After some valuable input from the field we have decided to make ORMS available in test mode on 2 November rather than fully functional as we had planned. In this test mode all members will have access to the application and will be able to familiarize themselves with its operation and acquaint themselves with its features. As permitted by their duty positions, property management officers (commanders, logistics, supply, transportation and communications officers) will be able to manipulate test data and records to fully learn how the system works without actually affecting the primary records contained in CATS and CEMS. For the duration of this "soft start" period, CATS, CEMS, CAPR 67-1, 67-4, 77-1, 87-1 and 100-2 will remain in effect. A draft version of the new property management regulation, CAPR 174-1, will be available only through ORMS. It will not be available in the location of the other published regulations.
We will leave ORMS in test mode until 6 January 2010. On that date CATS and CEMS will be decommissioned and all data transferred into ORMS. On 11 January, we will make ORMS live and will publish CAPR 174-1. You should make plans to begin your annual inventory on or shortly after 11 January. All 2010 annual inventories will need to be conducted in ORMS and must be completed by 31 March.
It is vital that you understand that you may not conduct any actual transactions in ORMS until 11 January. You will however be able to perform "practice" Reports of Survey, annual inventories and property issues to individuals but they will not update the primary records on CATS and CEMS. Please take this period to examine, understand, critique and train your members in the use of ORMS.
You must continue to use CATS and CEMS to manage your property until 6 January 2010. CATS and CEMS continue to be the primary property management systems until this familiarization period is complete on 6 January. Continue to use CATS and CEMS and follow rules and procedures in current regulations until 6 January.
I hope this last minute change in plans does not inconvenience you. I believe launching ORMS in this manner will make for a smoother transition to the new system. Thank you for your support and all that you do for CAP, your communities and the nation. If you have any questions please submit them to ORMS@capnhq.gov |