Lu Anne Wright, Area Information Technology Specialist      Jean A. Silvasy , Information Technology Specialist     Wayne A. Loeffler, Information Technology Specialist The North Atlantic Area (NAA) Information Technology (IT) section is responsible for providing information, support and assistance on IT related issues at the Area Office and at Agricultural Research Service (ARS) locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware that are a part of NAA. Primary association is with NAA administrative users. Specifically: Maintains and administers a Windows LAN at the area office that serves as the area's link to ARSnet, a WAN that is the backbone for ARS. Supports and administers e-mail access in the Agency's consolidated e-mail system for the Area Office and for remote users at locations without dedicated IT support. Provides technical support/information on ARS and USDA mandated administrative software systems. Assists (local) or provides technical guidance to administrative users on the installation of new, additional or replacement PC components/software to ensure compatibility to ARS administrative guidelines. Provides technical information/assistance for locations re: Internet access to ensure compatibility with the ARSnet. Serves as NAA Deputy Security Officer and as such provides support for NFC access. Works closely with the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO, at ARS headquarters) to make certain that NAA is functioning within ARS guidelines Participates on national level initiatives in conjunction with OCIO and other headquarters units, including software/hardware testing, implementation and deployment of new systems and technologies and project evaluation teams.