Booz-Allen to study MMS e-business systems

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Apr. 16 -- The US Minerals Management Service has engaged the consulting firm Booz-Allen & Hamilton to study the e-business systems of its Offshore Minerals Management Program.

For the project, Booz-Allen has teamed with Petris Technology Inc., Houston, a data-management and e-business firm.

MMS said the $646,000 study could increase efficiency at the agency and save oil companies money.

Tom Readinger, OMM deputy assistant director, said, "Much of the program office's current processes are paper-intensive and subject to overlapping data management needs."

He said the Booz-Allen contract will help MMS exchange data and transact business with oil firms via the internet. MMS said it would continue to ensure the protection of proprietary data

Booz-Allen said improving MMS's e-business operations will allow oil firms to submit permit requests and file regulatory reports electronically, providing improved agency response times.

It said, "The initiative will provide environmental groups and state and local governments access to the agency's public information. Reducing processing delays could ultimately result in oil and gas royalties reaching the federal treasury sooner."