After discussion the committee agreed that this manual interface should be developed to provide a full range of technology options for users that may not have automated upload capability. This interface would be used by grantee users to search for funding announcements. The interface calls for the development of a grants page on EPS and the implementation of searches. Paul Fontaine, GSA, has indicated that GSA will prepare this interface if Federal Commons pays for the work. Paul indicated that an operational pilot could hopefully be available by year's end.
Agencies can upload when their data is ready.
Funding is needed to pay for interface development, whether by GSA or Federal Commons. Potential sources include the IEP monies and the CIO Council. Paul reported that the IEP funds were still being held by Treasury and that they had requested a memorandum to explain the transfer. The committee discussed a final draft of EPS data elements contained in the synopsis and that will be searchable by users. There was concern that users may not be able to find announcements for which they can qualify.