About ROSS
The National Interagency Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS) project is a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) [web site] sponsored information systems development project. ROSS is a computer software program which automates the resource ordering, status, and reporting process. Established in 1997 and chartered by the NWCG in June 1998, the scope of the project focuses on automating current processes enabling dispatch offices to electronically exchange and track information near real-time. ROSS tracks all tactical, logistical, service and support resources mobilized by the incident dispatch community.
ROSS operates in an estimated 400 interagency dispatch and coordination offices throughout the Nation. Automation of dispatch processes has reduced labor-intensive practices, increased customer service, improved communications and lowered the costs associated with delivering services to field operations.
The ROSS Project Team [organization chart] is comprised of representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, National Information Technology Center, US Forest Service, State representatives, and supporting contractors.
A significant addition to the Project is the ROSS Partner Program [web site]. ROSS Partners are a group of individuals, selected by their Geographical Areas to represent the interagency dispatch community's interests as ROSS is developed and implemented.