Innovation #14

Innovative Achievements

MMS Extends Production Reporting Deadline to Electronic Participants

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) is initiating a pilot program in October that will share time-saving advantages of recently implemented technology with its customers. For companies willing to submit Monthly Report of Operations, the Oil and Gas Operations Report, and related support forms electronically, MMS will extend the filing deadline by 10 days. The forms report production quantities and other specific or technical information.

"The use of electronic data transmittals in informational, financial and record-keeping efforts, has clearly brought us to new levels of accuracy, security and efficiency. It frees us from time-consuming and potentially less accurate, manual processes. MMS is able to offer the extension because of the time already saved by exchanging information electronically," said MMS Director Cynthia Quarterman. "MMS doesn't need to enter the data manually when data are submitted electronically. We're also spared the additional review and possible correction of errors that may have made been during the manual entry process. Of course, all data whether received electronically or not, will still be subject to review by MMS.

"It's hoped that this pilot program, which was recommended by the Minerals Management Advisory Board's Royalty Policy Committee, will prove to be beneficial for both industry and the federal government," she continued. "The extra 10 days will also give the companies that much more time to assure complete and accurate data are submitted the first time without the need for subsequent adjustments."

The forms may be provided by electronic data interchange, diskettes, electronic mail or magnetic tape. Companies unable to submit data electronically will be unable to take advantage of the 10-day extension.

MMS is the federal agency that manages the nation's natural gas, oil, and other mineral resources on the OCS, and collects, accounts for, and disburses about $4 billion yearly in revenues from offshore federal mineral leases and from onshore mineral leases on federal and Indian lands.

-MMS-

MMS Internet website address: http://www.mms.gov
24 hour Fax-on- Demand Service: (202) 219-1703