Data and Records Management Division

 

What We Do

CIO responsibilities include oversight and maintenance of OASCR’s website, Information Technology Research and:

• Civil Rights Enterprise System (CRES),
• Computer Asset Inventory,
• Information Technology (IT) Security,
• Information Resource Services (IRS), and
• Records Management Services (RMS).

 

How We Can Help

Program Complaints: 1-866-632-9992 (Toll-free); (202) 260-1026 or (202) 720-5964 (Local)
Employment Complaints: 1-800-795-3272 (Toll- free); (202) 401-0005 or (202) 720-5964 (Local).

Customers with disabilities:

1-866-377-8642 (Relay voice users) or 1-800-877-8339 (Local or Federal Relay).
Spanish Speaking: (202) 310-2424.
IT equipment issues –1-866-348-9629.
OASCR Web-related services – (202) 720-5592 or email at ascrwebmaster@usda.gov.

 

Civil Rights Enterprise System (CRES)

CRES, which is central to DRMD’s operations, is an automated database application that offers a secure, user-friendly environment for managing, tracking, and reporting complainant events. CRES provides core support for the mission of Civil Rights (CR) offices, both at the departmental and agency level, and is comprised of three modules: Employment Complaints (iComplaints), Program Complaints (PCMS), and Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR).

 

Computer Asset Inventory

DRMD is responsible for procuring, maintaining and providing OASCR employees with Information Technology (IT) assets. Each division is equipped with community resources such as high speed network printers and scanners capable of performing multiple functions, including scanning, email and document conversion. Community resources eliminate the need for individual printers, copiers and scanners, thereby significantly reducing operating cost.

 

InformationTechnology(IT) Security

DRMD is also responsible for enforcing USDA’s IT security and e-Government mandates for all OASCR employees and contractors. To comply with USDA’s IT security posture, all employees, including contractors and new hires are required to complete a background investigation and pass the required annual Information Security Awareness Test, prior to being granted access to USDA network resources. These employees must also adhere to all federal and USDA regulations regarding IT security, to include Internet policy, general rules of behavior, and protecting personally identifiable information.

 

Information Research Services (IRS)

 The Information Research Services (IRS) serves as the “frontline liaison” between the divisions of OASCR and its internal and external customers for responding to employment and program complaint inquiries and issues. Inquiries are received and responded to by telephone, email, fax, and traditional mail.

The IRS call center is manned by a team leader and three customer service technicians, two of whom are bilingual (Spanish). This small unit of dedicated staff handles over 6000 employment and USDA program complaint inquiries annually.

 

 

Records Management Services (RMS)

Records management is essential to OASCR in providing timely, accurate, and useful records in accomplishing its mission. RMS is responsible for establishing an effective records management program for OASCR.

RMS’s objectives are to:

• Monitor and control the creation of all records.
• Reduce operating costs through proper maintenance and disposition of records.
• Improve efficiency and productivity of records management.
• Minimize possible litigation risks and holds.
• Safeguard records against unauthorized disclosure.
• Preserve the organizations historical and financial value.