The processes used by the ENLC to create, adopt, implement and maintain an environmental data standard are collaborative. They are also flexible and adaptable to changes in technology and evolving partner relationships. The processes described below and depicted in the Data Standards Life Cycle Figure present the life cycle of a data standard. From time to time, the ENLC will look at all Data Standards and evaluate the need for revision.

data standards life cycle process

1. ENLC or other party forwards a request to develop a data standard (DS) to the NOB.
2. NOB provides a list of requests (quarterly or semi-annually) to ENLC for review and prioritization.
3. NOB commissions a feasibility analysis, when necessary, for approved areas of work, (contractor support may be used to conduct feasibility analyses). Note: the feasibility analysis may consist of a brief discussion or a more significant/commissioned analysis.
4. Feasibility analysis is conducted. (This includes a review of any related standards, their status, maturity, utility and other relevant factors.
5. NOB reviews the feasibility analysis and makes recommendations to the ENLC to:
   • Proceed with data standards development
   • Request additional information
   • Postpone the development due to resource limitations or priorities
   • Reject the request because the business need is not compelling, costs are prohibitive to partners, or for other reasons
6. NOB notifies the requestor of the ENLC decision.
7. If the decision is to proceed, the NOB commissions the tasking of staff and budget to support the development of the data standard. This includes:
   • Developing materials (e.g., draft Action Team charter, and a schedule of key milestones) that identify skills and experience of action team members and coordinating with Exchange Network Partners to identify team members.
   • Forming (through the Partners, e.g., ECOS determines who will be on the team for the States) and training the Action Team.
   • Funding and facilitating the necessary support, including meeting facilitation, finalizing the Action Team charter, schedule, communication plan, travel costs for members to attend one or more face to face meetings, Federal Register Publication (US EPA responsibility) and determining the level of contractor assistance to be provided.
   • Setting up a collaborative site that includes internal access points for the Action Team to support work on the draft standard and external area for interested parties.
   • Notifying Exchange Network Partners that a standard development process is underway. The communication materials provide the location of the collaborative site and interested parties are requested to join in reviewing work, when the Action Team deems appropriate. An email list is set up for alerts.
8. Action Team develops the draft standard through a series of conference calls, email workgroup sessions, and one or more face to face meetings.
9. NOB notifies the ENLC when the draft standard is ready for technical review.
10. NOB facilitates development of communication materials and coordinates with Exchange Network Partners (e.g., asks ECOS to send materials to State contacts, associations, and others in the ECOS communication chain) to ensure proper notification for the technical review.
11. NOB distributes the draft to other identified (non Partner) technical reviewers.
12. NOB, in consultation with its partners, facilitates the receipt and resolution of technical comments with the Action Team.
13. Action Team revises the draft as appropriate and submits to the NOB for approval.
14. Action Team with NOB supports, prepares final documents (including a draft FR Notice) and communication materials for public review in the Federal Register.
15. NOB briefs the ENLC on the DS.
16. ENLC approves DS for Public Review.
17. NOB facilitates publication in the Federal Register through US EPA and coordinates communication with Exchange Network Partners (e.g., ECOS for the States).
18. NOB facilitates resolution of received comments with the Action Team, including any needed communication with commenters and documentation in a comment resolution matrix.
19. The comment resolution matrix is made available to the Exchange Network community on the collaborative site.
20. Action Team prepares final data standard documents and communication materials.
21. Action Team forwards final draft data standard to NOB for review and approval. Note: NOB may request further revisions.
22. Action Team in consultation with the NOB briefs the ENLC that a final standard is ready for adoption.
23. NOB forwards final standard to ENLC for review and approval. Note: ENLC may request further revisions.
24. NOB facilitates development of communication materials and coordinates with Exchange Network Partners (e.g., asks ECOS to send materials to State Commissioners, Data Management Workgroup Members, DS Contacts, Media Associations, and others in the ECOS communication chain) to ensure proper notification of ENLC adoption of a new DS.

Once the ENLC approves a data standard:

1. NOB facilitates posting of the final DS on the web site.
2. Action Team develops shared XML schema components.
3. Action Team forwards shared XML schema components to NOB for review and acceptance. Note: the NOB may request revisions.
4. NOB reviews and approves shared XML schema components and facilitates their posting to the XML registry.
5. Action Team members compile Lessons Learned and submits to the NOB.
6. NOB disbands Action Team.