*The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission*

----

**Office of InformationTechnology**

**U.S. Equal Employment OpportunityCommission**

# INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYSTRATEGIC PLAN

**2004 - 2008**

[Note:  The IT Strategic Plan will beupdated in FY 2007 to ensure consistency and linkages to the newEEOC Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 - 2012 ]

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

EEOC VISION ANDMISSION

EEOC STRATEGICPLAN

EEOC FIVE-POINTPLAN

INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN

IT STRATEGICOBJECTIVES

StrategicObjective I - Enterprise Architecture

StrategicObjective II - Data Management

StrategicObjective III - Paperless Office

StrategicObjective IV - Information Access

StrategicObjective V - Customer Service

StrategicObjective VI - Risk Management

IT StrategicObjectives Mapped to EEOC Strategic Plan

Major ITInitiatives Mapped to IT Strategic Objectives

Five-Year ITStrategic Plan by Initiative

## INTRODUCTION

Information Technology (IT) is a critical component of the U. S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) strategy forachieving its objectives in all areas of its work, including itsmission programs and support operations.  To meet businessgoals and objectives, EEOC must effectively use IT to increasestaff efficiency, improve program effectiveness, and enhanceservices to its customers.

The *Information Technology Strategic Plan* describesEEOC’s strategic visions, objectives and measures forlong-term IT investments and management of technologyresources.  It ensures that technology goals are consistentwith EEOC’s Strategic Plan, and support mission and businessneeds.  It additionally translates the strategic goals andvisions into specific IT initiatives and activities and definesplans for focusing EEOC’s resources toward implementation ofthese objectives.

### EEOC VISION AND MISSION

| EEOC Vision                                                                   |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| *A Strong and Prosperous NationSecured Through aFair and Inclusive Workplace* |

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was established byTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and began operating onJuly 2, 1965.  The EEOC enforces the following federalstatutes:
    - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, (TitleVII) prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race,color, religion, sex, or national origin;
    - Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, asamended, prohibiting employment discrimination against individuals40 years of age and older;
    - Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963, prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of gender in compensation for substantially equal workperformed under similar conditions;
    - Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) of 1990, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basisof disability in the private sector and state and localgovernments;
    - Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, asamended, prohibiting employment discrimination against federalemployees with disabilities; and,
    - Civil Rights Act of 1991, providing monetary damages in casesof intentional discrimination and clarifying provisions regardingdisparate impact actions.

Additionally, under Executive Order 12067, the EEOC coordinatesall federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices,and policies.  The Commission also interprets employmentdiscrimination laws, monitors the federal sector equal employmentopportunity program, provides funding and support to state andlocal Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) and TribalEmployment Rights Organizations (TEROs), and sponsors outreach andtechnical assistance programs.
| EEOC Mission                                                                                                      |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| *We Promote Equality of Opportunityin the Workplaceand Enforce Federal LawsProhibiting Employment Discrimination* |

### EEOC STRATEGIC PLAN

The EEOC Strategic Plan identifies three Strategic Objectives:Justice and Opportunity, Inclusive Workplace and OrganizationalExcellence.
| EEOC Strategic Objectives                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Justice and Opportunity

*Serve the public interest by obtaining justice forindividuals who experience employmentdiscrimination and by removing discriminatorybarriers to create a level playing field*.

Inclusive Workplace

*Strengthening America’s workplace by preventingdiscrimination and promoting workplace policiesand practices that foster an inclusive work culture.*

Organizational Excellence

*Establish an organizational infrastructure that willset and implement the highest quality standardsfor equal opportunity, customer service,internal efficiency and fiscal responsibility.* |

The first strategic objective, *Justice and Opportunity*,is designed to position the agency to continue to have a meaningfulimpact on discrimination in today’s workplace and theworkplace of the future.  *Inclusive Workplace* isdesigned to fashion more proactive approaches to preventingdiscrimination from occurring in the first place.  The lastobjective, *Organizational Excellence,* recognizes that thestandards we promote to other employers should be readily apparentin our own operations.

### EEOC FIVE-POINT PLAN

EEOC’s Five-Point Plan provides the framework foraccomplishing our agency’s mission and is central to ourthree overarching Strategic Objectives.  It builds upon whatthe agency has done to improve its operations and seeks to broadenthe agency’s reach by increasing proactive measures toprevent discrimination; resolving claims of discrimination moreproficiently; expanding alternative dispute resolution; developinga more strategic focus in our enforcement, litigation and federalprograms; and enhancing the agency’s internal operations.Within the overall framework of the Strategic Objectives, theFive-Point Plan serves as a guide for staff to explore ways to makethe best use of EEOC data, information and experiences.
| EEOC Five-Point Plan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Proactive Prevention - *provideinformation and solutions that identify and solve problems beforethey escalate into intractable conflict.*

Proficient Resolution - *achievequality services that are fair and cost effective.*

Strategic Enforcement and Litigation -*strategically focus tools and resources to make the greatestimpact possible.*

Promote and Expand Mediation/ADR -*promote mediation and other types of alternative disputeresolution.*

Model Workplace - *follow thePresident’s Management Agenda as a roadmap to enhanceinternal operations and our interface with the public.* |

## INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGICPLAN

The EEOC Office of Information Technology (OIT) is responsiblefor the development and implementation of the agency’s ITStrategic Plan.  OIT develops, promotes, and enforces agencypolicies and procedures concerning all aspects of the planning,design, implementation, and utilization of information systems,office automation, and related IT resources and services to meetthe needs of EEOC.
| OIT Mission                                                                                                                     |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| *To further the agency’s missionand business goals through theapplication of information technologyas a business enabler* |

The IT Strategic Plan aims to achieve the above missionstatement and to support the objectives of the EEOC StrategicPlan.  It defines IT strategic objectives, means andstrategies, and performance measures which are consistent withEEOC’s Strategic Plan and business needs, and guide thedirection of our IT planning.

### IT STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The implementation of enabling technologies is critical formaking our employees as productive as possible, especially as theagency repositions itself over the next five years.  EEOC mustuse information technology (IT) to conduct business differently aswe move toward greater interaction with our customers andtransformation of our business processes to improveefficiency.  The six IT strategic objectives that follow arefocused on using technology to effectively support EEOC’smission and business needs, including support of the agency’sStrategic Plan, Five-Point Plan and the President’sManagement Agenda.

| Strategic Objective I - EnterpriseArchitecture                                                                                                                         |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establish and maintain a cohesive, enterprise-wideIT architecture that will support EEOC’s strategicobjectivesand achieve an efficient utilization of resources. |

This objective supports the vision of developing, implementing,operating, and governing an enterprise-wide informationinfrastructure which provides transparent and seamlessinteroperability and end-to-end connectivity to all staff.  Itrequires compliance with federal enterprise architecture (EA)standards thereby providing the agency with a business-focusedframework which aligns IT investments with business objectives,reduces redundancy, improves system compatibility andinteroperability, and guides decisions related to IT systeminvestments.  It additionally enforces configurationmanagement to ensure that changes to IT systems and requirementsare recorded, controlled, and in adherence with EA standards andagency strategic plans.

#### Related Means and Strategies

    - Maintain a sound telecommunications infrastructure tofacilitate electronic communication, information sharing andcollaboration between offices.
    - Provide agency employees with standardized, state-of-the-artdesktop tools to increase productivity in their dailyactivities.
    - Provide EEOC employees with secure, remote access to agencysystems and data.
    - Provide equal access to information by people with or withoutdisabilities.
    - Update enterprise architecture models to maintain compliancewith the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework.
    - Enforce configuration management practices to ensureconformance to agency architecture standards and practices.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003-2005:  Conform to government interoperability andarchitecture standards by updating EEOC’s enterprisearchitecture (EA) to comply with the Federal EnterpriseArchitecture Framework models.
    - FY 2004-2005:  Enhance configuration management byreviewing, documenting and updating practices to ensure adherencewith EA standards and integration with EA models.
    - FY 2004-2008:  Support the implementation of newinformation systems, enhance access to information, and betterassure information integrity and system interoperability.
| Strategic Objective II - DataManagement                           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Promote the management of EEOC dataas a valuable corporate asset. |

EEOC recognizes the need to treat information as a corporateasset by ensuring that it is properly managed, secured, andavailable to all staff who need it to perform their jobs. This goal eliminates redundant data entry, provides employees withappropriate access to EEOC data, and requires that all futureinformation systems support enterprise requirements forinformation.  This includes developing integrated informationsystems to support the management of corporate information andproviding employees with nationwide enforcement and litigation datato ensure the efficient processing of federal and private-sectorallegations of employment discrimination.  It additionallyincludes integrating our administrative (financial/human resources)data with our mission (enforcement/litigation/outreach) data foreffective knowledge management.

#### Means and Strategies

    - Apply strategies and technologies that facilitate the creationand sharing of knowledge to enable effective and efficientdecision-making and program performance.
    - Support single source data entry and provide access to andintegration of corporate data at the desktop.
    - Follow a system development life cycle methodology for thedevelopment, acquisition and implementation of informationsystems.
    - Ensure that information security planning is incorporated intoall aspects of the system life cycle, including development,on-going maintenance/enhancement, and system discontinuation/phaseout.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003:  Increase internal efficiency and effectivenessby integrating the core functionality and data of charge intake,investigation, litigation, federal sector hearings, and outreach,through the implementation of the Integration Mission System inEEOC field offices (GPRA).
    - FY 2003:  Support fiscal management by developing andimplementing a Compensation Benefit Model which integratesfinancial and human resources data.
    - FY 2005-2006:  Enhance partnership and data exchangebetween EEOC and the state and local government Fair EmploymentPractices Agencies (FEPAs) by developing and deploying the FEPAcomponent of the IMS.
    - FY 2005:  Support the integration of budget andperformance by implementing activity-based costing.
    - FY 2006:  Further improve data integration and managementby developing and implementing the IMS federal appealssub-system.
    - FY 2007-2009:  Enable effective and efficientdecision-making by accessing essential mission and administrativedata through data warehousing.
| Strategic Objective III - PaperlessOffice                                                                                                                                                                  |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Create a paperless office environment that promoteselectronic access and sharing of information,streamlines work processes, reduces paperwork burdenand provides for electronic data storage and recovery. |

This vision includes the introduction of document, record andworkflow management to assist employees in electronicallyaccessing, processing, sharing, and storing information.  Theconcept of a paperless government involves the conversion of ourdocuments related to investigation and litigation activities(statements, testimony, responses to requests for information,affidavits, etc.) and EEOC-related documents (decision documents,policy statements, press releases, manuals, guidance, etc.) intoorganized electronic formats for shared, desktop access.  Italso provides automated workflow processes to support theassignment, review and approval processes. The end result will bereduced employee involvement in paper processing, quickerdissemination, and faster turn-around with a net benefit ofincreased productivity, accountability and cost savings.

#### Means and Strategies

    - Incorporate automated forms, document management and workflowprocessing into the requirements of each major informationsystem.
    - Build an enterprise electronic document management system (DMS)to manage the receipt, creation, storage, availability,re-usability, retention, and disposal of EEOC records.
    - Apply digital signature technology to facilitate activityapproving processes.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003-2004:  Initiate DMS pilots with Headquartersoffices. 
    - FY 2004-2005:  Build the IT infrastructure required tosupport enterprise-wide document management.  (GPRAmeasure)
    - FY 2005-2009:  By FY 2009, EEOC will convert the keydocuments contained in 95%* of its private sector charge, federalsector complaint, and litigation case files to electronic format.(GPRA/EEOC Strategic Plan measure)  * GPRA measure is under review due to funding shortages
| Strategic Objective IV - InformationAccess                                                                                                           |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Expand access to information and improve EEOC servicesby providing our customers and partnerswith the means to submit or access information on-line. |

The EEOC is committed to fulfilling the President’sManagement Agenda vision of improved service and governmentefficiency by transforming to electronic government (e-gov). This vision improves service to the general public by providingelectronic delivery of equal employment opportunity services. It aims to provide electronic alternatives to obtain service andinteract with the agency, improve efficiency and effectiveness, andenhance the agency’s responsiveness to customer needs. EEOC will actively disseminate and provide access to itsinformation to educate and serve its partners and the public.

#### Means and Strategies

    - Implement e-government (e-gov) and comply with the GovernmentPaperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), including participation oncross-agency initiatives, to effect savings through use of sharedgovernment resources and improve public accessibility toservices.
    - Employ appropriate technologies to better ensure the securityand authenticity of information transmitted electronically.
    - Ensure privacy information is safeguarded against unauthorizedaccess.
    - Organize and categorize government information to improvepublic access and dissemination.
    - Review the performance and results of the agency’sinformation dissemination program to identify gaps in meeting thepublic’s requirements and needs.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003:  Decrease burden on businesses and achieveinternal cost savings and efficiencies by enabling businesses toaccess, update and submit required report EEO-1 data online via asecure web site.
    - FY 2004:  Improve customer service and internal efficiencyby providing the ability to register and pay for EEOC seminars andtraining materials through the Internet.
    - FY 2004-2007:  Continue to improve public access toinformation by submitting EEOC civil case informationelectronically, to coincide with the U.S. Courts jurisdictionalacceptance of electronic transmissions.
    - FY 2005:  Enhance agency effectiveness in receivinginformation and increase customer confidence and satisfaction inEEOC services by implementing the EEOC Assessment System to enableelectronic submission of information related to a potential chargeof employment discrimination through the Internet.
    - FY 2006-2008:  Further improve communications with thepublic and other government agencies by expanding electronic accessto information and implementing secure communication portals.
| Strategic Objective V - CustomerService                                                                                                                         |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Provide efficient customer services through timelyand expert computer support, and enhance the computerknowledge/skills of EEOC staff through quality training. |

The vision associated with this objective provides greateropportunities to extend electronic communication with our customersand offer training and support to EEOC employees.  Thisincludes the use of video streaming, e-learning or distancelearning, interactive computer-based training (CBT), and remoteweb-based training to develop a comprehensive training programwhich accommodates diverse training needs and learningstyles.  It additionally includes utilizing technology and thecomputer network to enhance customer support, increase efficiencyand reduce travel cost.

#### Means and Strategies:

    - Ensure that the proper training and support mechanisms are inplace prior to the deployment of new information systems.
    - Centralize management and support of IT systems and utilizeremote access tools to reduce burden on field IT staff.
    - Employ “one-stop-shop” concepts to provide qualitycustomer service and efficient technical assistance andconsultation.
    - Utilize technology as an enabling tool to increase trainingopportunities for employees.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003:  Increase internal customer service by expandingIT Help Desk coverage hours and functionality to support thedeployment of centralized systems.
    - FY 2003-2004:  Expand training opportunities and achievecost savings through the introduction of remote training sessionsacross the EEOC WAN.
    - FY 2005-2006:  Deploy video streaming technology toenhance remote training quality and achieve additional costsavings.
    - On-going:  Better ensure that EEOC employees achieve thefull benefits of newly deployed technology by integrating robusttraining and support plans into the deployment of all newinformation systems. 
| Strategic Objective VI - RiskManagement                                                   |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Maximize the value and manage the riskassociated with information technology investments. |

The strategic requirement for quality information, combined withlimited availability of funds, increases the importance of makingthe right IT investment decisions.  In addition, as EEOCcentralizes and consolidates our information systems and providesremote access to services, the need for effective informationsecurity and continuity of operations planning increasesexponentially. Through effective management of our IT investmentsalong with the incorporation of sound IT security policies, EEOCwill maximize mission effectiveness, reduce risk, improve agencyproductivity, and ensure system reliability.

#### Related Means and Strategies

    - Institutionalize a continuous cycle of IT strategic planningand performance assessment which is linked to the EEOC’sstrategic planning and budget processes.
    - Through our IT Security Program, achieve information assurance,continuity of operations, and compliance with the FederalInformation Security Management Act.
    - Safeguard the agency’s information resources by raisingemployee awareness and implementing security practices for ensuringthe reliability, availability, confidentiality, and integrity ofthe agency’s information/data.
    - Reduce IT skill gaps and improve retention rates and successionstrategies though better human capital management and IT workforceplanning.

#### Related Measures

    - FY 2003-2004:  Ensure continuity of operations for missioncritical information systems by implementing off-site disasterrecovery services.
    - FY 2003, 2005, 2007:  Conduct penetration testing on theEEOC network from external sources as a part of the FinancialAudit.
    - FY 2004-2008:  Conduct internal vulnerability scanning ofstandard configurations in the OIT test bed.  Conduct anannual internal vulnerability scan of the full network enterprise,as a part of the Financial Audit.
    - FY 2004-2008:  Review OIT standard configurations againstindustry standard security benchmarks.
    - On-going:  Better protect EEOC systems by expandingemployee awareness of IT security risks and responsibilitiesthrough supplemental materials and agency-wide securitytraining.  Provide specialized security training to OIT andfield office IT staff.
    - On-going:  Update the IT Strategic Plan, IT Capital AssetPlan and the IT Investment Portfolio on an annual basis. Develop IT Operational Plans to identify projects, detailactivities, and document milestones and time lines.
    - On-going:  Conduct risk assessments, update SystemSecurity Plans, and obtain certification and accreditation of majorinformation systems and infrastructure components.  Ensurecompliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act(FISMA), including quarterly update of FISMA Plans of Actions andMilestones.

### IT Strategic Objectives Mapped to EEOCStrategic Plan

| IT Strategic Objectives | EEOC Strategic Objectives & Five-Point Plan |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
||
||
| Enterprise Architecture | S                                               | S | Y | S | Y |
| Data Management         | Y                                               | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Paperless Office        | Y                                               | S | Y | S | Y |
| Information Access      | Y                                               | Y | S | Y | Y |
| Customer Service        | Y                                               | Y | S | Y | Y |
| Risk Management         | S                                               | S | S | S | Y |

Key: Y = Directly Supports Objective S = Indirectly Supports Objective

### Major IT Initiatives Mapped to IT Strategic Objectives

| IT Initiatives             | IT Strategic Objectives |
|----------------------------|-------------------------|
||
| Integrated Mission System  | S                       | Y | Y |  | S | S |
| Litigation Case Mgmt       | S                       | Y | Y |  | S | S |
| Web-Based EEO-1            | S                       | Y | Y | Y | S | S |
| EEOC Assessment System     | S                       | Y | Y | Y | Y | S |
| Registration & Sales   | S                       | Y | Y | Y | Y | S |
| Document Management        | S                       | Y | Y | Y | S | Y |
| Data Mart/Warehouse        | S                       | Y | Y |  | S | Y |
| Disaster Recovery          | S                       | S | S | S | S | Y |
| Communication Infrastruct. | Y                       | S | S | S | S | S |
| Videoconferencing          | S                       | S | Y | S | Y | S |
| Desktop Computing          | Y                       | S | S | S | S | S |
| Support Systems            | S                       | S | S | S | Y | S |

Key: Y = Directly Supports ObjectivesS = Indirectly Supports Objective

### Five-Year IT Strategic Plan by Initiative

ProjectMaintenance

----

*This page was last modified on October 18, 2006.*

Return to Home Page