A Brief Introduction to COMPASS

The COMPASS program is an FMCSA-wide initiative that is leveraging new technology to transform the way that FMCSA does business. The ultimate goal is to implement an information technology (IT) solution that improves the Agency's ability to save lives and improves the safety of commercial motor vehicles. Key objectives include:

• Creating a single source for crucial safety data via single sign-on access.
• Improving data quality to enable better, more informed decision making.
• Providing actionable information as well as data.

By optimizing FMCSA's business processes and improving the Agency's IT functionality, COMPASS will help FMCSA and State enforcement personnel and industry make America's roads safer. A key component of COMPASS is the commitment to implementing a new operational model being developed as part of the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) initiative. COMPASS is now leveraging a service-oriented architecture and leading technologies to develop a solution that can adapt easily to a changing environment. The FMCSA Portal, the first phase of COMPASS, provides single sign-on access to MCMIS, EMIS, L&I, and DataQs via a single password and user ID. Over time, the FMCSA Portal (https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov) will provide access to all FMCSA existing systems.

COMPASS in 2007-2008

The initial release of the FMCSA Portal improves access to crucial safety information and sets the stage for further improvements in safety and operations as additional systems are integrated. Besides providing single sign-on access to MCMIS, EMIS, L&I, and DataQs, the Portal also delivers:

• Direct access via the Web – Anyone who can access the Web can access the Portal.
• Ability to make assignments directly from the Portal – Users can make assignments such as Compliance Reviews and Safety Audits without exiting the Portal.
• Accounts management – Users can request Portal accounts and modify requests directly from the Portal.
• Presentation of motor carrier safety data on a single screen – Enforcement users have access to all company data in the same format as that seen by companies.
• Carrier access to their own information – Carriers now have a single location to view their data.

Users can continue accessing MCMIS, L&I, and DataQs through existing interfaces for a short period of time. (Effective May, 2008, EMIS is available only through the FMCSA Portal.) After that time, users will be required to register for a Portal password, and re-register for MCMIS, L&I, and DataQs. We will notify users about the registration deadlines as soon as those dates are available.

Integration of additional systems (A&I, EDMS, HMPIP, InfoSys, the National Consumer Complaint Database, Query Central, and SAFER) will continue in FY09.

A Collaborative Effort

COMPASS is driven by our commitment to improving safety and meeting users' needs. From the beginning, we have worked closely with our stakeholders and solicited their feedback via meetings, the Field IT Steering Group, and testing. COMPASS is overseen by Terry Shelton, FMCSA Associate Administrator for Research and Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Ed Dunne is the COMPASS Program Manager and leads the initiative. The Office of Enforcement and Program Delivery, and numerous stakeholders are also actively involved.

For more information, please contact the COMPASS team atcompass@dot.gov.