About ePMA

Project Overview

ePMA is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DOE's research and development (R&D) programs by providing a uniform format for the electronic submission, review, and approval of R&D proposals. [Click here for a glossary of project-related terms.] The application can also be used for other proposals, though it was designed with a focus on R&D proposal submittal.

ePMA System Overview

ePMA provides the capability for DOE Headquarters to electronically receive proposals from the National Laboratories through a role-based workflow system. All major National Laboratories are using ePMA to submit proposals by creating them individually in the application or through a batch-upload process using the Electronic Interface Developer’s Kit (eIDK).

Primary Benefit

ePMA reduces the administrative burden associated with responses to the Field Budget Call by providing a uniform electronic format for proposal submission, review and approval.

Features

• Web-based
• Proposals are easy to access from a standard Web browser.
• Role-based
• Data is secured through the assigning of roles, which contain limited viewing and editing rights.
• Workflow
• Pre-defined workflows allow proposals to efficiently move through the review and approval process.
• Central Data Repository
• R&D proposal data and attachments are located in a central data repository.
• Electronic Interface Developer’s Kit (eIDK)
• Laboratories with existing systems can use the eIDK to electronically batch upload proposals into ePMA.

Training and Support

Each DOE site using the application has an ePMA Site Administration Manager (SAM). SAMs help new users access ePMA's online training tutorials and provide the first level of end-user support. A Helpdesk assists SAMs when technical problems arise.

Benefits to Users and to DOE

• Provides real-time information
• Expedites workflow
• ePMA swiftly moves proposal data and attached documents
• ePMA automatically notifies users via e-mail when they have a new task
• Data entry and attachments, used in a symbiotic relationship, provide the best of both worlds
• Browser-based system provides flexibility
• No client installation
• National Laboratories and Site Offices are already configured to enter through the DOE firewall
• Helps facilitate communication between National Laboratories, Site Offices and Headquarters
• ePMA provides the ability to send proposals and comments back and forth between Headquarters and the field in a timely manner
• Each proposal's historical record is maintained in one place
• Reduces paperwork through online management of budget and funding proposals
• Saves money
• Reduces administrative time in proposal submission, receipt, and review
• Provides consistency in data collection and processing

Project Documents

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• Electronic Interface Developer's Kit (eIDK) Prototype Evaluation Report [doc] August 2004
• Electronic Receipt and Review Release 1 Evaluation Report [doc] June 2004
• Business Case Analysis for Program Planning, Analysis & Evaluation [doc] February 2004
• Electronic Receipt and Review Alternatives Analysis Report [pdf] January 2004
• Electronic Receipt and Review (formerly known as Module 1.1/1.2) Requirements [doc] July 2003
• Electronic Portfolio Management (formerly known as Module 2) Concept Paper [pdf] May 2003
• Business Process Re-Engineering
  ePMA Electronic Receipt and Review (formerly Module 1.1), Business Process Reengineering, will provide the Program Secretarial Offices (PSO) with up-to-date R&D planning and analysis information needed to make decisions concerning program priorities, budgets, and resources.
  
  • Project Modules [ppt] August 2002
  • As-Is Process Flow [ppt] August 2002
  • Electronic Receipt and Review (formerly Module 1.1) BPR Document [doc] September 2002
  • Electronic Receipt and Review (formerly Module 1.1) BPR Document Appendices [doc] September 2002
• Business Case Validation [doc] February 2002
• Memorandum of Agreement [doc] August 2001
• CME Final Business Case [opens in new window] August 2000
  This document is the original business case for the ePMA project, originally known as the Corporate R&D Portfolio Management Environment (CME).

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