A Brief Introduction to COMPASS

The COMPASS program is an FMCSA-wide initiative that is leveraging new technology to transform the way that FMCSA does business. The ultimate goal is to implement an information technology (IT) solution that improves the Agency's ability to save lives and improves the safety of commercial motor vehicles. Key objectives include:

• Creating a single source for crucial safety data via single sign-on access.
• Improving data quality to enable better, more informed decision making.
• Providing actionable information as well as data.

By optimizing FMCSA's business processes and improving the Agency's IT functionality, COMPASS will help FMCSA and State enforcement personnel and industry make America's roads safer. A key component of COMPASS is the commitment to implementing a new operational model being developed as part of the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) initiative. COMPASS is now leveraging a service-oriented architecture and leading technologies to develop a solution that can adapt easily to a changing environment. The FMCSA Portal provides single sign-on access to MCMIS, EMIS, L&I, DataQs, Query Central, A&I, SAFER, EDMS, HMPIP, InfoSys, and the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) via a single password and user ID.

COMPASS in 2009

The FMCSA Portal improves access to crucial safety information and sets the stage for further improvements in safety and operations. Besides providing single sign-on access to eleven safety systems, the Portal also delivers:

• Direct access via the Web - Anyone who can access the Web can access the Portal.
• Ability to make assignments directly from the Portal - Users can make assignments such as Compliance Reviews and Safety Audits without exiting the Portal.
• Accounts management - Users can request Portal accounts, modify requests directly from the Portal, request a forgotten User ID, unlock a locked account, and receive automatic notifications when their passwords are getting ready to expire. Administrative users can run advanced user searches, disable or enable users, and transfer administrative roles.
• Presentation of motor carrier safety data on a single screen - Enforcement users have access to all company data in the same format as that seen by companies.
• Carrier access to their own information - Carriers now have a single location to view their data.

Users can continue accessing MCMIS, L&I, DataQs, Query Central, A&I, InfoSys, and the NCCDB through existing interfaces for a short period of time. (EMIS, EDMS, HMPIP, and SAFER are available only through the FMCSA Portal.) After that time, users will be required to register for a Portal password, and re-register for the systems.

A Collaborative Effort

COMPASS is driven by our commitment to improving safety and meeting users' needs. From the beginning, we have worked closely with our stakeholders and solicited their feedback via meetings, the Field IT Steering Group, and testing. COMPASS is overseen by Terry Shelton, FMCSA Associate Administrator for Research and Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. The Office of Enforcement and Program Delivery, and numerous stakeholders are also actively involved.

For more information, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/compass or contact the COMPASS team at compass@dot.gov.