RD Instruction 2006-V

PART 2006 - MANAGEMENT

Subpart V - Policies For Rural Development

§2006.1051 [General]{.underline}.

This Instruction establishes policies, responsibilities, and procedures
to ensure the use of the life cycle management process in software
development projects within Rural Development. This Instruction is
mandated by Departmental Regulation 3220-3 (Software Management).

§2006.1052 [Scope]{.underline}.

This Instruction applies to all software installed on Rural Development
owned or leased computers and Rural Development software systems
residing on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) computers.
This includes:

\(a\) [Rural Development official software]{.underline}. Software that
is used by multiple program areas or States. Official software developed
in accordance with RD Instruction 2006-T and other applicable Rural
Development and USDA guidelines and policies. Official software is
listed in an unnumbered letter issued periodically by the Assistant
Administrator for Information Systems Management (AAISM).

\(b\) [State official software]{.underline}. Software distributed by a
State Director to those offices within his/her jurisdiction which
complies with the requirements in this Instruction. A listing of this
software shall be distributed by State Instruction.

\(c\) [Locally developed software]{.underline}. Software developed or
used on Rural Development\'s multifunction workstations by an individual
user.

§2006.1053 [Policy]{.underline}.

Software developed, used, or procured by Rural Development supports the
delivery of services to the public, control of financial resources, and
management of Agency operations. This software resides on varied
hardware platforms at over 2000 locations. In this environment, it is
the policy to provide software that is effective, affordable, efficient,
and manageable.

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DISTRIBUTION: WSDC Administration

Management

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(09-01-93) PN 212

RD Instruction 2006-V

§2006.1053 (Con.)

\(a\) Only software purchased by Rural Development or developed for use
by Rural Development shall be installed on Rural Development owned or
leased computer equipment. The unauthorized alteration of Rural
Development official software or State official software or the use or
installation of illegal or unauthorized software may result in
disciplinary action. Rural Development does not condone the unauthorized
copying and distribution of copyrighted software which is illegal and
carries a fine up to \$100,000.

\(b\) All major software and related information resource management
projects must conform to the life cycle management (LCM) requirements as
established by the AAISM.

\(c\) Rural Development software and the associated data are valuable
Agency assets that must be protected from fraud, waste, and
mismanagement.

\(d\) The orderly, efficient implementation of Rural Development
programs is dependent upon timely, reliable software. Therefore, all
phases of LCM activities shall be coordinated in conjunction with
regulation and policy changes in accordance with pursuant sections of
this Instruction.

\(e\) An individual user or an office that uses the Rural Development
computer to develop software should follow the general guidance provided
by the Agency and USDA concerning file management, data storage, and
security as well as applicable Federal and Agency standards.

\(f\) Locally developed software distributed to multiple sites within a
State must adhere to Agency and other applicable Federal requirements
for software development.

§2006.1054 [Definitions]{.underline}.

[Life cycle management (LCM)]{.underline}. The process of managing the
development of a software system from the establishment of the need for
a system to the end of its operational use.

[Software]{.underline}. This term includes the systems software,
applications software, user documentation, training materials, and
related supplements that are needed to implement and maintain a system
or application.

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§2006.1054 (b) (Con.) RD Instruction 2006-V

\(1\) [Systems]{.underline}. This category includes the computer
operating system and computer programs that execute directly under the
computer\'s operating system. These include commercial, purchased
software packages, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database
packages, as well as Agency-developed systems.

\(2\) [Applications]{.underline}. Computer-based tools purchased or
developed to operate with one or more software system packages. These
include specific spreadsheets, spreadsheet templates, specific
databases, database reports, and word processing style sheets.

[User]{.underline}. Program or administrative area, group, or individual
utilizing Automated Data Processing resources.

§2006.1055 [Responsibilities]{.underline}.

\(a\) [Assistant Administrator for Information Systems Management
(AAISM).]{.underline} The AAISM is the Senior Information Resources
Management Official for Rural Development and in accordance with
Departmental Regulation 3220-3 is responsible for:

\(1\) Developing information resources management policies and
guidelines including software management policy;

\(2\) Ensuring the use of the LCM process in major software projects;

\(3\) Timely and effective coordination and consultation with Rural
Development senior managers on the development, implementation,
maintenance, and support of Rural Development systems and software;

\(4\) Managing the acquisition, development, and clearance of software
that supports the administrative and programmatic activities of Rural
Development; and

\(5\) Designating personnel within Rural Development\'s automation
organization and approving personnel from other organizations to be
responsible for the management of specific major software development
projects.

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(09-01-93) PN 212

RD Instruction 2006-V

§2006.1055 (Con.)

\(b\) [Users]{.underline}. Users are an essential element in software
development, implementation, and management. Users shall be involved in
each phase of the LCM process. The extent of user responsibility in each
LCM phase will vary with the complexity and scope of the project. AAISM,
as part of his/her overall responsibility for software management, must
assure full involvement of users in automation projects.

\(c\) [Managers]{.underline}. Managers at all levels within Rural
Development are responsible for ensuring that official, current systems
software and applications software are being used. National and Finance
Office managers shall ensure that automated systems and associated
software being developed for their areas of responsibility meet the
established need and the functional requirements before implementation.
In addition, all managers must ensure that system development project
decisions are based on sound economic analysis of alternatives and
follow LCM policy and guidelines.

§2006.1056 [Procedures]{.underline}.

The Agency will adapt the methodology stated in Departmental Manual
3200-1 (Application Systems Life Cycle Management Handbook) and
additional clarifying guidance provided by the AAISM to meet the
specific needs for software development procedures.

§2006.1057 \[Reserved\]

§2006.1058 [References]{.underline}.

RD Instruction 2006-T Application Information System Support

RD Instruction 2006-Z Information Systems Security

USDA DM 3200-1 Application Systems Life Cycle Management Manual

USDA DM 3200-2 A Project Manager\'s Guide to Application Systems

Life Cycle Management

§§2006.1059 - 2006.1100 \[Reserved\]

oOo

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