LOS ANGELES--The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched a refreshed public website on a new, cloud-based system in December 2011.
“We are always seeking to improve the way we communicate with our stakeholders," said Acting USACE Commander Maj. Gen. Merdith W.B. ‘Bo’ Temple. "Since our public website is our number one communication tool, we are overhauling our Web presence to increase transparency and deliver fast, accessible, relevant information to the American public.”
The system provides the Corps with a consistent website look and feel, streamlines content management making it easier to keep Web pages current, and delivers a richer end-user experience that makes use of audio, video and other Web elements.
The migration includes 58 Corps websites, with a plan to have all sites live by the end of 2012.
The South Pacific Division and all four of its Districts began the Web migration in March. Migration is not expected to have any adverse impact on posting fact sheets, public notices or other public information; however, it may result in changed Web addresses, which means that individual user bookmarks may no longer function.
"I've been a long-time proponent for consistency across all Corps websites," said Jay Field, District public affairs chief. "Visitors to Corps pages will now know where to look for information, whether they are visiting our page or any other District's website. That will provide predictability and enhance our corporate image."
The Corps is using the American Forces Public Information Management System, a content management system run by the Defense Media Activity, which manages the website platforms for the DoD, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. AFPIMS is scalable to thousands of users and millions of content items, streamlines content management and offers increased security and fast delivery of content to the end-user.
Among many other improvements, the migration goal is to provide site visitors with a visually appealing Web presence and disability access by compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.