Chip German reported the Secretary of Education recently conducted a survey among educational institutions on this subject. The survey would be a good source of information. Andy Poarch reported on behalf of Joy Hughes for the Communications Workgroup. The group is developing a media guide so COTS members can work on media relations issues with Caroline Boyd in Secretary Upson's office and with other individuals. A working group was formed to assist with the COTS newsletter and to take advantage of push technology to get out the word to agency compatriots and other interested parties.
Work is in progress to have a strong showing.
Cheryl Clark reported on the Digital Signatures Workgroup. She listed the organizations participating in the pilot demonstrations, most of which are in the final stages of testing. Ms. Clark is pleased with the results of the demonstration efforts and will provide the basis for recommendations to the Council in late September. The demonstrations also create a base of technicians and decisions-makers, who will provide leadership and momentum for the enterprise solution. Another benefit is test-driving the vendors in terms of services, support, flexibility, responsiveness and their product sets.