agency information exchange functional standards evaluation

2. Developing and implementing information exchange guidelines. Agencies should develop NIEM
implementation plans to identify the relevant strategies and steps towards integrating the NIEM
framework into their information exchange practices. They should:
• Evaluate key information exchange programs, policies and institutional procedures as
candidates for NIEM integration. For example, although agencies have a well-defined
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for system delivery, only some have a defined
process for information exchange development or a ‘go-to’ standard for exchange
development;
• Determine gaps in information exchange knowledge and attend requisite training based on
agency role;
• Adopt established best practices and experiences from other agencies that have implemented
the framework for inclusion into the NIEM implementation plan; and
• Participate in community discussion; stay engaged in the framework.
3. Creating collaborative sharing agreements. Agencies do not always have the right points of contact within
external agencies – which can hinder interagency collaboration. In addition, agencies do not have a
complete understanding of what an external agency has available to share to enable improved
decision making and mission performance. Agencies should:
• Assess and develop an inventory of data and information exchange assets that are available
within their agency and department/bureau organizations;
• Categorize the assets by mission to ensure alignment with stated agency goals and to
demonstrate value; and
• Develop a methodology and guidance for standardizing agency sharing agreements, with
respect to the agency’s identified data and information assets, thereby enhancing mission
performance and increasing efficiency by establishing critical information flows, and
identifying areas requiring legal compliance.
4. Developing enterprise data management maturity. Data management and information exchanges are
essential to effectively share information across agencies. Sound data management practices provide
the architectural foundation for the information that is to be exchanged by making the underlying
data visible, accessible, understandable and trusted. Agencies should:
• Identify and document their data management organizational structure at the agency and
department/bureau levels;
• Develop, assess, and document their Data Management Maturity level across agency and
department/bureau levels; and
• Assess operationalization of the Data Reference Model by:
o
Documenting and sharing the agency-wide Enterprise Conceptual Data Model
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