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Acquisitions, Contracts and Agreements
+ Acquisition
Definition: Provides for acquiring supplies or services on the basis of- (1) Direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit; and (2) Actual cost for materials (except as provided for in 31.205-26(e) and (f)). [48 CFR 16.601 (CFR 2019)]
- Acquisition Planning
Definition:
Process by which the efforts of all personnel responsible for an acquisition are coordinated and integrated through a comprehensive plan for fulfilling the agency need in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. It includes developing the overall strategy for managing the acquisition. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Assisted Acquisition
Definition:
Type of interagency acquisition where a servicing agency performs acquisition activities on a requesting agency’s behalf, such as awarding and administering a contract, task order, or delivery order. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Basic Ordering Agreement
Definition:
Written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency, contracting activity, or contracting office and a contractor, that contains (1) terms and clauses applying to future contracts (orders) between the parties during its term, (2)a description, as specific as practicable, of supplies or services to be provided, and (3) methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders under the basic ordering agreement. A basic ordering agreement is not a contract.[48 CFR 16.703 (CFR 2018)]Contracting-Related Terms
- Best Value
Definition:
Expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Blanket Purchase Agreement
Definition:
Simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing “charge accounts” with qualified sources of supply (see subpart 16.7 for additional coverage of agreements). (b) BPAs should be established for use by an organization responsible for providing supplies for its own operations or for other offices, installations, projects, or functions. Such organizations, for example, may be organized supply points, separate independent or detached field parties, or one-person posts or activities. (c) The use of BPAs does not exempt an agency from the responsibility for keeping obligations and expenditures within available funds. [48 CFR 13.303-1 (CFR 2018)]
- Classified Acquisition
Definition:
Acquisition in which offerors must have access to classified information to properly submit an offer or quotation, to understand the performance requirements, or to perform the contract. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
+
Interagency Acquisition
Definition:
Procedure by which an agency needing supplies or services (the requesting agency) obtains them from another agency (the servicing agency), by an assisted acquisition or a direct acquisition. The term includes — (1) Acquisitions under the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535); and (2) Non-Economy Act acquisitions completed under other statutory authorities, (e.g., General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules in subpart 8.4 and Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs)). [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Direct Acquisition
Definition:
Type of interagency acquisition where a requesting agency places an order directly against a servicing agency’s indefinite-delivery contract. The servicing agency manages the indefinite-delivery contract but does not participate in the placement or administration of an order. [48 CFR 2.101(CFR 2018)]
- Master Solicitation
Definition:
Document containing special clauses and provisions that have been identified as essential for the acquisition of a specific type of supply or service that is acquired repetitively. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Performance-Based Acquisition
Definition:
Acquisition structured around the results to be achieved as opposed to the manner by which the work is to be performed.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Purchase Order
Definition:
When issued by the Government, means an offer by the Government to buy supplies or services, including construction and research and development, upon specified terms and conditions, using simplified acquisition procedures. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Qualified Products List
Definition:
List of products that have been examined, tested, and have satisfied all applicable qualification requirements.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Simplified Acquisition Procedure
Definition:
Methods prescribed in part 13 for making purchases of supplies or services.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
+ EPA Assistance
Definition: Grant or cooperative agreement, loan, contract (other than a procurement contract or a contract of insurance or guaranty), or any other arrangement by which EPA provides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of: (1) Funds; (2) Services of personnel; or (3) Real or personal property or any interest in or use of such property, including: (i) Transfers or leases of such property for less than fair market value or for reduced consideration; and (ii) Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of such property if EPA’s share of its fair market value is not returned to EPA. [40 CFR 7.25 (CFR 2018)]
+
Assistance Agreement
Definition 1:
The legal instrument EPA uses to transfer money, property, services, or anything of value to a recipient to accomplish a public purpose. It is either a grant or cooperative agreement (see 40 CFR part 35) and will specify: budget and project periods; the Federal share of eligible project costs; a description of the work to be accomplished; and any special conditions. [40 CFR 307.14 (CFR 2013)]
Definition 2:
An EPA grant, cooperative agreement, interagency agreement, or fellowship. [EPA Plan to Increase Access to Results of EPA-Funded Scientific Research, Appendix A at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/epascientificresearchtransperancyplan.pdf]
Definition 3:
Award of federal assistance in the form of money or property in lieu of money from EPA to an eligible applicant including grants or cooperative agreements. [40 CFR 6.102 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 4:
An agreement with the primary purpose of which is to provide appropriated funds to stimulate an activity, including but not limited to, grants and cooperative agreements. [Exchange Network Glossary]
- Federal Program
Definition:
Program administered by EPA under any other provision of Title 40.[40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
+
Financial Assistance Agreement
Definition:
Grants or cooperative agreements awarded by EPA. The term includes grants or cooperative agreements used to capitalize revolving loan funds, including, but not limited to, the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) Program under Title VI of the Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq., the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program under section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j–12, and the Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) Program under section 104 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9604. [40 CFR 33.103 (CFR 2018)]
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Federal Grant
Definition 1:
Award of financial assistance in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, by the Federal Government or a direct appropriation made by law to any person. The term does not include technical assistance which provides services instead of money, or other assistance in the form of revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees, loan insurance, interest subsidies, insurance, or direct United States cash assistance to an individual.[40 CFR 34.105 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
An assistance agreement that does not substantially involve EPA in the project and where the recipient has the authority and capability to complete all elements of the program (does not include fellowships). (40 CFR Part 30). Note: The primary difference between a grant and a cooperative agreement is the level of U.S. government involvement in the project. [Great Lakes: Quality Management Training - Quality Glossary]
Definition 3:
An award of Financial assistance, including cooperative agreements, in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, by the Federal government to an eligible grantee. The term does not include technical assistance which provides services instead of money, or other assistance in the form of revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance, or direct appropriations. Also, the term does not include assistance, such as a fellowship or other lump sum award, which the grantee is not required to account for. (40 CFR Part 31)[ Grants and Debarment Glossary]
Definition 4:
A legal instrument of financial assistance between a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and a non-Federal entity.[Exchange Network Glossary]
- Block Grant
Definition:
An unrestricted federal grant. [Merriam-Webster]
+
Capitalization Grant
Definition 1:
Assistance agreement by which the EPA obligates and awards funds allotted to a State for purposes of capitalizing that State’s revolving fund. [40 CFR 35.3105 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Award by EPA of funds to a State for purposes of capitalizing that State’s Fund and for other purposes authorized in section 1452 of the Act. [40 CFR 35.3505 (CFR 2018)]
- Capitalization Grant Set-Asides
Definition:
State and local activities identified in sections 1452(g)(2) and (k) of the Act for which a portion of a capitalization grant may be used. [40 CFR 35.3505 (CFR 2018)]
- Consolidated Grant
Definition:
Single grant made to a recipient consolidating funds from more than one environmental grant program. After the award is made, recipients must account for grant funds in accordance with the funds’ original environmental program sources. Consolidated grants are not Performance Partnership Grants. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
+
Grant Agreement
Definition 1:
Legal document that transfers money or anything of value to your group to accomplish the purpose of the TAG project. It specifies funding and project periods, EPA’s and your group’s budget share of ‘‘eligible costs,’’ a description of the work to be accomplished, and any additional terms and conditions that may apply to the grant.[40 CFR 35.4270 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
A legal instrument of financial assistance between a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6302, 6304: Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity's direct benefit or use. Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award. Does not include an agreement that provides only: (1) Direct United States Government cash assistance to an individual; (2) A subsidy; (3) A loan; (4) A loan guarantee; or (5) Insurance. [Grant Terminology, https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-terminology#g]
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Grant Agreement Project
Definition:
Activities or tasks the Regional Administrator identifies in the grant agreement for which the grantee may expend, obligate or commit funds. [40 CFR 35.2005 (CFR 2018)]
- Funding Period
Definition 1:
Period of time specified in the grant agreement during which the recipient may expend or obligate funds for the purposes set forth in the agreement. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Period of time specified in the grant agreement during which the recipient may expend or obligate funds for the purposes set forth in the agreement. [40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 3:
Length of time specified in a grant agreement during which your group may spend Federal funds. A TAG project period may be comprised of several funding periods. Grant agreement or award document is the legal document that transfers money or anything of value to your group to accomplish the purpose of the TAG project. It specifies funding and project periods, EPA’s and your group’s budget share of eligible costs, a description of the work to be accomplished, and any additional terms and conditions that may apply to the grant. In-kind contribution means the value of a non-cash contribution used to meet your group’s matching funds requirement in accordance with 40 CFR 30.23. An in-kind contribution may consist of charges for equipment or the value of goods and services necessary to the EPA-funded project.[40 CFR 35.4270 (CFR 2018)]
- Grant Agreement Project Period
Definition:
Period established in the TAG award document during which TAG money may be used. The project period may be comprised of more than one funding period.[40 CFR 35.4270 (CFR 2018)]
- Project Performance Standard
Definition:
Performance and operations requirements applicable to a project including the enforceable requirements of the Act and the specifications, including the quantity of excessive infiltration and inflow proposed to be eliminated, which the project is planned and designed to meet. [40 CFR 35.2005 (CFR 2018)]
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Project Schedule
Definition:
Timetable specifying the dates of key project events including public notices of proposed procurement actions, subagreement awards, issuance of notice to proceed with building, key milestones in the building schedule, completion of building, initiation of operation and certification of the project. [40 CFR 35.2005 (CFR 2018)]
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Project Work Closeout
Definition:
Final EPA or recipient actions taken to assure satisfactory completion of project work and to fulfill administrative requirements, including financial settlement, submission of acceptable required final reports, and resolution of any outstanding issues under the Cooperative Agreement and/or Superfund State Contract.[40 CFR 35.6015 (CFR 2018)]
- Close Out Report
Definition:
A report submitted by the remedial program manager (RPM) verifying that the conditions of the site comply with the Record of Decision (ROD) findings and design specifications, cleanup standards have been met, and activities performed at the site are sufficient to achieve protection of public health and the environment. [Superfund Glossary]
- Preliminary Close-Out Report
Definition:
A report prepared by the remedial program manager (RPM) verifying that physical construction of the remedy is complete, indicating minor punch list items that remain and outlining a schedule of the outstanding activities. [Superfund Glossary]
- Grant Funding Order
- Performance Partnership Grant
Definition 1:
Single grant combining funds from more than one environmental program. A Performance Partnership Grant may provide for administrative savings or programmatic flexibility to direct grant resources where they are most needed to address public health and environmental priorities (see also §35.130). Each Performance Partnership Grant has a single, integrated budget and recipients do not need to account for grant funds in accordance with the funds’ original environmental program sources. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)][40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
EPA provides financial assistance to states, tribes and territories to help them develop and implement environmental programs in response to Federal delegation of a range of program responsibilities. Under traditional environmental program grants (sometimes called "categorical" grants), states receive funds separately to implement the various water, air, waste, pesticides, and toxic substances programs. States and certain interstate agencies can now choose to combine two or more environmental program grants into a single PPG, which thus becomes a key tool for implementing Performance Partnership Agreements.[Exchange Network Glossary]
- Request for Application
Definition:
Formal statements that solicit grant or cooperative agreement applications in a well-defined scientific area to accomplish specific program objectives and indicate the estimated amount of funds set-aside and a targeted number of awards. [National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/requests-applications-rfa]
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Work Plan
Definition:
Document which identifies how and when the applicant will use funds from environmental program grants and is the basis for management and evaluation of performance under the grant agreement to produce specific outputs and outcomes (see 35.507). The work plan must be consistent with applicable federal statutes; regulations; circulars; executive orders; and EPA delegations, approvals, or authorizations. [40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
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Work Plan Component
Definition:
Negotiated set or group of work plan commitments established in the grant agreement. A work plan may have one or more work plan components. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)][40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
- Work Plan Commitment
Definition:
Outputs and outcomes associated with each work plan component, as established in the grant agreement. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)][40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
- National Program Assistance Agreement
Definition:
Assistance Agreements approved by the EPA Assistant Administrator for Water for work undertaken to accomplish broad NEP goals and objectives.[40 CFR 35.9010 (CFR 2018)]
- Statement of Work
Definition:
Portion of the Cooperative Agreement application and/or Superfund State Contract that describes the purpose and scope of activities and tasks to be carried out as a part of the proposed project.[40 CFR 35.6015 (CFR 2018)]
- Work Program
Definition:
Scope of Work of an assistance application, which identifies how and when the applicant will use funds to produce specific outputs.[40 CFR 35.9010 (CFR 2018)]
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
- Extramural Agreement
Definition:
A legal agreement between EPA and a non-EPA organization. Such agreements include but are not limited to contracts, work assignments, delivery orders, task orders, cooperative agreements, research grants, state and local grants, as negotiated in interagency agreements and agreements not funded by EPA. [EPA Quality Procedure Glossary]
- Federal Credit Instrument
Definition:
Secured loan or loan guarantee authorized to be made available under 33 U.S.C. 3901–3914 with respect to a project.[40 CFR 35.1005 (CFR 2018)]
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Federal Financial Assistance
Definition 1:
Any of the following, when authorized or extended under a law administered by the Federal agency that awards such assistance: (1) A grant or loan of Federal financial assistance, including funds made available for: (i) The acquisition, construction, renovation, restoration, or repair of a building or facility or any portion thereof; and (ii) Scholarships, loans, grants, wages, or other funds extended to any entity for payment to or on behalf of students admitted to that entity, or extended directly to such students for payment to that entity. (2) A grant of Federal real or personal property or any interest therein, including surplus property, and the proceeds of the sale or transfer of such property, if the Federal share of the fair market value of the property is not, upon such sale or transfer, properly accounted for to the Federal Government. (3) Provision of the services of Federal personnel. (4) Sale or lease of Federal property or any interest therein at nominal consideration, or at consideration reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient or in recognition of public interest to be served thereby, or permission to use Federal property or any interest therein without consideration. (5) Any other contract, agreement, or arrangement that has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance to any education program or activity, except a contract of insurance or guaranty. [40 CFR 5.105 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Any financial benefits provided directly as aid to a project by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal government in any form including contracts, grants, and loan guarantees. Actions or programs carried out by the Federal government itself such as dredging performed by the Army Corps of Engineers do not involve Federal financial assistance. Actions performed for the Federal government by contractors, such as construction of roads on Federal lands by a contractor under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management, [Definition truncated. For full definition, see 40 CFR 149.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Federal Financial Assistance Application
Definition:
Completed formal written request for a TAG that you submit to a State or the EPA on EPA form SF–424, Application for Federal Assistance (Non-construction Programs).[40 CFR 35.4270 (CFR 2018)]
- Federal Financial Assistance Commitment
Definition:
Written agreement entered into by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government to provide financial assistance as defined in paragraph (g) of this section. Renewal of a commitment which the issuing agency determines has lapsed shall not constitute a new commitment unless the Regional Administrator determines that the project’s impact on the aquifer has not been previously reviewed under section 1424(e). The determination of a Federal agency that a certain written agreement constitutes a commitment shall be conclusive with respect to the existence of such a commitment.[40 CFR 149.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Federal Financial Assistance Project
Definition:
Program or action for which an application for Federal financial assistance has been made.[40 CFR 149.101 (CFR 2018)]
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EPA Federal Program
Definition:
As defined in § 3.3 of CROMERR, any program administered by EPA under any other provision of Title 40. [Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation (CROMERR) Glossary]
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National Research Program
Definition:
The Horizontal Dimension side of the Matrix Organization. There are six National Research Programs within ORD: Chemical Safety and Sustainability, Safe and Sustainable Water; Air, Climate, Energy; Sustainable and Healthy Communities; Human Health Risk Assessment; and Homeland Security Research. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Environmental Protection Research Fellowship
Definition:
One which requires the performance of services, either full or part time, for the EPA.[40 CFR 18 (CFR 2018)]
+ Federal Contract
Definition: Acquisition contract awarded by an agency, including those subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and any other acquisition contract for real or personal property or services not subject to the FAR. [40 CFR 34.105 (CFR 2018)]
- Advisory and Assistance Service
Definition:
Those services provided under contract by nongovernmental sources to support or improve: organizational policy development; decision-making; management and administration; program and/or project management and administration; or R&D activities. It can also mean the furnishing of professional advice or assistance rendered to improve the effectiveness of Federal management processes or procedures (including those of an engineering and technical nature). In rendering the foregoing services, outputs may take the form of information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and the day-to-day aid of support personnel needed for the successful performance of ongoing Federal operations. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Alternative Remedial Contracting Strategy
- Bond
Definition:
Written instrument executed by a bidder or contractor (the “principal”), and a second party (the “surety” or “sureties”) (except as provided in 28.204), to assure fulfillment of the principal’s obligations to a third party (the “obligee” or “Government”), identified in the bond. If the principal’s obligations are not met, the bond assures payment, to the extent stipulated, of any loss sustained by the obligee. The types of bonds and related documents are as follows: [Definition truncated. For full definition, see 48 CFR 28.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Change-of-Name Agreement
Definition:
Legal instrument executed by the contractor and the Government that recognizes the legal change of name of the contractor without disturbing the original contractual rights and obligations of the parties. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Confidential Contract Proposal Information
- Consent to Subcontract
Definition:
Contracting officer’s written consent for the prime contractor to enter into a particular subcontract.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
+
Contract by Type
- Cost Reimbursement Contract
Definition:
Cost-reimbursement types of contracts provide for payment of allowable incurred costs, to the extent prescribed in the contract. These contracts establish an estimate of total cost for the purpose of obligating funds and establishing a ceiling that the contractor may not exceed (except at its own risk) without the approval of the contracting officer. [48 CFR 16.301-1 (CFR 2019)]
- Emergency Response Cleanup Services Contract
- Firm Fixed Price Contract
Definition:
Fixed-price types of contracts provide for a firm price or, in appropriate cases, an adjustable price. Fixed-price contracts providing for an adjustable price may include a ceiling price, a target price (including target cost), or both. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the ceiling price or target price is subject to adjustment only by operation of contract clauses providing for equitable adjustment or other revision of the contract price under stated circumstances. [48 CFR 16.201 (CFR 2019)]
- Full and Open Competition
Definition:
When used with respect to a contract action, means that all responsible sources are permitted to compete.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Government-Wide Acquisition Contract
Definition:
Task-order or delivery-order contract for information technology established by one agency for Governmentwide use that is operated- (1) By an executive agent designated by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to 40 U.S.C. 11302(e); or (2) Under a delegation of procurement authority issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) prior to August 7,1996, under authority granted GSA by former section 40 U.S.C. 759, repealed by Pub. L. 104-106. The Economy Act does not apply to orders under a Governmentwide acquisition contract. [Adapted from 48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Indefinite Delivery Contract
Definition:
There are three types of indefinite-delivery contracts: definite-quantity contracts, requirements contracts, and indefinite-quantity contracts. The appropriate type of indefinite-delivery contract may be used to acquire supplies and/or services when the exact times and/or exact quantities of future deliveries are not known at the time of contract award. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304d and 41 U.S.C. 4101, requirements contracts and indefinite-quantity contracts are also known as delivery-order contracts or task-order contracts. [48 CFR 16.501-2 (CFR 2019)]
- Indefinite Quantity Contract
Definition:
Provides for an indefinite quantity, within stated limits, of supplies or services during a fixed period. The Government places orders for individual requirements. Quantity limits may be stated as number of units or as dollar values. [48 CFR 16.504 (CFR 2019)]
- Multi-Year Contract
Definition:
Contract for the purchase of supplies or services for more than 1, but not more than 5, program years. A multi-year contract may provide that performance under the contract during the second and subsequent years of the contract is contingent upon the appropriation of funds, and (if it does so provide) may provide for a cancellation payment to be made to the contractor if appropriations are not made. The key distinguishing difference between multi-year contracts and multiple year contracts is that multi-year contracts, defined in the statutes cited at 17.101, buy more than 1 year’s requirement (of a product or service) without establishing and having to exercise an option for each program year after the first. [48 CFR 17.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Performance-Based Contracting
Definition:
Structuring all aspects of an acquisition around the purpose of the work to be performed with the contract requirements set forth, in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes as opposed to either the manner by which the work is to be performed or broad and imprecise statements of work.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
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Set-Aside Contract
Definition:
See SB Glossary
- Competitive Set-Aside Contract
Definition:
Contracts exclusively available to small businesses when at least two small businesses could perform the work or provide the products. With few exceptions, this happens automatically for all government contracts under $150,000. Some set-asides are open to any small business, but some are open only to small businesses who participate in SBA contracting assistance programs. [Modified from U.S. Small Business Administration, https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/types-contracts#:~:text=Set-aside%20contracts%20for%20small,sole-source%20set-asides.]
- Small Business Set-Aside
Definition:
Contracts with competition limited by the government to small businesses only.
- Sole Source Set-Aside
Definition:
kind of contract that can be issued without a competitive bidding process. This usually happens in situations where only a single business can fulfill the requirements of a contract.
- Time and Materials Contract
Definition:
Provides for acquiring supplies or services on the basis of- (1) Direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit; and (2) Actual cost for materials (except as provided for in 31.205-26(e) and (f)). [48 CFR 16.601 (CFR 2019)]
- Classified Contract
Definition:
Any contract in which the contractor or its employees must have access to classified information during contract performance. A contract may be a classified contract even though the contract document itself is unclassified. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Cost Plus Award Fee Contract
Definition:
Cost-reimbursement contract that provides for a fee consisting of (a)a base amount (which may be zero) fixed at inception of the contract and (b)an award amount, based upon a judgmental evaluation by the Government, sufficient to provide motivation for excellence in contract performance.[48 CFR 16.305 (CFR 2019)]
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract
Definition:
Cost-reimbursement contract that provides for payment to the contractor of a negotiated fee that is fixed at the inception of the contract. The fixed fee does not vary with actual cost, but may be adjusted as a result of changes in the work to be performed under the contract. This contract type permits contracting for efforts that might otherwise present too great a risk to contractors, but it provides the contractor only a minimum incentive to control costs. [48 CFR 16.306 (CFR 2019)]
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee Contract
Definition:
Cost-reimbursement contract that provides for an initially negotiated fee to be adjusted later by a formula based on the relationship of total allowable costs to total target costs. [48 CFR 16.304 (CFR 2019)]
- Contract Consolidation
Definition:
Solicitation for a single contract, a multiple-award contract, a task order, or a delivery order to satisfy— (i) Two or more requirements of the Federal agency for supplies or services that have been provided to or performed for the Federal agency under two or more separate contracts, each of which was lower in cost than the total cost of the contract for which offers are solicited; or (ii) Requirements of the Federal agency for construction projects to be performed at two or more discrete sites.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Delivery Order
Definition:
Order for supplies placed against an established contract or with Government sources. [48 CFR 2.101] (CFR 2019)]
- Effective Competition
Definition:
Market condition that exists when two or more contractors, acting independently, actively contend for the Government’s business in a manner that ensures that the Government will be offered the lowest cost or price alternative or best technical design meeting its minimum needs. [48 CFR 34.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Forward Pricing Rate Agreement
Definition:
Written agreement negotiated between a contractor and the Government to make certain rates available during a specified period for use in pricing contracts or modifications. These rates represent reasonable projections of specific costs that are not easily estimated for, identified with, or generated by a specific contract, contract end item, or task. These projections may include rates for such things as labor, indirect costs, material obsolescence and usage, spare parts provisioning, and material handling.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Forward Pricing Rate Recommendation
Definition:
Rate set unilaterally by the administrative contracting officer for use by the Government in negotiations or other contract actions when forward pricing rate agreement negotiations have not been completed or when the contractor will not agree to a forward pricing rate agreement.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Government-Wide Point of Entry
Definition:
Task-order or delivery-order contract for information technology established by one agency for Governmentwide use that is operated— (1) By an executive agent designated by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to 40 U.S.C. 11302(e); or (2) Under a delegation of procurement authority issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) prior to August 7, 1996, under authority granted GSA by former section 40 U.S.C. 759, repealed by Pub. L. 104–106. The Economy Act does not apply to orders under a Governmentwide acquisition contract[Adapted from 48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
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Proposal
Definition:
Any offer or other submission used as a basis for pricing a contract, contract modification, or termination settlement or for securing payments thereunder. [48 CFR 31.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Proposal Deficiency
Definition:
Material failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level. [48 CFR 15.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Proposal Modification
Definition:
Change made to a proposal before the solicitation closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.[48 CFR 15.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Proposal Revision
Definition:
Change to a proposal made after the solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a contracting officer, as the result of negotiations.[48 CFR 15.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Proposal Weakness
Definition:
Flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. A “significant weakness” in the proposal is a flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.[48 CFR 15.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Value Engineering Proposal
Definition:
In connection with an A-E contract, a change proposal developed by employees of the Federal Government or contractor value engineering personnel under contract to an agency to provide value engineering services for the contract or program.[48 CFR 001 (CFR 2018)]
- Protest
Definition:
Written objection by an interested party to any of the following: (1) A solicitation or other request by an agency for offers for a contract for the procurement of property or services. (2) The cancellation of the solicitation or other request. (3) An award or proposed award of the contract. (4) A termination or cancellation of an award of the contract, if the written objection contains an allegation that the termination or cancellation is based in whole or in part on improprieties concerning the award of the contract. [48 CFR 33.101 (CFR 2019)]
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Response Bid
Definition:
Any response to a solicitation, including a proposal under a negotiated acquisition. [40 CFR 28.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Bid Guarantee
Definition:
Form of security assuring that the bidder- (1) Will not withdraw a bid within the period specified for acceptance; and (2) Will execute a written contract and furnish required bonds, including any necessary coinsurance or reinsurance agreements, within the time specified in the bid, unless a longer time allowed, after receipt of the specified forms. [48 CFR 28.001 (CFR 2019)]
- Bid Sample
Definition:
Product sample required to be submitted by an offeror to show characteristics of the offered products that cannot adequately be described by specifications, purchase descriptions, or the solicitation (e.g., balance, facility of use, or pattern).[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Invitation for Bid
- Letter of Interest
- Level of Effort
- Qualification Requirement
Definition:
Government requirement for testing or other quality assurance demonstration that must be completed before award of a contract. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Source Selection Information
Definition:
Any of the following information that is prepared for use by an agency for the purpose of evaluating a bid or proposal to enter into an agency procurement contract, if that information has not been previously made available to the public or disclosed publicly: (1) Bid prices submitted in response to an agency invitation for bids, or lists of those bid prices before bid opening. (2) Proposed costs or prices submitted in response to an agency solicitation, or lists of those proposed costs or prices. (3) Source selection plans. (4) Technical evaluation plans. (5) Technical evaluations of proposals. (6) Cost or price evaluations of proposals. (7) Competitive range determinations that identify proposals that have a reasonable chance of being selected for award of a contract. (8) Rankings of bids, proposals, or competitors. (9) Reports and evaluations of source selection panels, boards, or advisory councils. (10) Other information marked as ‘‘Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104’’ based on a caseby-case determination by the head of the agency or the contracting officer, that its disclosure would jeopardize the integrity or successful completion of the Federal agency procurement to which the information relates. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Termination for Convenience
Definition:
Exercise of the Government’s right to completely or partially terminate performance of work under a contract when it is in the Government’s interest. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Termination for Default
Definition:
Exercise of the Government’s right to completely or partially terminate a contract because of the contractor’s actual or anticipated failure to perform its contractual obligations. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
+ Procurement
+
Agency Procurement Request
- Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition
- Preaward Survey
Definition:
Evaluation of a prospective contractor’s capability to perform a proposed contract. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Engineering Change Proposal
- Line Item
Definition:
Basic structural element in a procurement instrument that describes and organizes the required product or service for pricing, delivery, inspection, acceptance, invoicing, and payment. The use of the term ‘‘line item’’ includes ‘‘subline item,’’ as applicable. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
- Line Item Number
Definition:
Either a numeric or alphanumeric format to identify a line item. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2018)]
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+
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EPA Administrative Operation
Definition: Activities and programs applicable to, and specifically for, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
+ Budget and Finance Management
- Budget Obligation
Definition:
Legally binding commitment to purchase [Congressional Budget Office, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57660]
+ Environmental Program
Definition 1: Program for which EPA awards grants under the authorities listed in §35.101. The grants are subject to the requirements of this subpart. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2: Program for which EPA awards grants under the authorities listed in §35.501. The grants are subject to the requirements of this subpart.
+
Program Justification
Definition:
The narrative and related analyses and statistical presentations supporting a program budget request. It includes: (1) definitions of program objectives, including a rationale for how the proposed program is expected to help solve the problem and the magnitude of the need, (2) plans for achieving the objectives , and (3) the derivation of the requested appropriation in terms of outputs or workloads showing productivity trends and the distribution of funds among organizational units. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Critical Need
- Goal
Definition 1:
A desired state of affairs that outlines the ultimate purpose of a program. This is the end toward which project or program efforts are directed. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
Definition 2:
What is specifically sought to be achieved and is determined through the use of measured indicators. [National Research Council Sustainability and the U.S. EPA., National Research Council, National Academies Press, 2011]
- Mission
Definition:
The part of a goal or endeavor assigned as a specific responsibility of a particular organizational unit. It includes the task, together with the purpose, which clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reasons. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Problem Statement
Definition 1:
A concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by the National Research Program. It is used to focus Research Program Strategic Plan and Research Action Plan development. [Ellis 2008.] [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
Definition 2:
Statement of the perceived problem to be studied by the risk assessment. Problem statements often also include statements about how the problem is going to be studied. [EPA 2004][Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment]
+
Program Evaluation
Definition 1:
Individual systematic studies conducted periodically or on an ad hoc basis to assess how well a program is working. They are often conducted by experts external to the program, either inside or outside the agency, as well as by program managers. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
Definition 2:
Program Evaluation involves the analysis of internal and external program effectiveness and the determination of corrective actions as appropriate. [EPA BRM]
- Accountability
Definition:
The responsibility of program staff to provide evidence to stakeholders and sponsors that a program is effective and in conformity with its coverage, service, legal, and fiscal requirements. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
+
Objective
Definition:
Specific results or effects of a program's activities that must be achieved in pursuing the program's ultimate goals. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Statutory Objective
Definition:
Purpose of a program or activity expressly stated in any Federal statute, State statute, or local statute or ordinance adopted by an elected, general purpose legislative body.[40 CFR 7.25 (CFR 2018)]
- Standard
Definition 1:
A criterion for evaluating performance and results. It may be a quantity or quality of output to be produced, a rule of conduct to be observed, a model of operation to be adhered to, or a degree of progress toward a goal. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
Definition 2:
An authoritative technical requirement that establishes a measurable control to determine conformance with a particular EPA policy.The CIO issues two standards that establish common baseline requirements for users who encrypt emails. The first standard requires any EPA employee, contractor, or grantee who sends an encrypted email to notify the appropriate Records and FOIA contacts and save an unencrypted version of the message into ECMS within 14 days of originally sending it. The second standard specifies that emails containing PII or SPII must be encrypted using FIPS 140-2-validated cryptographic modules and establishes a baseline password complexity (including minimum number and type of characters) for emails containing PII or SPII. Furthermore, it requires emailed SPII to be encrypted within an attachment and specifies that users must provide the password separately (via separate email, phone call, in person, or other means). Each of these standards states that users must follow these requirements to be in conformance with the EPA Email Encryption Policy.[Information Directives Glossary]
+
Program Formulation
Definition:
The initial process for scoping the problems, Decision Contexts, and Partner/Stakeholder needs necessary for developing the Research Framework, Research Action Plan, and Research Program Strategic Plan. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Research Framework
Definition:
A planning document that provides the roadmap to guide development of Research Projects, completion of the Research Action Plan, and synthesis of the Research Program Strategic Plan. The Research Framework provides detail and description of the Partner/Stakeholder needs, relevance of the National Research Program to the EPA's Strategic Goals, the Decision Contexts, and the Partner/Stakeholder Outcomes, and any specifications on the type of Outputs needed to accomplish those Partner/Stakeholder Outcomes. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
+
Research Project
Definition:
An integrated set of Research Activities/Tasks/Studies that must be completed to produce the Research Products and Research Outputs necessary to meet the Partner/Stakeholder needs. Research Projects have defined start and end dates for completing Products and Outputs as indicated by Milestones. This is the level of research that may be described in a programmatic quality management plan. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
+
Research Portfolio
Definition:
The entirety of ORD’s intramural and extramural Research Activities. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Extramural Award
Definition:
Financial assistance to an external entity that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. Awards include grants and other agreements in the form of money or property in lieu of money by the U.S. Government to an eligible recipient.
- Research Portfolio Management
Definition:
An ORD corporate process for planning, managing, delivering, and evaluating ORD’s Research Portfolio. [Adapted from EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Scientific Data Management Plan
Definition:
The systematic inquiry directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. The results of scientific research refer to both the research publications in peer-reviewed journals and the associated digital research data that underlie the scientific results of the research publications. The following specific examples of scientific research are excluded from this plan: interim results or other preliminary scientific research data not used to generate the results in the final peer-reviewed publication; preliminary scientific research documentation beyond the article, supplementary materials, and metadata regarding preliminary research plans, including preliminary study protocols and other preliminary a priori decisions (recognizing that preliminary plans may have changed during the research project); and information that may disclose personally identifiable information, intellectual property rights, national security, and other classified information.[EPA Public Access Glossary]
- Program Outcome
Definition 1:
Environmental result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes must be quantitative, and they may not necessarily be achievable during a grant funding period. See ‘‘output.’’ [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Environmental result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes must be quantitative, and they may not necessarily be achievable during a grant funding period. See ‘‘output.’’ [40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
- Program Output
Definition 1:
Environmental activity or effort and associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during a grant funding period. See ‘‘outcome.’’ [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Environmental activity or effort and associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during a grant funding period. See ‘‘outcome.’’ [40 CFR 35.502 (CFR 2018)]
+ EPA Communication
- Cross-Organization Dialogue
- Executive Report
Definition:
An abbreviated report that has been tailored specifically to addresses the concerns and questions of a person whose function is to administer a program or project. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Executive Summary
Definition:
A non-technical summary statement designed to provide a quick overview of the full-length report on which it is based. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement
Definition:
Timely engagement with pertinent stakeholders and/or their representatives in the plan development or plan revision process. Such engagement should not be disproportionate in favor of certain stakeholders and should be informed by available best practices. [40 CFR 60.21a (CFR 2024)]
- Research Program Strategic Plan
Definition:
A published document that describes a National Research Program’s strategic direction. The Research Program Strategic Plan is comprised of the Research Framework and a summary of the major Research Projects within that National Research Program. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Special Report to Congress
+
Community Relations
Definition 1:
The EPA effort to establish two-way communication with the public to create understanding of EPA programs and related actions, to ensure public input into decision-making processes related to affected communities, and to make certain that the Agency is aware of and responsive to public concerns. Specific community relations activities are required in relation to Superfund remedial actions. [Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable Glossary]
Definition 2:
EPA's program to inform and encourage public participation in the Superfund process and to respond to community concerns. The term “public” includes citizens directly affected by the site, other interested citizens or parties, organized groups, elected officials, and potentially responsible parties (PRPs). [40 CFR 300.5 (CFR 2013)]
- Community Based Environmental Project
+ EPA Partnership
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
- Exchange Network Partner
Definition:
In the context of the Exchange Network, "partner" refers to an institution that is active on the Network. It can also mean one of the two entities in a Trading Partner exchange. The Partner can either be the information provider or the information requester (client/consumer).[Exchange Network Glossary]
- Internal EPA Partner
- Performance Partnership Agreement
Definition:
Negotiated agreement signed by the EPA Regional Administrator and an appropriate official of a State agency and designated as a Performance Partnership Agreement. Such agreements typically set out jointly developed goals, objectives, and priorities; the strategies to be used in meeting them; the roles and responsibilities of the State and EPA; and the measures to be used in assessing progress. A Performance Partnership Agreement may be used as all or part of a work plan for a grant if it meets the requirements for a work plan set out in §35.107. [40 CFR 35.102 (CFR 2018)]
+
State, Tribal and International Partnership
+
Intergovernmental Agreement
Definition 1:
Any written agreement between units of government under which one public agency performs duties for or in concert with another public agency using EPA assistance. This includes substate and interagency agreements.[40 CFR 35.6015 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
Between the EPA and international, other federal, state, tribal, territorial, area-wide, regional or local governments and agencies. [EPA Quality Procedure Glossary]
- Memorandum of Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding
Definition:
An agreement between two (or more) parties, such as two Federal agencies, that describes how responsibilities will be shared for a particular situation. For example, EPA has an MOU with DOE to share information related to treatment of mixed waste. [Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary]
+
Participating Agency
Definition:
Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency participating in an environmental review or authorization of an action. [40 CFR 1508.1 (CFR 2024)]
- Participating Federal Agency
Definition:
Federal agency participating in an environmental review or authorization of an action. [40 CFR 1508.1 (CFR 2024)]
- Extraordinary Circumstance
Definition 1: Those circumstances listed in section 6.204 of this part that may cause a significant environmental effect such that a proposed action that otherwise meets the requirements of a categorical exclusion may not be categorically excluded.[40 CFR 6.102 (CFR 2019)]
Definition 2: factors or circumstances that indicate a normally categorically excluded action may have a significant effect. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include potential substantial effects on sensitive environmental resources; potential substantial disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental justice concerns; potential substantial effects associated with climate change; and potential substantial effects on historic properties or cultural resources. [40 CFR 1508.1 (CFR 2024)]
+ Human Resources
+
Performance Management
Definition:
The systematic process by which an agency involves its employees, as individuals and members of a group, in improving organizational effectiveness in the accomplishment of agency mission and goals. Performance management includes: planning the work and setting clear expectations; continually monitoring and tracking performance; developing the capacity to perform; and assessing progress on a quarterly basis. [OPM 2011. Quoted in EPA Path Forward Glossary]
- Annual Performance Goal
- Annual Performance Measure
- Annual Performance Plan
- Multi-Year Plan
Definition:
Includes two major components: (1) a narrative description of the plan, and (2) a matrix of goals and measures. The narrative provides an introduction and background to the topic of the plan, describes the long-term goals, provides the logic/thinking used to array performance goals to achieve long-term goals, and describes the integration between goals and organizations. The matrix is used to indicate annual goals and measures needed to meet the long-term goals identified in the plan. These goals and measures are arrayed across time (i.e., fiscal years) and laboratories/centers and are based on total annual resource levels for the MYP topic area that will not exceed the resource level proposed in the most recent President's Budget. [EPA Human Health Risk Assessment Multi-Year Plan at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=161757#Download]
- Performance Measurement
Definition:
The ongoing monitoring and reporting of program accomplishments, particularly progress toward pre-established goals. It is typically conducted by program or agency management. Performance measures may address the type or level of program activities conducted (process), the direct products and services delivered by a program (outputs), or the results of those products and services (outcomes). [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Research Management System
Definition:
A system designed to enhance ORD’s ability to more effectively manage all of ORD’s intramural and extramural Research Activities, provide ORD with visibility in to National Research Program performance, and deliver information to support ORD Decision Makers. [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
+ Quality Management Program
Definition: The totality of management controls, processes, and documentation in EPA’s planning, implementation, and assessment for ensuring the quality of Agency environmental information operations products and services. [EPA Quality Procedure Glossary]
- Technical Review Workgroup
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+
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Information Management and Technology
+ Electronic and Information Technology
Definition: Same meaning as ‘‘information technology’’ except EIT also includes any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. The term EIT, includes, but is not limited to, telecommunication products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, worldwide websites, multimedia, and office equipment (such as copiers and fax machines).[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
+
Information Technology
Definition 1:
The study, design, development, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.[Great Lakes: Quality Management Training - Quality Glossary]
Definition 2:
Any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. The term information technology includes computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. (§ 1194.4)[Section 508: Accessibility Glossary]
Definition 3:
Any equipment, or interconnected system(s) or subsystem(s) of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the agency.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Access Certificate for Electronic Services
- Access Control List
+
Computer Software
Definition:
Computer programs that comprise a series of instructions, rules, routines, or statements, regardless of the media in which recorded, that allow or cause a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations; and (ii) Recorded information comprising source code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulas, and related material that would enable the computer program to be produced, created, or compiled (2) Does not include computer databases or computer software documentation. [48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Commercial Computer Software
Definition:
Any computer software that is a commercial item.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
+
Data Exchange
Definition 1:
Data exchange is the movement of data among organizations, or between processes and data stores within an organization.[EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 2:
Exchange Network term for any routine exchange of information between two or more network partners. Exchanges may include multiple dataflows or schema. They also include the legal and technical details of the exchange. Also known as "dataflows."[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Web Portal
Definition 1:
A portal is a Web site that is a gateway to other Web sites on the Internet and World Wide Web. Typically, a portal offers a search engine and/or links to useful pages, news or other services. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 2:
A web page that includes availability and access information for other resources.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
+
Web Services
Definition 1:
A software system designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network. They make it easier to conduct work across organizations regardless of the types of operating systems, hardware/software, programming languages, and databases that are being used.[Exchange Network Glossary]
Definition 2:
Software system designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network. It may use one of several technologies, including SOAP and REST.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Data Access Services (Publishing)
Definition:
Network publishing is a term that refers to using Exchange Network technologies, services and specifications for web services to make data available to Network users by querying nodes and returning environmental data in the form of XML or (Json) documents. These services are also called data services. Once these data services are deployed, they can be used in a number of ways such as populating web pages, synchronizing data between sites, viewing data in a web service client, or building new sources of data into an integrated application. In other words, data access services are a specific subset of the many possible types of web services. Other web service types include data submission, security, quality assurance, notification and status. [Exchange Network Glossary]
- Data Service
Definition:
A web service used to access data.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Geospatial Web Service
Definition:
Web service using REST, SOAP or other technologies whose function is to provide access to geospatial data.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Representational State Transfer Web Service
Definition:
Software system designed to support machine-to-machine interaction over a network. Representational State Transfer (REST) services do not require XML, SOAP, or WSDL (Web Services Description Language) but rely on the exchange of requests and responses between the resources and on their corresponding states. REST-style services facilitate the aggregation of services into more complex services and the development of mashups. REST services are usually accessed via HTTP (like a web URL or link) [Exchange Network Glossary]
- Shared Service
Definition:
A shared service, as defined by the Shared Services Integrated Project Team in 2016, is a service that is: *Developed jointly. *Usable by multiple partners/users. *Managed centrally, meaning that some entity is overseeing the ongoing evolution and maintenance of the service. *The entity might be a state, tribe, territory, EPA, or some other interested party. *Addresses a common need/concern. [Exchange Network Glossary]
- SOAP Web Service
Definition:
Software system designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network. SOAP services use the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) standard and their machine-readable description of the operations is usually provided in a Web Services Description Language (WSDL) file.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Widget
Definition:
A software tool that uses a small (smaller than a page) graphical interface to provide a function or service and that can be added to a web application or to a web page.[Exchange Network Glossary]
- XML
Definition 1:
XML is the Extensible Markup Language. It is writen in Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), the international standard metalanguage for text markup systems (ISO 8879). XML can be used to describe customized markups for any type of document because, unlike other SGML-derived markup languages, such as HTML, it is not comprised of a fixed vocabulary of document elements. XML itself is a meta-language used to develop markup languages that describe the content and structure, but not the presentation, of documents.[Web Guide Glossary]
Definition 2:
A general-purpose markup language for creating special-purpose markup languages. It is capable of describing many different kinds of data. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the sharing of data across different systems, particularly systems connected via the Internet. [Source: NCI] C45967. [NIH National Cancer Institute Glossary of Clinical Trials Reporting Program]
- XML Schema
Definition 1:
Defines the structure of an XML document. An XML schema defines things such as which data elements and attributes can appear in a document; how the data elements relate to one another; whether an element is empty or can include text; which types of data are allowed for specific data elements and attributes; and what the default and fixed values are for elements and attributes. A schema is also a description of the data represented within a database. The format of the description varies but includes a table layout for a relational database or an entity-relationship diagram. It is method for specifying constraints on XML documents. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 2:
Description, in XML language or dialect, of the structure and contents of a document or data set. The description includes grammatical rules governing the order of the elements, conditions that the contents must satisfy, data types governing the content of elements and attributes, and other specialized constraints and rules.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Application Programming Interface
Definition 1:
A set of software instructions and standards that allows machine to machine communication—like when a website uses a widget to share a link on Twitter or Facebook. [Data.gov Glossary]
Definition 2:
Routine or other software device provided by a software vendor or developer to access specific functionality in a software tool or application. The user of the API does not need to know the internal architecture or technology in the software, only how to use the interface (i.e., parameters, codes, etc.)[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
Definition 3:
When used in the context of web development, an API is a set of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request messages, along with a definition of the structure of response messages, which is usually in an Extensible Markup Language (XML) or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format. The term web API is virtually synonymous with the term web service. [Exchange Network Glossary]
Definition 4:
An abstraction implemented in software that defines how others should make use of a software package such as a library or other reusable program. APIs are used to provide developers access to data and functionality from a given system.[Linked Data Glossary]
- Comma Separated Value
Definition:
A computer data file used for implementing the organizational tool of the Comma Separated List. The CSV file is used for the digital storage of data structured in a table of lists form. Each line in the CSV file corresponds to a row in the table. Within a line, fields are separated by commas and each field belongs to one table column. CSV files are often used for moving tabular data between two different computer programs (like moving between a database program and a spreadsheet program).
- Creative Commons License
Definition:
Licenses that include legal statements by the owner of copyright in intellectual property specifically allowing people to use or redistribute the copyrighted work in accordance with conditions specified therein. [Linked Data Glossary]
- Data Element
Definition:
A data element is the smallest unit of information stored in and exchanged among Exchange Network partners' information systems. Examples of data elements are the facility name, latitude, longitude and inspection date. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Scope Note: EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary
- Data Exchange Template
Definition:
A data exchange template is a standardized format that identifies the types of information required or allowed in a particular document or data exchange. Data exchange templates contain no data, but they define the format for exchange according to data standards and trading partner agreements. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
- Data Extraction Tool
Definition:
Tools that allow a user to select a data basket full of variables and then recode those variables into a form that the user desires. The user can then develop customized displays of any selected data.
- Data Requirement
- Data Standard
Definition:
A data standard depicts the required content and format in which particular types of data are to be presented and exchanged. Exchange Network partners are strongly encouraged to use data standards that have been approved by the Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC). [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
- Digital Object
Definition:
A data structure whose principal components are digital material, including data, plus a unique identifier for this material. Note that a DOI name may be identifier of digital objects, but a DOI name is not solely an identifier of digital objects as it may also identify other forms, e.g. physical or abstract entities.[EPA Public Access Glossary]
- Digital Object Identifier
Definition:
An alphanumeric string assigned by a registration agency to uniquely identify a digital object, such as a dataset, [EPA Public Access Glossary]
- Dublin Core Metadata Element Set
Definition:
Refers to a vocabulary of fifteen properties for use in resource descriptions, such as may be found in a library card catalog (creator, publisher, etc). The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, also known as "DC Elements", is the most commonly used vocabulary for Linked Data applications. [Linked Data Glossary]
- Electronic Data Interchange
Definition 1:
An Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the inter-organizational, computer-to-computer exchange of structured information in a standard format. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 2:
Technique for electronically transferring and storing formatted information between computers utilizing established and published formats and codes, as authorized by the applicable Federal Information Processing Standards. [48 CFR 2.101]
Definition 3:
Electronic data interchange is the computer-to-computer transfer of information using standard file transfer formats that may be used by all types of computers. EDI can be used to transfer many types of data, ranging from business documents to scientific data. EDI uses a standard electronic format, known as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X12 format to enable otherwise incompatible computers to communicate. Within X12, "transaction sets" are created from routine sets of data, an electronic "envelope" is created, the data is put in the envelope, and the envelope is sent to the trading partner. The trading partner reverses the process, which results in data the receiver's computer system can process.[Web Guide Glossary]
+
Exchange Network
Definition:
A partnership among EPA and its state and tribal partners to share environmental data efficiently and securely over the Internet with EPA and with one another, including supporting governance and technology.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Exchange Network Discovery Service
Definition 1:
Registry of Exchange Network nodes, dataflows and Web services. It is also a tool to manage and deliver those services.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
Definition 2:
A set of directory services for all nodes in EN. This central catalog approach supports the automated consumption of services using tools such as the EN Browser and the EN Services Center via an XML document that contains the service metadata. ENDS automate both the discovery and retrieval of service metadata for the Network and supports the Administration and export of node services via the web and web Service interfaces. ENDS is composed of two main components: the first, is a set of services that allows EN partners to submit and query the service descriptions stored in the ENDS repository; the second, is a web interface that simplifies the data entry of service metadata into ENDS. The services all accept or return a common XML schema. This XML schema provides a structured, standard way to represent EN services across all EN Nodes. A second ENDS schema defines the Data Element Description Language (DEDL) that can be used by individual Exchange Network nodes for describing acceptable parameters and valid allowable values and making them available as services. DEDL further enhances the ability for EN partners to build rich, user friendly applications using EN services.[Exchange Network Glossary]
- Exchange Network Node
Definition:
An end point in the Exchange Network that consumes or provides services. A node consists of all computer equipment, physical or virtual, and software necessary to establish and maintain such connection.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Exchange Network Service
Definition:
A software component that implements standard Web services on the Exchange Network. Exchange Network Services are SOAP Web services. However, the services use a special, non-standard interface that allows dynamic consumption of those services.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Flow Configuration Document
Definition:
The principle document that defines the detailed data exchange processing design and roles governing a data exchange using narrative text, diagrams and examples. A standard template for FCDs is available on the Exchange Network Website. For more information, refer to the Flow Configuration Checklist v1.1. [Exchange Network Glossary]
- Keyhole Markup Language
Definition:
An XML-based language schema for expressing geographic annotation and visualization of existing or future Web-based, two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional Earth browsers.
- Network Node Data Exchange
Definition:
A network Node data exchange is a data exchange between two or more partners on the Exchange Network. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
- Node
Definition 1:
A node is a Web server (hardware with appropriate software) that provides a point for exchanging information over the Internet. Exchange Network Nodes can gain access to and transmit information using Web services. In order to achieve interoperability among Nodes, all Nodes must be set up according to Exchange Network specifications. Specifications and protocols for building a functioning Exchange Network Node are available on the Exchange Network Web site. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 2:
A Node is a point of interaction between participants on the Exchange Network, and is a collection of specific technical and policy components that are utilized to provide and receive information via the Exchange Network. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 3:
An end point in the Exchange Network that consumes or provides services. A node consists of all computer equipment, physical or virtual, and software necessary to establish and maintain such connection.[Reusable Component Services (RCS) Glossary]
- Public Key Infrastructure
Definition:
Enables users of a basically unsecure public network, such as the Internet, to securely and privately exchange data and money through the use of a public and a private cryptographic key pair that is obtained and shared through a trusted authority. The public key infrastructure provides for a digital certificate that can identify an individual or an organization and directory services that can store and, when necessary, revoke the certificates. [Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation (CROMERR) Glossary]
- Resource Description Framework
Definition:
A family of international standards for data interchange on the Web produced by W3C. Resource Description Framework (RDF) is based on the idea of identifying things using Web identifiers or HTTP URIs, and describing resources in terms of simple properties and property values. [Linked Data Glossary]
- Semantic Web
Definition:
Evolution or part of the World Wide Web that consists of machine-readable data in RDF and an ability to query that information in standard ways (e.g. via SPARQL) [Linked Data Glossary]
- Trading Partner Agreement
Definition:
One of the important supporting elements of the Network is the Trading Partner Agreement (TPA). A TPA is a written agreement that defines, for specific data exchanges, the partners' individual and joint responsibilities in stewardship, security and other items essential for the effective exchange of information between two or more trading partners on the Network. In short, TPAs document and formalize the processes for managing the flow of information across the Network. They may apply to exchanges initiated by the sender or those initiated at the request of the receiver. Network partners may agree upon a TPA for each information data exchange. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
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Data Management
- Comprehensive Knowledge Archive Network
Definition:
An open source data management system that is the basis of the Data.gov catalog, as well as the open data catalogs of approximately 50 data hubs around the world.
- Data Processing
Definition:
Act of manipulating, altering, or viewing data. [EPA CUI Glossary]
- Data Storage
Definition:
Placing and keeping data in an information system. [EPA CUI Glossary]
- Data Transmission
Definition:
The sending of data to an alternate computer or device. [Computer Hope Dictionary]
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E-Government
Definition:
The use by the U.S. government of Web-based Internet applications and other information technology. [NIST IR 7298 Revision 2, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms]
- Copy of Record
Definition 1:
As defined in § 3.3 of CROMERR, a true and correct copy of an electronic document received by an electronic document receiving system, which copy can be viewed in a human-readable format that clearly and accurately associates all the information provided in the electronic document with descriptions or... labeling of the information. A copy of record includes: 1) All electronic signatures contained in or logically associated with that document; 2) The date and time of receipt; and 3) Any other information used to record the meaning of the document or the circumstances of its receipt. [Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation (CROMERR) Glossary]
Definition 2:
True and correct copy of an electronic document received by an electronic document receiving system, which copy can be viewed in a human-readable format that clearly and accurately associates all the information provided in the electronic document with descriptions or labeling of the information. A copy of record includes: (1) All electronic signatures contained in or logically associated with that document; (2) The date and time of receipt; and (3) Any other information used to record the meaning of the document or the circumstances of its receipt. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule
Definition:
CROMERR provides the legal framework for electronic reporting under EPA’s regulatory programs. The Rule sets performance-based, technology-neutral system standards and provides a streamlined, uniform process for Agency review and approval of electronic reporting. The CROMERR program ensures the enforceability of regulatory information collected electronically by EPA and EPA’s state, tribal and local government partners. Both new and existing electronic reporting programs require EPA approval, and the regulation establishes a process for applying for and obtaining such approval. CROMERR also addresses electronic reporting directly to EPA. [Exchange Network Glossary]
- Digital Signature
Definition 1:
An electronic signature that can be used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of a document and possibly to ensure that the original content of the message or document that has been sent is unchanged. Digital signatures are easily transportable, cannot be imitated by someone else, and can be automatically time-stamped. [Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation (CROMERR) Glossary]
Definition 2:
An asymmetric key operation where the private key is used to digitally sign data and the public key is used to verify the signature. Digital signatures provide authenticity protection, integrity protection, and non-repudiation. [NIST IR 7298 Revision 2, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms]
Definition 3:
A nonforgeable transformation of data that allows the proof of the source (with non-repudiation) and the verification of the integrity of that data.[NIST IR 7298 Revision 2, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms]
Definition 4:
The result of a cryptographic transformation of data which, when properly implemented, provides the services of: 1. origin authentication, 2. data integrity, and 3. signer non-repudiation.[NIST IR 7298 Revision 2, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms]
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Electronic Document Receiving System
Definition:
Any set of apparatus, procedures, software, records, or documentation used to receive electronic documents.[40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Electronic Document Acknowledgment
Definition:
Confirmation of electronic document receipt. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Existing Electronic Document Receiving System
Definition:
Electronic document receiving system that is being used to receive electronic documents in lieu of paper to satisfy requirements under an authorized program on October 13, 2005 or the system, if not in use, has been substantially developed on or before that date as evidenced by the establishment of system services or specifications by contract or other binding agreement. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Electronic Signature
Definition:
Information in digital form that is included in or logically associated with an electronic document for the purpose of expressing the same meaning and intention as would a handwritten signature if affixed to an equivalent paper document with the same reference to the same content. The electronic document bears or has on it an electronic signature where it includes or has logically associated with it such information. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Electronic Signature Agreement
Definition:
Agreement signed by an individual with respect to an electronic signature device that the individual will use to create his or her electronic signatures requiring such individual to protect the electronic signature device from compromise; to promptly report to the agency or agencies relying on the electronic signatures created any evidence discovered that the device has been compromised; and to be held as legally bound, obligated, or responsible by the electronic signatures created as by a handwritten signature. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Electronic Signature Device
Definition:
Code or other mechanism that is used to create electronic signatures. Where the device is used to create an individual’s electronic signature, then the code or mechanism must be unique to that individual at the time the signature is created and he or she must be uniquely entitled to use it. The device is compromised if the code or mechanism is available for use by any other person. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Official Receipt
Definition 1:
When referring to the permitting authority or the Administrator, to come into possession of a document, information, or correspondence (whether sent in writing or by authorized electronic transmission), as indicated in an official correspondence log, or by a notation made on the document, information, or correspondence, by the permitting authority or the Administrator in the regular course of business. [40 CFR 96.2 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 2:
When referring to the permitting authority or the Administrator, to come into possession of a document, information, or correspondence (whether sent in hard copy or by authorized electronic transmission), as indicated in an official log, or by a notation made on the document, information, or correspondence, by the permitting authority or the Administrator in the regular course of business. [40 CFR 96.202 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 3:
When referring to the permitting authority or the Administrator, to come into possession of a document, information, or correspondence (whether sent in hard copy or by authorized electronic transmission), as indicated in an official log, or by a notation made on the document, information, or correspondence, by the permitting authority or the Administrator in the regular course of business. [40 CFR 96.302 (CFR 2018)]
Definition 4:
When referring to the permitting authority or the Administrator, to come into possession of a document, information, or correspondence (whether sent in hard copy or by authorized electronic transmission), as indicated in an official log, or by a notation made on the document, information, or correspondence, by the permitting authority or the Administrator in the regular course of business. [40 CFR 96.102 (CFR 2018)]
- Signature
Definition 1:
A characteristic or combination of characteristics by which a material or object may be identified. [USGS Definition of Terms at pubs.usgs.gov/ha/ha747/.../definition.pdf]
Definition 2:
Discrete, verifiable symbol of an individual that, when affixed to a writing with the knowledge and consent of the individual, indicates a present intention to authenticate the writing. This includes electronic symbols.[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
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Subscriber Agreement
Definition:
Electronic signature agreement signed by an individual with a handwritten signature. This agreement must be stored until five years after the associated electronic signature device has been deactivated.[40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
- Agreement Collection Certification
Definition:
Signed statement by which a local registration authority certifies that a subscriber agreement has been received from a registrant; the agreement has been stored in a manner that prevents unauthorized access to these agreements by anyone other than the local registration authority; and the local registration authority has no basis to believe that any of the collected agreements have been tampered with or prematurely destroyed. [40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2019)]
- Transmit
Definition:
Successfully and accurately convey an electronic document so that it is received by the intended recipient in a format that can be processed by the electronic document receiving system. [40 CFR 3 .3 (CFR 2018)]
- Valid Electronic Signature
Definition 1:
As defined in § 3.3 of CROMERR, an electronic signature on an electronic document that has been created with an electronic signature device that the identified signatory is uniquely entitled to use for signing that document, where this device has not been compromised, and where the signatory is an individual who is authorized to sign the document by virtue of his or her legal status and/or his or her relationship to the entity on whose behalf the signature is executed. [Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation (CROMERR) Glossary]
Definition 2:
Electronic signature on an electronic document that has been created with an electronic signature device that the identified signatory is uniquely entitled to use for signing that document, where this device has not been compromised, and where the signatory is an individual who is authorized to sign the document by virtue of his or her legal status and/or his or her relationship to the entity on whose behalf the signature is executed.[40 CFR 3.3 (CFR 2018)]
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Information Architecture
Definition:
A framework or structure that portrays relationships among all the elements of the subject force, system, or activity. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Architectural Artifact
Definition:
The relevant documentation, models, diagrams, depictions, and analyses, including a baseline repository and standards and security profiles. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Architecture Repository
Definition:
An information system used to store and access architectural information, relationships among the information elements, and work products. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Artifact
Definition:
An abstract representation of some aspect of an existing or to-be-built system, component, or view. Examples of individual artifacts are a graphical model, structured model, tabular data, and structured or unstructured narrative. Individual artifacts may be aggregated. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
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Enterprise Architecture
Definition 1:
A management practice for aligning resources to improve business performance and help agencies better execute their core missions. An EA describes the current and future state of the agency, and lays out a plan for transitioning from the current state to the desired future state. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
Definition 2:
A strategic information asset base, which defines the business, the information necessary to operate the business, the technologies necessary to support the business operations, and the transitional processes necessary for implementing new technologies in response to the changing business needs. It is a representation or blueprint. [EPA Environmental Information Exchange Network & Grant Program Glossary at www.epa.gov/networkg/glossary.html]
Definition 3:
The description of an enterprise’s entire set of information systems: how they are configured, how they are integrated, how they interface to the external environment at the enterprise’s boundary, how they are operated to support the enterprise mission, and how they contribute to the enterprise’s overall security posture. [NIST IR 7298 Revision 2, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms]
- Baseline Architecture
Definition 1:
The set of products that portray the existing enterprise, the current business practices, and technical infrastructure. Commonly referred to as the As-Is architecture. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
Definition 2:
Representation of the cumulative “as- built” or baseline of the existing architecture. The current architecture has two parts: The current business architecture, which defines the current business needs being met by the current technology. The current design architecture, which defines the implemented data, applications, and technology used to support the current business needs. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Business Architecture
Definition:
A component of the current and target architectures and relates to the Federal mission and goals. It contains the content of the business models and focuses on the Federal business areas and processes responding to business drivers. The business architecture defines Federal business processes, Federal information flows, and information needed to perform business functions. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Enterprise Architecture Product
Definition:
The graphics, models, and/or narrative that depict the enterprise environment and design. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Enterprise Life Cycle
Definition:
The integration of management, business, and engineering life cycle processes that span the enterprise. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
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Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework
Definition:
An organizing mechanism for managing development, maintenance, and facilitated decision making of a Federal EA. The Framework provides a structure for organizing Federal resources and for describing and managing Federal EA activities. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Principle
Definition:
A component of the strategic direction. In terms of the Federal Enterprise Architecture, the principles are statements that provide strategic direction to support the Federal vision, guide design decisions, serve as tie breaker in settling disputes, and provide a basis for dispersed, but integrated, decision making. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
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To-Be Architecture
Definition:
The target state of an enterprise’s architecture (see target architecture). [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
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Target Architecture
Definition:
Representation of a desired future state or to be built for the enterprise within the context of the strategic direction. The target architecture is in two parts: Target Business Architecture—defines the enterprise future business needs addressed through new or emerging technologies Target Design Architecture—defines the future designs used to support future business needs. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Sequencing Plan
Definition:
A document that defines the strategy for changing the enterprise from the current baseline to the target architecture. It schedules multiple, concurrent, and interdependent activities and incremental builds that will evolve the enterprise. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Transitional EA Component
Definition:
Representation of a desired state for all or part of the enterprise for an interim milestone between the baseline architecture and the target architecture. A time-sliced set of models that represent the increments in the sequence plan. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- As-Is Architecture
Definition:
The current state of an enterprise’s architecture (see baseline architecture). [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
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Information System
Definition:
An organized collection, storage, and presentation system of data and other knowledge for decision making, progress reporting, and for planning and evaluation of programs. It can be either manual or computerized, or a combination of both. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
- Federally-Controlled Information System
Definition:
Information system (44 U.S.C. 3502(8) used or operated by a Federal agency, or a contractor or other organization on behalf of the agency (44 U.S.C. 3544(a)(1)(A)).[48 CFR 2.101 (CFR 2019)]
- Legacy System
Definition:
Those systems in existence and either deployed or under development at the start of a modernization program. All legacy systems will be affected by modernization to a greater or lesser extent. Some systems will become transition systems before they are retired. Other systems will simply be retired as their functions are assumed by modernization systems. Still others will be abandoned when they become obsolete. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Management Information System
Definition:
An information collection and analysis system, usually computerized, that facilitates access to program and participant information. It is usually designed and used for administrative purposes. [Program Evaluation Glossary]
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Systems Development Life Cycle
Definition:
Guidance, policies, and procedures for developing systems throughout their life cycle, including requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, operations, and maintenance. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Technical Systems Audit
Definition 1:
A thorough, systematic, on-site, qualitative audit of facilities, equipment, personnel, training, procedures, record keeping, data validation, data management, and reporting aspects of a system. (ORD) [Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) Glossary]
Definition 2:
A technical audit or assessment is a systematic and objective examination of a program or project to determine whether environmental data collection activities and related results comply with the project's quality assurance project plan and other planning documents, are implemented effectively, and are suitable to achieve its data quality goals.[Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) Glossary]
Definition 3:
A thorough, systematic, on-site, qualitative audit of facilities, equipment, personnel, training, procedures, record keeping, data validation, data management, and reporting aspects of program or project to determine whether environmental data collection activities and related results comply with the project's quality assurance project plan and other planning documents, are implemented effectively, and are suitable to achieve its data quality goals.[Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) Glossary]
- Technology Testing and Evaluation
Definition:
Third-party performance evaluations of commercially available homeland security related technologies.[EPA Technology Testing and Evaluation Program at http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/ttep.html]
- Environmental Information Operation
Definition: A collective term for work performed to collect, produce, evaluate, or use environmental information and the design, construction, operation or application of environmental technology. [EPA Quality Procedure Glossary]
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Policies
+ Policy
Definition 1: Generally, any statement of approach, philosophy, goal or decision. For ESRP purposes, the output of a federal or local governmental legislative authority, such as standard, regulation, decision or voluntary program. [Core Ecosystem Services Research Program Standard Lexicon]
Definition 2: Any statement of approach, philosophy, goal, or decision. For ORD purposes, a policy is an output of a federal or local legislative authority, such as a standard, regulation, decision, or voluntary program. EPA [EPA Path Forward Glossary]
Definition 3: A high-level statement of principles that defines a course of action for a specific purpose and establishes broad requirements that govern EPA’s decision making. Scope Note: The CIO issues a policy that requires EPA employees to encrypt emails under specific circumstances. The policy establishes criteria that determine when emails need to be encrypted and defines specific actions that users must take in clear language. It also explains that emails must sometimes be encrypted to comport with federal statutes and to support EPA’s information security objectives.[Information Directives Glossary]
Definition 4: High-level statement about an Agency requirement designed to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters. It is usually driven by statute, Executive Order, the mandate of an oversight agency or Congress, or the head of the organization.[Web Guide Glossary]
- Climate Policy
- Enterprise Architecture Policy
Definition:
A statement governing the development, implementation, and maintenance of the enterprise architecture. [GAO Federal Enterprise Architecture Chief Information Officer Council Glossary at http://www.gao.gov/bestpractices/bpeaguide.pdf]
- Growth Policy
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Jurisdiction
Definition 1:
A range or sphere of authority. Public agencies have jurisdiction at an incident related to their legal responsibilities and authority. Jurisdictional authority at an incident can be political or geographical (e.g., Federal, State, tribal, and local boundary lines) or functional (e.g., law enforcement, public health). [FEMA Improvement Plan Glossary at http://emilms.fema.gov/IS200b/glossary.htm]
Definition 2:
Agency authority to approve, veto, or finance all or part of the proposal. [40 CFR 1508.1 (CFR 2024)]
- Neighboring Jurisdiction
Definition:
State, or Tribe with treatment in a similar manner as a state for Clean Water Act section 401 in its entirety or only for Clean Water Act section 401(a)(2), other than the jurisdiction in which the discharge originates or will originate. [40 CFR 121.1 (CFR 2024)]
- National Strategy
Definition:
Actions to be implemented at the national level and in each of the ten EPA Regions [National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change at http://www.amwa.net/galleries/climate-change/EPA_WaterClimateStrategy_Sept08.pdf]
- Policy Assessment
Definition:
Staff conclusions about the current standard and possible alternative standards for the Administrator to consider. [EPA THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S COARSE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10) STANDARDS AND AGRICULTURE FACT SHEET at http://www.epa.gov/pm/agriculture.html]"
- Policy Priority
- Public Policy
Definition:
Social, economic, or other objectives or considerations that may be attached to the expenditure of Federal funds by grantees, consortium participants, and contractors, in general, or may relate to the expenditure of Federal funds for research or other specified activities.[EPA Cross-Cutting Public Policies at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/recipient/cross.htm]
- Science-Based Policy
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