Volume: 18

No: 7

Publication date: 05/96

The AFFIRMation On Line

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

AFFIRM, the Association For Federal Information Resources Management, is a Washington, DC-based council of the Federation of Government Information Processing Councils. It is a nonprofit, volunteer organization whose goal is to improve the management of information within the Federal Government.

The Federal Chief Information Officer
A Seat At The Table
by AFFIRM's Emerging Issues Forum


The Brooks Act, "the primary legislation behind Federal information technology management over the past decades," was repealed. The passage of the Information Technology Management and Reform Act (ITMRA) of 1996 established a new framework for strategic management of information by Federal agencies. Chief Information Officers (CIOs), whose appointment is mandated by the ITMRA, are the focal point for this new approach. Congress, through the ITMRA, clearly stated their focus on the need for government-wide strategic information management by directing appointment of CIOs at a senior management level, similar to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The clear intent of the legislation is to establish the CIO position as a senior management partner with a "seat at the table." To paraphrase Churchill, it is now the end of the beginning of the information age for the Federal Government.

The Association for Federal Information Resources Management (AFFIRM) commissioned its Emerging Issues Forum (EIF) to research the CIO position. The EIF conducted a survey of the literature and a number of interviews to determine the current thinking among private-sector and Federal agency officials and IRM practitioners. The EIF sought to determine critical success factors for CIO implementation, particularly factors under debate by all of our Federal agencies as ITMRA's August 8, 1996 implementation approaches.

The EIF's study "The Chief Information Officer: A Seat at the Table" provides:

1) an historical perspective of the evolution of information management, culminating in the establishment of CIOs;
2) an overview of the ITMRA's provisions;
3) identification of critical factors for successful implementation of CIO position; and
4) a review of unresolved issues for new CIOs to address.

The EIF's literature search revealed a number of common themes that parallel issues presently under discussion in the Federal community and issues which emerged during our interviews with private-sector CIOs. The fundamental theme was the importance of ensuring that the CIO is a full member of the executive team. The phrase heard most often was that the CIO must have a "seat at the table." The EIF's research clearly indicated that inclusion of the CIO at the senior management table is imperative for CIO effectiveness.

How can we judge the degree to which a CIO position has a "seat at the table?" The EIF identified the following four critical success factors for use in answering this question:

1) The CEO's attitude toward the value of the CIO position;
2) The CIO's primary duties;
3) The knowledge, skills, and qualities considered mandatory for assignment as the CIO; and
4) The CIO's placement within the organization.

All of these factors impact the CIO's seat at the table in Federal agencies. The EIF's study suggests the way to gauge the degree to which agencies have positioned their CIO's to succeed in strategic information management is to ask, "does the CIO have a substantive seat at the table?" The degree to which the answer is "yes" reflects the CIOs' initial potential to lead their agency in strategic use of information. The graphic below illustrates that without successful implementation of these factors, the CIO will not even receive an invitation to the table. However, if these critical success factors are addressed properly, the CIO will have a seat at the senior executive table.

Those who question the importance of having a successful CIO should consider the point made by Dr. Charlotte Stephens of Columbus College -"Whether or not an organization has a CIO, or even needs a CIO, may well reveal only one fact: whether or not that organization is yet in the mainstream of the global economy."¹

1. Charlotte S. Stephens. "The Role of the CIO: A Status Report," Information Strategy: The Executive Journal (Winter, 1994), p. 51.



The President's Corner
Recent Happenings

I am pleased to report AFFIRM finished the program year strongly. Our May luncheon, "Future FTS 2000 - Coming Down to the Wire," drew a capacity audience and provided a superb format for a discussion of Federal and industry Federal telecommunications perspectives.

In early June, we jointly held a Sustaining Partners Appreciation Event and pre-publication discussion of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) white paper produced by AFFIRM's Emerging Issues Forum. In attendance were representatives of AFFIRM's Sustaining Partners and several senior Federal officials. An event highlight was Deputy Director for Management at OMB, John Koskinen's impromptu remarks recognizing AFFIRM's CIO white paper as an important contribution to improvement of Federal IRM.

The CIO study, "The Federal Chief Information Officer - A Seat at the Table," is another important AFFIRM accomplishment. We all give special congratulations to the co-chairs of our Emerging Issues Forum, Marv Gordon and Mark Day, and the team that assisted them in producing the report. If you wish to receive a paper or electronic version of the report, mail your request to AFFIRM, Box 2851, Washington, DC 20013 or send an E-mail request to affirm.info@epamail.epa.gov. This report will also appear on AFFIRM's Internet Website in the near future (www.fedcenter.com/affirm).

Our June luncheon seminar, with its varied agenda, provided a great way to close out our year. First, we recognized a FGIPC scholarship award winner, Jeffrey Giasson of Woodbridge High School, Woodbridge, VA. This scholarship was made possible by a financial contribution from AFFIRM. Second, one of our own members was recognized as FGIPC's Government IT Executive for 1996 - your's truly, primarily for leadership of AFFIRM. Third, in lieu of our traditional individual AFFIRM IT Executive of the Year, we recognized the Interagency Management Council for its outstanding collaborative work in the area of Federal telecommunications. Lastly, several key authors of AFFIRM's CIO white paper briefed us its findings and recommendations.

The Year in Retrospect
Last summer, the AFFIRM Board set a very ambitious set of objectives for our association. I am pleased to report that we reached a number of our goals, and made substantial progress towards achieving the others. Below are listed some of our more notable accomplishments, and the key Board members largely responsible for them:

• We began to record AFFIRM's institutional history thanks to John Coyle.
• Our seminar program featured the most current and pressing issues in Federal IRM, and became one of the most popular venues for issues discussion in our community. Special thanks to both Deirdre Murray and Maureen Rhemann.
• Our membership grew significantly and we made great strides in streamlining our membership operations. Thanks to Beth Koehler and Brenda Daly.
• We created a new sponsor program, AFFIRM's Sustaining Partners, and substantially exceeded our recruitment objectives. Mary Dale, Rick Martin, and Jim Stout were responsible for this success.
• We created AFFIRM's Emerging Issues Forum, and published white papers on IT Performance Measurement and on the Federal CIO. Marv Gordon and Mark Day provided the leadership that made these publications possible.
• We had a strong year with respect to association operations, based on substantially improved communications and coordination. Board members who made significant contributions in this area include: Bill Beaver, Systems Support; Eva Desiderio and Phil Paparodis, Communications Committee; Bob Golas, Reengineering; Ava Arnone and Joe Lentini, Newsletter Committee; Cathy Hollan, Secretary; and Chris Folger and Terry Forrest, Treasurers.
• We implemented a presence on the Internet's World Wide Web and began to utilize it for communications and selected member operations. Special thanks to Christina Nelson, Marlene Palmer, and Larry Collins.

I also acknowledge with great appreciation the sage counsel of Directors Art Chantker, Beth Koehler, and Cynthia Shoemaker. Finally, thanks to the individual AFFIRM members who contributed their valuable time and effort to assist with AFFIRM activities. I hope the year was as rewarding for you as it was for me. A most heartfelt "thank you" to all who participated. It was a great year!

Paul Wohlleben

June Seminar Recap
AFFIRM Honors IMC at June 13 Luncheon

AFFIRM honored the Interagency Management Council (IMC) at their June 13 IRM of the Year Awards Luncheon held at GWU's University Club. IMC Chairman, Dave Bittenbender accepted the award on behalf of the IMC for their leadership and collaborative efforts with GSA in enhancing the federal telecommunications program.

After the IRM of the Year awards, our Emerging Issues co-chairs, Mark Day (EPA) and Marv Gordon (Business Information Associates) briefed the audience on AFFIRM's just-released study, "The Federal Chief Information Officer - A Seat at the Table." Gordon explained that the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1966 (ITMRA) established a new framework for strategic management of information resources by Federal executive agencies. The ITMRA-mandated appointment of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) in all executive agencies represents the ITMRA and agency focal point for today's management of information resources.

AFFIRM's study included interviews, a literature search, and a survey of IRM practitioners from the public and private sector. Interviewees included senior officials from the Departments of Education, VA, Treasury, OMC; the U.S. Senate; and CIOs from Lockheed Martin, Marriott, the French Ministry of Culture's Ministry of Education. The study noted that the four critical success factors impacting the CIO's "seat at the table" are the CEO's attitude toward the CIO's value, the CIO's duties, the CIO's skills and qualities, and the CIO's place within an organization.

The ITMRA reflects the reality that information is the primary resource of the Federal Government, and we must manage it as a strategic asset that is integral to our missions. The ITMRA regulates the CIOs, the study noted, and reflects the natural evolution of IT management in the public and private sector.

Reengineering Recap
Engineering has had a busy year. Back in September we helped the AFFIRMation team restructure and reformat the newsletter. Then we helped Beth Koehler and Brenda Daly on various membership tasks, including the process of checking membership data as members registered for luncheons. The degree of success this effort had is directly attributable to Beth and Brenda.
Perhaps the most important reengineering task for the year is chairing the AFFIRM committee to review programs, activities, benefits, procedures, and any other necessary items with a goal of continuing the growth of AFFIRM membership while maintaining an optimum government-to-industry (academia) mix. We expect to complete this effort by the end of July 96.

Upcoming Events
Please join us for AFFIRM's Thursday, September 19, 1996, luncheon. We will feature the Honorable John A. Koskinen, Deputy Director for Management Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Koskinen will present "OMB's Role in a Time of Change."

In an era of continued government downsizing and shrinking budgets, combined with sweeping procurement legislative reform, OMB has assumed a more comprehensive role. Join us to hear OMB's Deputy Director for Management, John A. Koskinen discuss the changing times and challenges facing the Federal Government.

Prior to returning to public service, Mr. Koskinen was President of The Palmieri Company, which managed and restructured a number of large, troubled companies. During his 21 year tenure with the Palmieri Company, he helped reorganize the Penn Central Transportation Company; Levitt and Sons, Inc; Baldwin-United Corporation; and, Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company. He presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Duke University and is a past President of the University's National Alumni Association.

Treasurer's Final Report
AFFIRM concluded the fiscal year with net assets of $11,003. Major expenditures during the year included two Emerging Issues Reports and a contribution to a FGIPC scholarship. Income exceeded budget as a result of the robust corporate sponsorship program. Expenditures were less than budget due to savings in Web page creation (through a corporate sponsorship), in a more cost effective communications system, and reduced newsletter costs. As a result, Affirm ended the year with a surplus of $6,900.

1996-97 Affirm Election Results
The 1996 AFFIRM Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the results of the election of officers for the 1996-97 term. The new AFFIRM elected officers are:

President: Paul Wohlleben, Environmental Protection Agency
Vice President: Gloria Parker, Department of Education
Co-Vice President Programs: Deirdre Murray, GTE
Co-Vice President Programs: Ava Arnone, MRJ, Inc.
Secretary: Cathy Hollan, Patent and Trademark Office
Treasurer: Chris Folger, UNYSIS
Associate Treasurer: Terry Forrest, Environmental Protection Agency


As the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, I thank the AFFIRM membership for their strong support of the candidates as demonstrated by the huge number of ballets returned. I also give special thanks to the members of the Nominating Committee, Dr. Cynthia Shoemaker, Marv Gordon, Bob Golas, Mary Dale, and Mark Day for their efforts and contributions.

In addition to the elected officers, AFFIRM members serve on numerous standing and special committees. If you would like to make additional contributions to the success of AFFIRM by working on a committee, please call Director Dr. Cynthia Shoemaker at (703) 521-0039.

Thanks again for your support of AFFIRM!

Editor's Notes
Joe and I would like to thank everyone who participated in the creation of the AFFIRMation during the past year. Although I will be moving on to a new job for the 96/97 year, Joe will continue to publish the AFFIRMation. Thanks in advance for your continued support.