The USDA Wants Some IT FeedbackThe USDA Wants Some IT Feedback

The Agriculture Department is creating an advisory council to get advice from its customers, partners, and employees on improving USDA technology and E-government planning and operations.

USDA CIO Scott Charbo says his staff already has been receiving valuable insight from customers at farm shows and conferences in recent months. Creating the advisory council is a logical step to receive customer feedback on the department's efforts, he says.

The council will meet quarterly and consist of nine members and nine alternatives, all appointed by the Agriculture secretary and each serving three-year terms beginning in May. They won't be compensated. The USDA is seeking candidates who are outstanding in their respective professions and knowledgeable of the various missions of the department, and on how technology can be used to improve productivity and services.

The department will begin accepting nominations Nov. 15. Completed applications are due by Jan. 15. Those interested in serving on the advisory panel, or in nominating individuals to serve, should go to http://www.ocio.usda.gov.