Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
SOUTHWESTERN REGION (REGION 3)
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Interim Directive No.: R3 6610-2002-1
Effective Date: February 8, 2002
Duration: This interim directive expires on July 17, 2003.
Approved: ABEL M. CAMARENA
Acting Regional Forester
Date Approved: 02/06/2002
Posting Instructions: Interim directives are numbered consecutively by Title and calendar
year. Post by document name at the end of the chapter. Retain this transmittal as the first
page(s) of this document. The last interim directive was R3 6610-2001-1 to FSM 6610.
ID R3 6610-2002-1
New Document(s):
7 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
(Interim Directive Number
and Effective Date)
Digest:
6615.03
6615.04
Includes requirement to forecast telecommunications needs in the
USDA Forecast Inventory Reporting (FIR) Database.
Adds Washington Office delegation of authority to Regional Foresters
for procurement of cellular phones, personal communication systems
(PCS), satellite phones, and other phone services.
Adds that telecommunication recurring services granted technical
approval (TA) in a previous year do not require TA in subsequent years.
Adds guidance, Exhibit 01 – Technical Approval Decision Matrix.
Adds authority of the Regional Director, Information Resources
Management to technically approve for procurement: cellular, PCS,
satellite phones and other phone services.
R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
6615 – TECHNICAL AUTHORIZATIONS
6615.03 – Policy
Obtain authorization before acquiring information technology (IT) (automated data processing
(ADP) and telecommunication) services, equipment, software, and services only after technical
approval has been granted and the conditions for that approval, if any, have been met.
1. Acquisition of any IT item, equipment, or services must include technical approval
based on the limits established in FSM 6615.
2. Regional (Forest Service) telecommunication needs as defined in Departmental
Regulation 3300-1 Telecommunications & Internet Services and Use, for Telecommunications
Network Stabilization and Migration Program (TNSMP), must be forecast in the USDA Forecast
Inventory Reporting (FIR) Database. The Technical Approval Decision Matrix (exhibit 01) shall
be used as a guide in determining FIR, and TA requirements. Exhibit note: CE is
communication equipment; DAR is designated agency representative; IG is inspector general;
PC is personal computer; WAN is wide area networks.
3. Regional Foresters have authority to provide technical approval for the procurement of
cellular, PCS, satellite phones, and other phone services. Regional Foresters delegated authority
is $100,000 per single acquisition. This delegated authority may not be redelegated (Washington
Office letter dated June 8, 2001, Subject: Delegation of Authority for Purchase of Cellular, PCS
and Satellite Phones to Field Offices).
4. Telecommunication recurring services (such as monthly recurring costs for circuits,
cellular telephones, and so forth), granted technical approval in a previous year do not require
technical approval in subsequent years.
R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
6615.03 - Exhibit 01
Technical Approval Decision Matrix
Equipment Type
Answering Machines
Automated Data processing
Equipment Not Specifically
Listed
Cellular Telephones
Contract Services - Data Input
Contract Services - Programming
Contract Services -Website
Development
Contract Services -Other ADP
Related including rentals
Cordless Telephones >$100
Circuit Switch Unit/Data Switch
Unit (CSU/DSU)
Data Recorders
Digital Camera and Camcorder
without software
Digital Camera and Camcorder
with hardware/software, HW/SW
Digital Video Cameras for PC
Ethernet Switches
Facsimile Machines
FTS Calling Cards
Global Position System (GPS)
Equipment
Hubs
International Calling Cards
Internet Service providers
Leased Lines
Modems (V.90)
Multiplexers/Channel Banks
New PC Software
Moratorium
Waiver
 forecast on FIR
if accessing
Internet only
TA
 regardless of cost
 regardless of cost
No TA
Required





 forecast on FIR
if purchased only


 regardless of cost

 forecast on FIR
 TA for SW or
accessory hardware



 DAR Authorization

 forecast on FIR
if used on WAN
 forecast on FIR
 forecast on FIR
6615.03 - Exhibit 01

 DAR Authorization
Can’t Do!



 regardless of cost
R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
- Continued
Technical Approval
Decision Matrix
Equipment Type
Overhead Projection Equipment
Overhead Projection Equipment
with laptop capability
Pagers
Palm or Windows CE Devices
PC Operating System (non
Windows95 or Windows2000
PC Peripherals
PC Upgrades
Portable Printers
PC’s (Specialty)
Radio Equipment <$25,000
Radio System
Recording Devices
Routers
Telephone Handsets >$100
Satellite Technology
Telephone Switches
Upgrade of PC software
Video Conferencing Equipment
Video Equipment (camera, video
cassette recorders (VCR), etc.)
Voice Mail
Voice Service Moves/Changes
Von Services
Watts Lines
Wireless local area networks
(LAN)
Moratorium
Waiver
TA
No TA
Required



 if not on contract
 regardless of cost
 forecast on FIR
 forecast on FIR
if accessing
Internet only
 forecast on FIR
 forecast on FIR
 if not on contract
 regardless of cost
 if not on contract
 if not on contract
 if not on contract

 USDA IG Approval




 regardless of cost
 regardless of cost

 forecast on FIR
if purchase only
 forecast on FIR
 forecast on FIR
if accessing
Internet only
6615.04 - Responsibility
6615.04 – Exhibit 01





R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Information Technology Acquisition Authority Delegations and Limitations
1. Delegation of Authority. Authority to approve IT acquisitions up to $100,000 is
redelegated to the Regional Director, Information Resources Management. This authority now
includes procurement of cellular, PCS (cell/pager combination communication devices), satellite
phones, and other phone services.
2. Redelegation Limits. Authority to approve IT acquisitions up to $2,500 for hardware
upgrades, hardware maintenance, new software, software upgrades and software maintenance is
redelegated to Forest Supervisors. This authority may not be redelegated below the Forest
Supervisor level. The authority does not include purchases of any telecommunications
equipment or services.
This authority may be used to obtain automated data processing services, equipment, equipment
maintenance, and software to meet Forest Service needs in the most economical and efficient
manner within budget limitations while applying good management practices. This authority
includes:
a. New hardware and hardware upgrades to existing personal computers, laptops,
printers, and other IT equipment. This may include but is not limited to:
(1) Memory.
(2) Video Cards.
(3) CD Writers.
(4) Mobile Mass Storage Devices.
(5) Network Cards.
(6) Zip Drives.
b. Maintenance of software, printers, and other IT equipment.
c. New software and upgrades to software, which does not duplicate the functionality of
software already available on the IBM contract. This includes:
(1) Computer Aided Design.
(2) Photo/Graphic Editing.
R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
(3) HTML Authoring.
(4) Scientific.
(5) Statistical Analysis.
(6) Project Management.
(7) Computer Based Training.
The Director, Information Resources Management, must approve items not falling into
the above categories. Submit a justification for purchases not covered above explaining
why equipment on the IBM contract does not meet the unit’s needs, along with a
technical approval request to the Regional Office, Information Resources Management
staff.
Examples of items not included in the delegation of authority include but are not limited
to:
(a) Office Automation Suites.
(b) Word Processors.
(c) Spreadsheet Software.
(d) Database Software.
(e) X Emulators.
(f) Operating Systems.
(g) Personal Computers.
8. Limitation on Exercising Delegated Authority for Non-IBM IT Acquisitions. Items
purchased must not compromise the security or integrity of the Forest Service information
technology network or be used in a way that compromises the integrity of the Forest Service
information management environment. For example, purchasing PC storage or backup devices
to avoid storing data on the IBM server.
Authorizing officials should consult with IRM staff to ensure items requested are compatible
with Forest Service IBM equipment. It is the responsibility of the authorizing official to assure
R3 INTERIM DIRECTIVE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/08/2002
DURATION: This interim directive expires on 07/17/2003
Id_r3_6610-2002-1
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FSM 6600 – SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6610 – COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
that any purchases will not void the warranty of IBM Contract equipment, and that the requesting
personnel will support compatibility issues.
9. Annual Reporting Requirement. By October 15 each year, approving officials must
submit to the Regional Director, Information Resources Management, acquisition information of
items approved and the justification required per FSH 6609.12 for each acquisition. This
information shall be included in the annual report to the Washington Office as described in
parent text.