS suite of programs,
beginning with version 2.06.02.


7. Accordingly, as of June 15, 2009, the technical staff of
the WebPASS Help Desk will assist only those posts that are
using the latest versions of WebPASS and of all/all
applications running under the suite. A complete list of the
latest approved versions is available on the PASS PMO website
at:
http://pass.irm.state.gov/index.cfm?Page=Grid &App=7&Cat=34&Dis
play_Items=1 . The PASS PMO office also wishes to emphasize
that posts should not alter the PASS applications by any means
other than those provided for by the application or documented
in the PASS system and user manuals. Any other changes of
data field content or data specifications will invalidate
post's version of PASS; i.e., an altered version is no longer
approved, certified or accredited for use on the OpenNet.

Using eServices for CLO and MED Services
--------------


8. The transition to eServices has prompted a number of
questions about its use for ordering ICASS services from
post's Community Liaison Office (CLO) and Health Unit. CLO
concerns are related to accessibility to a service that
traditionally has been based on personal contact; Health Unit
issues involve privacy concerns. The RIC has collaborated
with the Family Liaison Office (M/FLO) and the Office of the
Medical Director (MED) so that CLO and MED customers at post
can enjoy the convenience that eServices offers without
diminished accessibility or privacy.


9. The RIC consulted extensively with M/FLO to develop
Uniform Service Standards (USS) for CLO, which contemplated
using eServices as the data collection platform to improve and
refine the USS. The RIC agreed with M/FLO that personal
contact is the most common way that CLOs provide services to
their clients at post, and that eServices should not interfere
with that relationship. At the same time, as ICASS customers
(and CLOs) become more and more familiar with requesting
services through eServices, we foresee advantages in using
eServices for some CLO functions. CLOs should consider which
of their services may be most readily adapted to eServices
requests (for example, newly assigned personnel might use
eServices to request pre-arrival and welcome information) and
which current eServices options may not work well. We
encourage CLOs to use the "CMI Discussion Board and Feedback,"
on our website, http://m.state.sbu/sites/pri/cmi/default.aspx
, to communicate with one another regarding possible uses of
eServices to better monitor workload, track performance, and
serve customers. CLO clients will still have the option of
sending requests directly to the CLO, outside of eServices;
however, we encourage customers and CLO offices to use
eServices whenever practicable because of its ability to
seamlessly collect metrics and customer feedback.


10. Note to IMOs: When setting up the eServices system at
post, include CLO activities in the set-up and link them to
the generic (not personal) CLO mailbox. In this way, service
requests for customers that choose to use eServices will go
directly to the CLO mailbox, allowing the CLO in turn to go
into eServices to provide the response.


11. The RIC also worked closely with MED to develop Uniform
Service Standards and recommendations for the use of eServices
when requesting services from post's Health Unit. Because
Health Unit requests contain medical and other personal
information, the use of eServices may not be appropriate for
and should not be mandated as the sole means by which
customers request Health Unit appointments. At the same time,
on an optional basis, some Health Units may wish to pilot the
use of eServices for service requests that do not require the
exchange of medical or personal data.

Sustainability and Continuing Change
--------------


12. Increased use of eServices at post will continue to
generate recommendations by users in the field for
enhancements and improvements. In order to properly manage
the programming required by these recommendations, the RIC has
created an eServices/WebPASS Working Group. User-recommended
changes that are already in the development stage include
internet-accessible eServices; changing the title of "Ask the
Pro" and placing it at the end of eServices dropdown lists;
and allowing the attachment of documents to service requests
as needed. More information on the activities of the
eServices/WebPASS Working Group, including a complete list of
field suggestions under consideration, will be provided
septel. In the meantime, users are encouraged to submit
suggestions to their CMI points of contact:

Region Regional Bureau POC M/PRI POC
-------------- -------------- --------------
AF Sylvie Martinez Jason Kalbfleisch
EAP David LaMontagne Joel Danies
EUR/IO Bruce Andrew Leo Voytko
NEA/SCA Jennifer McIntyre Steven Gibson
WHA Margaret Kurtz-Randall Stephanie Gillespie


13. Minimize considered.
CLINTON