Each advisor imitates the interaction that an individual might  have with a DOL employment law expert, asking questions and providing  answers that are based on the responses provided. Several of the state innovations were interactive systems that allowed  regulated entities to identify their regulatory responsibilities and  sometimes to complete the related transactions. For example, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has  a “One-Stop Permit Registry” (OSPREY) allowing users to obtain  information about all environmental permits administered by the  department. Specifically, they suggested  that agencies improve both the content and access to on-line information,  more broadly and consistently use some existing applications, and adopt  some new applications. Factors Facilitating the Development and Diffusion of Innovative IT-based Regulatory Management Approaches

Federal and state agency officials and representatives of nongovernmental  organizations identified a number of factors that they believed affect the  adoption and diffusion of IT-based approaches in regulatory management:  (1) top-level leadership commitment/support, (2) adequate financial  resources and human capital, (3) legislative and executive branch  initiatives, (4) internal and external partnerships with critical stakeholders,  (5) reengineering of existing business processes, and (6) the development  of a communication infrastructure. Conclusions

Federal and state regulatory agencies are already making extensive use of  IT to address traditional regulatory problems and improve regulatory  management.
What GAO Found

Federal and state agencies are making extensive use of information technology (IT) to address traditional regulatory management. For example, the Department of Labor has a system of electronic "advisors" imitating the interaction that an individual might have with an employment law expert, and the Environmental Protection Agency is working with partners in state government to develop a national environmental information exchange network. Several of the state innovations include interactive systems that allow regulated entities to identify their regulatory responsibilities and complete related transactions. For example, the Texas Railroad Commission has an electronic process that allows users to obtain oil or gas well permits on-line, complete the required forms, and pay any associated fees. Representatives from nongovernmental organizations suggest that federal agencies improve both the content and access to on-line information, more broadly and consistently use some existing applications, and adopt some new applications. Several key factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption and diffusion of innovative IT applications are (1) top-level leadership commitment/support, (2) adequate financial resources and human capital, (3) legislative and executive branch IT initiatives, (4) internal and external partnerships with critical stakeholders, (5) reengineering of existing business processes, and (6) development of a communication infrastructure.