Navy Public Works Management

The rapid advance of computer technology has been both a bane and a boon for public works organizations. Computers have allowed for enhanced communication, faster information processing, and detailed graphical imaging. They have also led to the formation of "islands of data" on unconnected networks, proprietary software systems that do not communicate with each other, and challenges in retaining skilled personnel in information technology. Civil Engineer Corps Officers in the United States Navy are responsible for managing the force's base infrastructure and public works organizations. The US Navy operates more than 140 bases worldwide with a plant value over $140 billion. Public works operations have seen improvements in their infrastructure information management over the past two decades. Computers and network systems play a large roll in the success of collecting, managing and using facilities data to make better infrastructure decisions. Information technology (IT) continues to improve at a torrid pace. Public works organizations that operate unaware of the potential successes and failures in the IT field will not benefit from its advances. This report is intended to be a guide for Navy Public Works Officers to the current trends in updating an IT system architecture within a facilities management organization. The concept of Asset Management is introduced as a strategy for selecting project alternatives using IT tools. The basics of internet and internet operations are discussed including internet operations, new database technology, and the current IT initiatives underway within the federal government and the US Navy. Geospatial Information Systems are discussed in detail and how they form the foundation for an improved facilities information system. A hypothetical example is developed to demonstrate concepts using a fictitious base and its efforts to improve its system architecture. Finally, real work example of facilities system models are presented.