Title: Overview of NIRIS Text: NAVFAC Environmental Restoration (ER) projects accumulate thousands of spatial data points as well as the associated documents and records. Initially, no central system existed for maintaining all ER site data, documents and records for the Navy. Important data and records were dispersed internally among remedial project managers (RPMs) and technical staff, and externally among an increasing number of contractors. Several Facility Engineering Commands (FECs) were developing Geographic Information Systems (GISs) to manage ER data, and a decision was made to develop a NAVFAC-wide, corporate methodology for managing and using ER data consistently and cost effectively. The system is called Naval Installation Restoration Information Solution (NIRIS). The primary objective of NIRIS is to have a centralized repository of ER data, documents and records and to assure data integrity. Once NIRIS is fully implemented and historical data are loaded, all ER site data will be of guaranteed quality and will be easily accessed and managed for the duration of the ER Program. This Web tool provides a general introduction to NIRIS capabilities and concepts as well as two case studies illustrating the use of NIRIS. This tool will be updated periodically to link to online training and resources as they are finalized.

Title: Benefits of Using NIRIS Text: NIRIS eliminates many of the problems associated with data access, enables data and application sharing, facilitates collaboration with stakeholders, and ensures data integrity. The benefits of using NIRIS are summarized in the links below: Access to Data and Documents Maintaining Institutional Knowledge Application Sharing Application Availability Improved Collaboration Data Integrity

Title: Conceptual Data Flow in NIRIS Text: NIRIS manages project level data and is much more than just a basic GIS. A simplified explanation of data flow in NIRIS is shown in this diagram. Project data are collected in the field and the appropriate NIRIS Electronic Data Deliverable (NEDD) is prepared to transmit the data to the Navy. The data collector/submitter then uses the NIRIS Web-based Data Checker to check and correct the data. After the data have been checked, they can be loaded into NIRIS by the Regional Data Manager. The data in NIRIS can then be accessed by Navy, contractors and other stakeholders using various end-user tools including GIS.

Title: Web Interface Text: Users are provided access to NIRIS through the NAVFAC Web Portal and are allowed access to different installations on a need-to-know basis. The NIRIS Web page includes a single login, which will allow registered users access to NIRIS, NEDD, Data Checker, and other end-user tools. To access NIRIS, the user must first be provisioned. (Note: A public Web site is being developed for NIRIS access; however, this Web site is not yet available. A link will be provided when it becomes available.) Currently, to request access to NIRIS, a user should log onto the employees side of the NAVFAC Web Portal, click on "eTools", then click on "More eTools", and request a NIRIS account. Users who don't have a NAVFAC Web Portal account should contact their local Installation Restoration GIS Workgroup member and request Standard Operating Procedure 02-SSA-01: Obtaining NIRIS Access. Registered users are given read/write access based on their authorized privileges to the data. For example, a contractor can read data for an entire installation, but can only write data to sites on which they are working. The NIRIS Web page provides for document and file management, document review and collaboration tools, a project calendar, and access to other tools.

Title: NIRIS Components Text: NIRIS consists of a centralized database structure, documentation, and applications used to store and manage ER data, documents, and records. From the NIRIS Home Page, the user can access the system for Data Submission, Tools, and Support. The Data Submission tab includes guidance on NEDDs and access to the NEDD tables and templates, a Master List of values that are required for certain data fields, the Data Checker, Submittal Status to check the status of data that have been submitted, and a Valid Values Request to request a new valid value. The Tools tab includes the Environmental Document Management System (EDMS), the Land Use Control (LUC) Tracker, the Query Tool, Reports, WebGIS, and Citrix. The Support tab includes SOPs, eLearning modules and other support information developed for NIRIS and provides the opportunity to request additional support.

Title: Data in NIRIS Text: NIRIS is capable of storing documents, records and spatial and tabular data. All Navy RPMs are required to use NIRIS for storage of data for their sites. Examples of the types of data stored in NIRIS are shown in this slide.

Title: NEDD Tables Text: The format for data submittal is standardized and uses automated checking, allowing for an efficient data uploading process. This standardized process helps to ensure correct and complete deliverables. The NEDD standard is a collection of tables that specify the requirements, precision, valid values, and definitions for ER tabular data submittals. It consists of 46 standard data submittal forms. Those that will be most commonly used are highlighted in the graphic. The structure of each table is based on the type of data to be uploaded (e.g., groundwater level measurements). Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed to outline the use of NEDD tables. Information about the NEDD tables and SOPs can be found under the "Data Submission" tab on the NIRIS Home page. Since all contractors will submit data using the NEDD standard, data quality will improve significantly as a result of the additional checks and guidance for data submittals.

Title: Valid Values Definition Text: Valid values are approved/recognized values that must be used in specified fields of the NEDD tables and NIRIS in general. For example, the well name "Site14MW01" is a valid value for a well at IR Site 14, and this valid value must be set up before data can be loaded and associated with it. Once it is established, the user can then query on it and load data to it. These values have been established to ensure database integrity by preventing users from using different values to represent the same information. For example, the valid value for the monitoring well is Site14MW01 not Site14MWo1, Site14#1, etc. Valid values will need to be established for a site or installation when it is first set up in NIRIS prior to data loading. Additional valid values can be added to the system following approval by the local Regional Data Manager or for specific types such as Analytes and Methods, following a more rigorous approval.

Title: Administrative Tools and Procedures Text: NIRIS includes administrative tools and procedures that maintain a consistent approach to data management and ensure the quality of the data. Tools: The Data Checker, shown on the graphic, ensures that only quality data are uploaded into NIRIS. Contractors use this Web-based administrative tool to check for non-sensible data (e.g., a pH of "clay" or "20" instead of 2.0). The Data Checker returns error reports that allow the data submitter to correct the data and re-check it. Click here for details about the three-stage Data Checker process. Once the data are checked and all the errors have been fixed, data are uploaded by the NIRIS Regional Data Manager who runs more detailed Quality Assurance Reports to flag suspicious data before final loading to the database. These are more detailed error reports such as finding an analytical result without locations. Procedures: NIRIS includes SOPs for all of its major components. RPM Handbook: A handbook is also being prepared for orientation on the use of NIRIS.

Title: Data Checker Process Text: Once a contractor fills out a NEDD, the document is checked in three progressively detailed stages using the Data Checker: Stage 1. Schema Check: data types, required fields, and valid values (e.g., pH is a number not "purple".) Stage 2. Business Rules Check: soundness of data (e.g. cannot submit a 156 ft depth to water measurement for a 20 ft deep well). Stage 3. Relationship Verification: verifies internal (local submittal) and external (NIRIS database) parent-child relationships. Once checked, the data are submitted to the NIRIS Regional Data Manager who uploads it to NIRIS. NIRIS stores the standardized tabular and spatial data. This minimizes data reduction errors and ensures the naming convention will be maintained over time and among different contractors.

Title: End User Tools (1 of 3) Text: In addition to acting as a centralized database to ensure data quality, NIRIS includes many useful tools for RPMs and contractors to manage and interpret large amounts of data. One of the key end user tools contained in NIRIS is the WebGIS. The NIRIS WebGIS integrates existing data mapping and analysis tools and facilitates easy access to data, documents, and records to help Navy RPMs and their contractors effectively analyze and manage large amounts of information. NIRIS GIS tools allow users to create site maps from spatial data. The basic drawing elements of the GIS are points, lines, and polygons. Spatial data can be added in separate map layers for selective viewing of the components of a site. As shown here, a GIS map can be overlaid on an aerial map of the site using a standard coordinate system. The NIRIS GIS tools allow users to match analytical data with spatial points. Analytical data can be accessed directly by clicking on points on the GIS map.

Title: End-User Tools (2 of 3) Text: The NIRIS WebGIS is a specialized software program for delivering dynamic GIS data and maps via the Web using ArcIMS. It allows the user to quickly perform queries, create buffers around a building, or create a map of analytical results, as well as perform other mapping analyses. The program is available as an end-user tool through NIRIS. Within the WebGIS, there are many GIS-related tools to help analyze and visualize data. The menu of the NIRIS WebGIS tool is shown here and features navigation, analysis, querying, and mapping functions (roll over each menu item for more detail). As an example, the NIRIS Data Query Tool allows the user to probe spatial and analytical data in multi-field searches (e.g., search for all analytical results for metals in groundwater at a specific site). The queried NIRIS data are easily exported into various formats for use with programs such as Excel, KML format (for virtual globe), or Groundwater Modeling System (GMS). Another GIS tool available through NIRIS is the Desktop GIS via Citrix. This GIS features the full version of ArcGIS, which has been customized to provide quick access to spatial analysis tools that RPMs need (e.g., creating a time trend chart). It is available via the Web (using Citrix). The Desktop GIS via Citrix is complete with the ability to add data, perform a spatial selection (e.g., find all chlorine detects in soil within 50 feet of a building), and export the data for use on a laptop or desktop with ArcGIS (e.g., at stakeholder or Restoration Advisory Board meetings where internet access may not be available.)

Title: End-User Tools (3 of 3) Text: NIRIS GIS capabilities can be a powerful tool for collaboration with regulators, the public, and other stakeholders. Site-specific maps can be produced based on criteria selected by the user. For example, a map could show all contaminants of concern (COCs) with detections over 5 parts per billion or all data points within a 500 ft buffer of a building. Maps can be printed in several formats including Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and Web-based maps (.html). Two case study videos illustrating the use of GIS are presented later in this Web tool. One is a case study for the NIRIS WebGIS and the other is a case study for the NIRIS Desktop GIS via Citrix (referred to as eGIS in the video). Additional end-user tools that are under development or recently deployed include: Spatial Analysis Decision Assistance (SADA) Land Use Control (LUC) Tracker GMS Surfer EDMS

Title: NIRIS Implementation Policy Text: The Department of the Navy's Policy on Implementation of NIRIS was issued on April 11, 2008. (Note: This policy will be posted on the NAVFAC Environmental Restoration and BRAC Guidance, Policy and Regulations Webpage in the near future.) The NIRIS policy requires NAVFAC RPMs to use NIRIS to manage ER program data and documents for Navy and Marine Corps installations including: Environmental sample data, including munitions response data Administrative Record Files/Site Files/Post-Decision Document Files Spatial data, including GIS mapping data and ER site boundary information LUC Information NIRIS must be implemented for all Environmental Restoration, Navy (ER,N)-funded sites managed by NAVFAC. At a minimum, all new data will be stored in NIRIS for each ER,N site. Contractors and laboratories supporting the ER program are required to submit data to NAVFAC in the specified NEDD format. In accordance with the policy, RPMs will determine the extent of historical environmental data loading into NIRIS; however, at a minimum historical data that are currently available electronically in a database should be loaded into NIRIS. The value of manually inputting data from paper records will be evaluated by the RPM. The NIRIS system is centrally hosted by the NAVFAC Information Technology Center (NITC) under the NAVFAC Web Portal to facilitate sharing and leveraging of data and information with other NAVFAC business lines. Legacy systems previously developed for the NAVFAC ER program will be shutdown and data migrated to NIRIS.

Title: Roles and Responsibilities Text: NIRIS implementation involves the collaboration of the RPM, the site-specific contractor, and the NIRIS data management contractor. The roles and responsibilities are defined here for the RPM, the Data Submitter (i.e., site-specific contractor) and the NIRIS Regional Data Manager (i.e., NIRIS Regional Data Management contractor).

Title: RPM Roles and Responsibilities Text: The RPM's major role is to manage site-specific contractors in their use of NIRIS. RPMs don't need to know all of the answers, but should advise their contractors on the availability of training and documentation related to NIRIS. Also, RPMs can assist their contractors with the NIRIS registration process. RPMs should ensure that their Task/Delivery Orders outline the scope of NIRIS data submittal requirements. The statements of work (SOWs) provided to contractors should require data to be formatted to meet NIRIS requirements such as using valid values for sites and sampling locations. Also, NIRIS requirements can be included as Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) during work plan development. At the start of a project, RPMs are strongly encouraged to discuss the NEDD submittal requirements with their contractors to ensure that the required NEDD tables will be completely and correctly collected during fieldwork. Once contractors are using NIRIS, the Data Checker tool and NIRIS Regional Data Manager will troubleshoot problems with uploading and other technical problems. RPMs also will help manage historic data loading. They will assist in determining which data sets should be migrated to NIRIS, since it may not be appropriate or cost effective to migrate all data. In addition to overseeing the data collection and loading, RPMs must keep the Records Manager informed regarding all Environmental Restoration Records. RPMs should coordinate with the Records Manager to arrange the loading and management of records and documents for the Administrative Record, Site File, and Post-Decision File.

Title: Data Submitter Roles and Responsibilities Text: The Data Submitter's major role is to provide tabular data to the Navy using the NEDD via the Web-based Data Checker. (Note that records are handled differently.) Contractors use the NEDD template tables to format the data for submittal to the Navy so it can be checked and loaded. The NEDD is uploaded to NIRIS and checked using the Data Checker according to the NEDD SOP. For spatial data layers, the non-NEDD Deliverables SOP is followed for submitting data. The Data Submitter is responsible for resolving errors the Data Checker finds and working with the Regional Data Manager to resolve errors. Contractors may also be directed to assist with historical data loading activities.

Title: Regional Data Manager Roles and Responsibilities Text: The NIRIS Regional Data Manager is a designated point of contact for managing NIRIS at a Naval Facilities Engineering Command (FEC). Roles include receiving and reviewing NEDD submittals on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Regional Data Manager will serve as a liaison to the data submitter to ensure that data submittal errors are fixed. Also, the Regional Data Manager will be the focal point for helping NAVFAC to implement NIRIS at a specific FEC. Their roles and responsibilities include staffing the help desk, loading historical data, and providing training.

Title: BENEFITS OF USING NIRIS Text: Access to Data and Documents NIRIS provides RPMs and contractors easy access to data, documents and records that were formerly difficult to obtain or dispersed among various sources. Using NIRIS, RPMs and contractors can access and download data or documents instantaneously when needed. Maintaining Institutional Knowledge Institutional knowledge is maintained and shared with NIRIS. The central database prevents information from getting lost due to staff turnover and allows RPMs and contractors to view the site maps and data records of other projects occurring in the Navy and Marine Corps. Application Sharing NIRIS applications are standard throughout NAVFAC, which will reduce the learning curve for RPMs and contractors switching between ER sites. Development costs are minimized as well because an application developed by one FEC is usable by all. Application Availability NIRIS has a variety of analysis, mapping, and reporting tools: WebGIS (based on ArcIMS)) Desktop GIS via Citrix (based on ArcGIS) Advanced Query Tool Simplified Query tool Spatial Analysis Decision Assistance (SADA) Surfer Land Use Control (LUC) Tracker Environmental Document Management System (EDMS) Groundwater Modeling Software Collaboration tools Others... Improved Collaboration with Stakeholders Query and visualization tools allow for improved collaboration with stakeholders. GIS maps can be viewed by layer to quickly address audience-specific questions. GIS charts can link to additional analytical data. If questions arise in a meeting, the presenter can easily access information from a GIS map. Furthermore, a map can easily be created and exported as a .pdf file or printed. Data Integrity The NIRIS Data Checker helps to minimize user errors. Multiple stages of data verification are required to ensure that data quality meets a minimum standard before being uploaded to NIRIS.

Title: Maintaining Institutional Knowledge Text: Institutional knowledge is maintained and shared with NIRIS. The central database prevents information from getting lost due to staff turnover and allows RPMs and contractors to view the site maps and data records of other projects occurring in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Title: Application Sharing Text: NIRIS applications are standard throughout NAVFAC, which will reduce the learning curve for RPMs and contractors switching between ER sites. Development costs are minimized as well because an application developed by one FEC is usable by all.

Title: Application Availability Text: NIRIS has a variety of analysis, mapping, and reporting tools: WebGIS (based on ArcIMS)) Desktop GIS via Citrix (based on ArcGIS) Advanced Query Tool Simplified Query tool Spatial Analysis Decision Assistance (SADA) Surfer LUC Tracker EDMS Collaboration tools Others...

Title: Improved Collaboration with Stakeholders Text: Query and visualization tools allow for improved collaboration with stakeholders. GIS maps can be viewed by layer to quickly address audience-specific questions. GIS charts can link to additional analytical data. If questions arise in a meeting, the presenter can easily access information from a GIS map. Furthermore, a map can easily be created and exported as a .pdf file or printed.

Title: Data Integrity Text: The NIRIS Data Checker helps to minimize user errors. Multiple stages of data verification are required to ensure that data quality meets a minimum standard before being uploaded to NIRIS.

Title: Case Study: NIRIS WebGIS Example Text:

Title: Case Study: NIRIS Desktop GIS via Citrix (eGIS) Text:

Title: Training Text: Instructor-led and Web-based training will be provided at each FEC as NIRIS is deployed. The training will be developed for several audiences including Data Submitters (e.g., contractors), End-Users (e.g., RPMs, contractors, regulators), and NIRIS Regional Data Managers. Four Web-based eLearning modules are being developed for these targeted users, including: NIRIS Overview Data Submission (Data Checker, NEDD tables) Tools Records Management Additionally, reference materials are available including quick start guides, handbooks, and SOPs.

Title: Summary Text: All RPMs are required to use NIRIS to store data for their sites; however, each RPM may choose to what extent they use the NIRIS applications. The usefulness of NIRIS will continue to increase as historic data loading progresses and as additional training in the use of NIRIS becomes available. Also, additional end-user tools will continue to be developed to further enhance the applications of this database. NIRIS provides many benefits to RPMs including enhanced data integrity, data sharing, data control, and increased ability to analyze data sets.

Title: Contact Text: For more information about NIRIS, please contact: NAVFAC ESC NIRIS Point of Contact (805) 982-4990 or NAVFAC ESC T2 Point of Contact PRTH_NFESCT2@navy.mil