How to Get Involved with DIR

DIR actively seeks input from agencies, experts in information technology, and outside stakeholders who may have ideas that will enhance DIR's work products. Many of DIR's reports, guidelines, and work products are examined by peer review. DIR solicits input from other government agencies, industry experts, and the public. On completion of a peer review, DIR reviews comments and makes revisions as appropriate. There are three main avenues for external peer review of DIR work products - formal workgroups, focus groups, and the posted for review process.

Formal Workgroups

Formal workgroups are convened by DIR to address a specific initiative. These workgroups meet regularly for an established period of time to assist in the development of products that may be adopted by DIR. Products from these workgroups are subject to a pre-posted for review process to enable the workgroup to provide comments on draft documents that they helped develop. DIR will reconcile and coordinate feedback from the workgroup and others and finalize and publish the products.

Focus Groups

Focus groups enable DIR to obtain feedback on draft documents from a selected group of experts. When DIR convenes a focus group to provide input on a specific topic, an announcement is made on the DIR policy announcements listserv. Interested individuals can register to participate in a focus group specific to their area of expertise. To ensure that focus group participants can provide expert input on a certain topic, DIR will consider the skill set of the individual before confirming his or her participation in the focus group.

Posted for Review Process

Documents that are placed in the posted for review section of the DIR Document Library are available for review and comment for a set period – usually 30 days. Visitors to the DIR Web site will have the opportunity to comment on draft DIR documents through an online comment form. Anyone can submit comments or concerns about a specific document for DIR consideration.

Submit an Idea

DIR actively seeks input from agencies, experts in IT, and outside stakeholders who may have ideas that will enhance DIR’s work products. If you have a proposal for a new initiative, describe your concept and submit it to DIR.

How to Stay Informed

Join DIR's policy announcement listserv for notifications of work groups, focus groups, and posted for review documents.