The project started in fall 2005. The project called for implementing GIS-based tools for land-use application reviews to assist BLM in improved processing of oil and gas permits. Originally it was intended that the DST would be an upgrade of an existing stand alone tool (CARAT). Since then BLM has been investing heavily in development of an automated land use planning tool (ePlanning) that will be used in future land use planning efforts. After the DST project commenced BLM made the decision the DST needed to be part of and consistent with ePlanning. Extended conversations between Argonne and BLM ensued, complicated by the very heavy workload BLM staff were under in getting ePlanning operational.
The work will include identification and documentation of user needs and system design criteria, as well as development of a "proof of concept" version of the new system. Argonne has provided a draft functionality crosswalk between the Decision Support Tool (DST) user requirements, ePlanning version 2, and CARAT. This was followed up with a conceptual level design outline for discussion. Discussions with the project team over the documents appear to be reasonable but will need additional review in concert with BLM’s ePlanning contractor Northrop Grumman.
The first version of the DST was delivered to BLM on September 16, 2008 for testing. A .Net software development framework was used to maximize the capabilities that could be included in the tool. The tool was unacceptable to BLM because it required a formal installation process that included registering .dll components with the server operating system.
From mid-September until October 30 Argonne worked to identify a suitable programming substitute for the tool which would be acceptable to BLM. Visual-Basic (VB) implemented within ArcGIS was eventually selected based conversations with BLM and its minimal installation requirements.
The functionality of the first tool was re-programmed into VB, was tested by Argonne, and was sent to BLM for testing January 21, 2009.
The final version of the two tools comprising the DST was hand-delivered to BLM on July 7, 2009. Two CDs containing two GIS tools; the User Guide, Requirements, Test Plan, and Test Results; required BLM documentation for the project; and, the BLM-provided data files used to test the tools were delivered to Victoria Smith at the BLM National operations Center.
From February until delivery Argonne worked to complete the two tools in response to comments from BLM on the first tool and on Argonne's assessment of the highest priority work that could be completed with remaining funds. The tools are capable of being utilized in the ePlanning System being deployed throughout the BLM.
The original intent of the project was to update and improve an existing program called CARAT that was being used in a few BLM offices to track processing of oil and gas applications. The primary needs were to modernize CARAT to allow it to be used in any BLM office using standard data sets, to improve its overall functionality, and to help speed up processing of oil and gas applications. The tools that have been delivered have been designed to deal generically with land use applications (including oil and gas applications) and to function within the ePlanning System.