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| External Communication |
External communications (or user outreach) ensures that products and services under development both meet the needs of the end user, and are understood by the end user. Without effective user outreach, intended users of a product or technology can be unaware that the technology or service exists, carry misinformation regarding what the technology or service can provide to them, or harbor misunderstandings often propagated by rumors, both unintentional and intentional. External communications involves both planned initiatives and responses to emerging issues. Additionally, a good outreach strategy includes methods to effectively receive and respond to user questions and requests for information.
 On our GPSTAC contract, ISI assists the FAAwith external communications about the use of satellite navigation for aviation—specifically regarding the use of the WAAS and the LAAS. ISI manages and supports the production and distribution of a quarterly web-based newsletter, SatNav News, with more than 2000 subscribers and still growing; manages the development and maintenance of a 200+ page website (http://gps.faa.gov); and manages and participates in a robust WAAS outreach program (driven by an annual outreach plan, monthly updates, exhibit support for over 20 events a year, and individual event reports). ISI also is poised to support and has responded to a number of unique, special events involving FAA satellite navigation outreach goals, both domestically and internationally.
 Fundamentally, web development is creating and maintaining web pages to make information more accessible. ISI develops both the information on the page—what it says, and what it looks like—and the structures that make that page available. We apply features like user names and passwords when information should only be used by those people who are working on a project.
We develop web pages for both company and public use in many of our projects, including the GPSTAC, GPS & RNP, and GPRS. ISI develops the initial architecture and design of our websites to effectively organize and present information with the needs of the end user in mind. Our award-winning web designer develops interfaces that are both attractive and functional. ISI is knowledgeable about Section 508 requirements for accessiblity, and can design effective and attractive websites that comply with these standards.
In addition to good looks and smart functionality, meaningful and dynamic content makes a website truly valuable to its users. ISI has developed processes and management plans that keep websites fresh and content accurate. Our skilled writers can quickly comprehend technical topics and convey new and updated material effectively. ISI staff also run metrics to monitor traffic to our websites and individual pages within the sites, and use this feedback to continually refine and improve each site.
ISI personnel develop the coding, develop the content, and manage the maintenance and ongoing improvement of the FAA Satellite Navigation Product Team’s website http://gps.faa.gov In addition, we develop content and coding for internal (FAA intranet) sites used by staff in these project areas. |
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