Summary

The DOI CDO seeks to provide the Director of the Orphaned Wells Program with a 7-month task to draft an overall data strategy for the Orphaned Well program. The development of such is in support of the development of a Strategic Plan in support of one of the future goals related to developing an Orphaned Wells national data repository in support of data collection on Orphaned Wells (e.g. from across DOI Bureaus and Offices and other Federal Agencies who collect data on Orphaned wells including state and tribal data). This task is part of the DOI’s efforts to support the bureaus and offices’ implementation of the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Act (BIL, Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation).

Problem and Solution

During the initial efforts, it was discovered that there was a critical gap in the Orphaned Wells program that limited the program’s ability to map the orphaned well inventory and highlight successful remediation. The Data Strategy will help the program identify the steps and actions needed to improve their data which will improve the Department’s ability to demonstrate the program’s success with maps.

Xentity began by reviewing existing documentation and conducting stakeholder interviews. Then, Xentity conducted multiple workshops. Once all of that was completed, Xentity developed the orphaned wells program strategic plan.

Outcome and Benefit

The goal was ultimately to develop a well-defined data strategy. This strategy provides the following:

• Transparent communication on where the program is going. Also, how data will contribute to achieving the long-term vision, fostering trust and collaboration. 
• Fostering engagement and stakeholder buy-in. 
• Helping stakeholders and all roles understand their role in executing the long-term vision. 
• Helping guide resource allocation in support of long-term sustainability for the vision by outlining priorities and timelines

The Data Strategy will help the program identify the steps and actions needed to improve their data. Consequently, this will improve the DOI’s ability to demonstrate the program’s success with maps.