ODP Information Bulletin
                    No. 00-009 July 24, 2000


          TO:       All State Administrative Agency Heads
          All State Administrative Agency Points of Contact

          FROM:     C.H. "Butch" Straub, II
          Director

          SUBJECT:  Availability of On-Line Data Collection Tool Mock-up for Practice and Training


A mock-up of the complete on-line data collection tool has now been activated by the Office for
State and Local Domestic Preparedness (ODP), Office of Justice Programs (OJP).  As you
know, the on-line data collection tool is being made available for States who choose to use this
method to submit needs assessment data and strategic plans.  The mock-up of this tool will allow
State and local users to familiarize themselves with the system and practice entering data in a
realistic training environment.  However, the mock-up will not allow the user to save any data. 

The mock-up may be accessed from the ODP home page located at the following URL:
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp.  Icons for the mock-up are located under "What's New" on the home
page, as well as on the Assessments and Grant pages.  After you locate the icon, simply click on
"Practice Module" and follow the instructions provided.

As a reminder, the user registration module of the on-line data collection tool is also now
available for State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) and other state and local users who will
participate in the actual data entry process.  OJP will implement the second phase of the data
collection process on August 1, 2000.  At that time, software will be made available on-line for
local jurisdiction data input.  SAAs will be able to input data beginning August 15, 2000, when
the third phase of the on-line process is implemented. 

For technical assistance with the on-line data collection tool, you may contact the OJP toll-free
help line at: 1-888-549-9901.  You may also contact your ODP program manager for
additional information and assistance related to conduct of the needs assessment and development
of your state strategy.   

I look forward to working with you and your colleagues during the implementation of this
program to enhance state and local emergency response capabilities.