Because the IMP is a complex, albeit dynamic process, it involves the work of several groups within Customs. For example, the IMP requires detailed planning, coordination, and communications within and between the Assistant Commissioner Offices and the Office of Information and Technology (OIT). At the Assistant Commissioner level, the business information technology representatives (BITRs) represent their Assistant Commissioners and work with project sponsors and OIT staff. (See the May 2001 issue of U.S. Customs Today for more information on the BITR role.) In OIT, the Business Interface Representatives (BIRs) are a group dedicated to supporting OIT's customers, and promoting Customs processes and policies used to plan information technology projects.

Assistant Commissioner and Chief Information Officer S. W. Hall, Jr., OIT, created the BIR position to coordinate and facilitate communications between OIT and customers who have submitted information technology projects for consideration.

Says Hall, "Their role is to become familiar with our customers' strategic processes, simplify requests for support, resolve issues, and facilitate communication. We are aligning our resources with our customers' needs and improving our customer friendliness."

In short, the BIRs are relationship managers who assist Customs program sponsors as they navigate through the world of information technology. They are the project advocates as the information technology project progresses through the multiple stages of its development - from project inception through deployment.

The BIRs work closely with the BITRs and project managers to ensure that operational and business requirements are included in the analysis and comply with investment management procedures.

Selected from different Customs offices because of their operational perspective and specialized skills and experience at programmatic levels, the BIRs possess knowledge in areas such as finance, facilitation, field operations, and strategic planning.

OIT's business interface representatives Linda D. Baker, Trade Systems (ACS, AES, and ACE) Cynthia J. Mannucci, Enforcement Systems (TECS and SEACATS) Joseph W. Palmer, Administrative Systems (Finance, Human Resources, and Training) Joyce Turnquist, Team Leader The BIRs report directly to Jerry Russomano, Executive Director, Software Development Division (SDD).