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Roles and Responsibilities

Managing the EERE Web site requires a variety of roles and responsibilities. The five main components, shown in the graphic, are site governance, content development, technical coordination, system administration, and hosting. All of these components are interdependent; technical coordination depends on content development and site governance. This interdependence heightens the need for a strong process and adherence to standards. This section is designed to clarify the roles and responsibilities for work done on the EERE Web site. Visit the process and approvals section to learn about the review process and ensure that you've met the EERE standards for Web sites.

Illustration of an inverted triangle showing the FY08 EERE Web Site Roles. The triangle is separated into five sections from top to bottom. The top section (at the widest part of the triangle) is Site Governance: The Technology Advancement & Outreach Office manages EERE-wide standards, quality assurance, information architecture, templates, branding, and Web site approvals. Sarah Kirchen leads the effort, supported by NREL. The next piece is Content Development, when programs or offices choose an appropriate content provider based on expertise. Labs or contractors provide content. The third section is Technical Coordination. On the left is HTML Web pages, done by labs or contractors. On the right is implementation and maintenance of the content management system (RedDot), done by EES. The fourth piece down is System Administration, which is server configuration, access control, backup and recovery, storage, security, and upgrades, done by EES. The last part is hosting, which includes servers, power, and access to the Internet, also done by EES.

Site Governance

Site governance plays a significant role in managing the EERE Web site, as the graphic shows. Through site governance, OMB Web policies, DOE and EERE Web standards, quality assurance, information architecture, templates, and branding all serve to produce a cohesive, organized, high-quality site that serves as a resource for a variety of audiences. The EERE Web team, headed by Sarah Kirchen, is responsible for EERE site governance.

Content Development

Content is what makes the EERE site valuable to its users. People visiting EERE sites are seeking answers to their questions about our technologies and programs. Whether users are seeking specific technical information related to renewable energy or tips for making a home more energy efficient, the content should be useful, relevant, timely, and easy to understand and access. National laboratories and contractors are responsible for the duties associated with content development. EERE corporate content is maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Allison Casey is the contact for content development. See the Web Content Guidelines for more information.

Technical Coordination

The process of coordinating the technical aspects of producing Web sites allows for careful regulation of the code and content that is sent live. The standards established in the process of site governance are adhered to in the technical coordination of sites. The sites produced for the EERE Web site are coded and checked to ensure that they follow these standards so sites are consistent and accessible. See the Web Technical Guidelines for more information.

In addition to HTML pages developed by labs or contractors, many EERE sites are now developed in the content management system RedDot. Work in RedDot requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Each role has different permission levels and different functions. Note that a single person may play multiple roles on a project. EES handles the implementation of the RedDot system itself, while the labs or contractors are responsible for the content and coding on Web sites housed in the RedDot system. For more information, see the RedDot Workflow: Roles & Responsibilities (MS Word 37 KB). Michael Thomas is the technical coordinator for EERE RedDot implementation.

System Administration

System administration supports the EERE website development & production platform. It is important for ensuring that users can access the content and the sites are secure. EES manages the system administration responsibilities that include server configuration, access control, backup and recovery, storage, security, and upgrades. Michael Thomas coordinates system administration.

Hosting

EES also manages the hosting environment of EERE Web sites. This means that they are responsible for maintaining the servers, supplying power, ensuring redundancy, and providing access to the Internet. Michael Thomas coordinates hosting.