Glossary

Glossary

Automated teller machine (ATM). Publicly accessible computer terminal
that allows banking customers electronic entry to their accounts.

Bulletin board system (BBS). An electronic filing system through which
people can exchange messages with others. Increasingly, BBSs are
providing additional services, including electronic mail, software
libraries, and information locator services.

Centers of Excellence. Organizations that have developed expertise in
particular areas.

Digital signature. An electronic protocol that uniquely identifies a
person or institution transmitting an electronic document.

Digital encryption. An electronic encoding protocol to provide security
for electronic documents.

Direct federal payment program. A benefit program that is paid by the
federal government directly to the recipient.

Electronic benefit transfer (EBT). The electronic payment of benefits to
program recipients.

Electronic Benefit Transfer Task Force. An interagency task force
established to implement a nationwide EBT program to enhance quality of
service to beneficiaries, and to improve administrative efficiency and
security. The task force will develop governmentwide goals, performance
standards, and a schedule for implementation.

Electronic data interchange (EDI). The electronic transmission of
business transaction information in a standard format between trading
partners.

Electronic mail (e-mail). Electronic transmission of messages between
local or remote workstations through use of local and wide area
networks.

Federal Information Center (FIC). The FIC is a one-stop source of
assistance on questions related to the federal government. Individuals
may call the FIC via an 800 number or contact them by mail. Information
specialists either answer the question or pinpoint sources of
information.

Federal Information Resources Management Policy Council (FIRMPoC). A
federal senior level steering group made up of senior IRM managers who
advise GSA on policy and program issues relating to IRM.

Federal Networking Council (FNC). A federal government interagency
council consisting of representatives from federal agencies that have
requirements for operating and using networking facilities, mainly in
support of research and education, and for advancing the evolution of
the federally funded portion of Internet.

FedWorld. An electronic bulletin board system (BBS) operated by the
National Technical Information Service that provides links to over 100
federal BBSs and information centers.

FTS2000. The federal government's existing telecommunications services
contracts for intercity voice and data communications.

Information Infrastructure Task Force (IITF). A federal government
interagency task force consisting of representatives from federal
agencies involved in telecommunications and information policy setting.
The task force addresses issues that promote the application of the
National Information Infrastructure.

Interagency Information Resources Management Infrastructure Task Group
(IIITG). An interagency task group formed by FIRMPoC to look for ways to
improve the information infrastructure within the government through
cooperative efforts and resource-sharing.

Internet. A global "network of networks" providing communications among
over 1 million computers and 10 million users. National and Government
Information Infrastructures will be constructed from the same
technologies used to implement the Internet. These include
telecommunications linkages, switches, computers, network protocols, and
network services for interoperation and transmitting data.

Joint federal-state administered public assistance program. A benefit
program that is jointly funded by federal and state governments, but is
administered at the state level.

Kiosk. A conveniently located, interactive computer terminal from which
the public can readily access governmental services.

Local area network (LAN). A network of computer terminals that are
linked by a shared processor that allows individual terminals to
communicate electronically with one another.

National Academy of Public Administration. A nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization chartered by Congress to improve governance and public
management at all levels.

National Information Infrastructure (NII). Consists of (1) thousands of
interconnected, interoperable telecommunications networks, (2) computer
systems, televisions, fax machines, telephones, and other "information
appliances," (3) information databases and services (e.g., "digital
libraries"), and (4) trained people who can build, maintain, and operate
these systems. In the future, the NII will enable all Americans to
access information and convey voice, video, and data to others for an
affordable price.

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). OSTP serves as a source
of scientific, engineering, and technological analysis and advice for
the President with respect to major technology policies, plans, and
programs of the federal government.

OMB Circular A-130. Document issued by OMB titled Management of Federal
Information Resources. This document provides uniform government-wide
information managementpolicies in such areas as information resources
management planning, records management, and information dissemination
policy.

One-stop shopping. Customer access to the government or private sector
that allows connection to a full menu of services. This may be
accomplished via kiosk, personal computer, telephone, or other means.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1980. This act established a broad
mandate for agenciesto perform their information management activities
in an efficient, effective, and economical manner. This act requires OMB
to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate information management
practices and policies governmentwide.

Regulation E (Reg E). Reg E of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act applies
to electronic transactions that result in a debit or a credit to a
consumer asset account. This provision limits recipient liability for
misused, lost, or stolen benefits whether or not they are negligent.

Service to the Citizen Intergovernmental Task Force. An interagency task
force established to improve the federal government's delivery of
services to customers. This task force alsoworks to develop customer
service-related partnerships with state and local governments, private
industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations.

Virtual agency. A citizen's view of how the government appears to
operate based upon electronically enabled, integrated program
information and services organized around common functions of service.
Examples could be a virtual housing agency or a virtual entitlement
agency.

Working Capital Fund (WCF). A legislatively authorized fund that enables
an agency to centrally finance various services. Working capital funds
are typically used by agencies to finance administrative services and
telecommunications.