|  |  | IT06 Report - Executive Summary
Information Technology Initiative Number Six, By the IT06 Task Force
(05/16/1995)IT06 Report - Executive Summary
In June 1994, the Office of the Vice President issued a report of the National Performance Review entitled Creating a Government That Works Better and Costs Less - Reengineering Through Information Technology. That sub-report identified thirteen Information Technology initiatives expected to provide "the essential infrastructure for government of the 21st century...and give citizens broader, more timely access to information and services through efficient, customer-responsive processes."A multi-agency task force was formed representing 53 agencies to address the sixth recommendation that calls for the implementation of an International Trade Data System. This system is to meet the needs of the Federal Government agencies involved in international trade, those of the business community, and the general public.This paper has been prepared by the task force for the Government Information Technology Services Working Group (GITS), a sub-group of the National Information Infrastructure Task Force (NII) and contains the IT06 task force concepts and recommendations for an International Trade Data System. The ideas presented here envision U.S. Government international trade and transportation processes being fully integrated and fully responsive to the needs of U.S. businesses and the general public. These recommendations were developed by people actually performing international trade activities within the federal agencies. Business response to these ideas have been extremely favorable.Present System
Today, separate trade and transportation data systems are maintained by federal agencies involved in complicated and diverse international trade processes. Exporters and importers deal with numerous paper and electronic systems and are often confounded by duplicative, incompatible, and non-uniform data reporting and recordkeeping requirements. On the other hand, those who need access to international trade data must often research several potentially incompatible sources because the systems are not standardized using common data nor technology. This state of reporting and processing acts as a barrier to efficient and effective trade and traffic flows, adds to the costs for business and government of conducting international trade, and makes analysis of the data difficult, or in many cases impossible.Proposed International Trade Data System
The IT06 team proposes an integrated systems approach supported by a standardized set of trade data that will meet the requirements of the private sector and federal agencies for the conduct of international trade. An integrated system would provide an entry path for both the suppliers and users of trade information, and it would integrate government processes through the use of standard trade and transportation data. Commercial data exchanged in the normal conduct of business would form the foundation of the new system. Communications would be facilitated by the use of a standard protocols such as United Nations/Electronic Data Interface For Administration, Commerce, and Transportation (UN/EDIFACT). The Task Force does not envision a new system being built. Rather, it would require that agencies modify their systems to conform to the international trade data system standards. In conjunction with streamlining trade processes, the system would become a public source for information about the federal agencies involved in trade regulation. It would provide government regulations, duty rates, and information such as market studies, and sources of funds. It would provide a directory of contact points in government agencies and would assist users in finding further sources of information. Public portions of the system would be available on the internet, in World Trade Centers, Customs Houses, and libraries around the country.A North American Trade Prototype that will harmonize cargo and conveyance processing among Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The prototype is expected to be on line in May 1996.Anticipated Benefits
The International Trade Data System would enhance government's ability to provide accurate and complete trade statistics, enforce the nation's trade laws, protect the public health and safety, and promote trade. It would do so at minimal cost to the government and the trade community. The use of a standard, commercial-level electronic data submission would eliminate the need for the business community to send the same data in different formats to different federal agencies, and it would allow the government to review the information more efficiently. The system would allow more rapid publication of trade data and promote superior analysis of trade and transportation data to keep U.S. firms competitive in a global economy. The system would also provide information on identifying potential markets for U.S. goods, and provide guidance in conducting international trade.Actions Needed
The Task Force recommends that the administration proceed with the development of the International Trade Data System. To oversee the development, it strongly recommends that an inter- agency IT06 "Board of Directors'' be appointed, provided with the necessary resources, and given broad decision-making authority that would move the project along and eliminate barriers to change. The Board must have the authority to direct agencies to modify their systems to comply with the international system standards. No additional money is expected to be required to complete this initiative. However, agencies will have to redirect resources to implement this trade data system under a cross- cutting budget proposal.The following actions must then be accomplished:
- Appoint a project manager to lead the actual system development. Additional staff will be recruited from the trade agencies.
- Institute standard data elements to meet the basic Government-wide trade data system requirements.
- Investigate and resolve legal issues surrounding the ownership, use, and distribution of data. This may involve statutory and/or regulatory changes.
- Identify the integration technology issues that will support the system and develop a plan for implementation in sufficient detail to support the preparation of a cross-cutting budget.
- Develop and justify an FY 1997 budget proposal that builds on existing resources. Develop the schedule of costs and benefits, including performance measures, both public and private, for such an integrated system.
- Solicit and incorporate input from the business community and other interested members of the private sector.
Conclusion
International trade flows into and out of the United States have grown from $82 billion in 1970 to over $1 trillion in 1994. The magnitude of these flows is such that an integrated data system is critical if the Government is to maintain public health and safety, enforce U.S. laws intended to prevent illegal trade practices, and enforce the U.S. export control laws, and serve the public's needs for information that will promote trade, especially export. The proposed International Trade Data System will improve the United States capability to encourage and expand international trade. |
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