Web Communications & New Media Division

HHS manages Departmental Web activities through a representational, federated structure encompassing the Operating Divisions and the Office of the Secretary, with centralized guidance and support. The Web Council establishes cross-agency standards, and is the collaborative vehicle for cross-cutting topical Web sites. This governance is mirrored at division levels. The OS Web Council handles similar functions at the Staff level.

Agencies and programs can contact a WCD consultant for guidance on how to effectively leverage the Web as a communications outreach tool.

Design and Content Management
WCD consultants provide design and content guidance as well as ensure your site meets federal laws and OMB and HHS standards. WCD, with OCIO, also handles domain waiver requests for .org or .gov Web sites.

New Media
Talk to a WCD consultant about how to effectively use new media such as RSS, blogs, podcasts, etc.

Usability
WCD staff can provide guidance on usability testing, test design, and participant recruitment. A fully-equipped usability lab is available in the Humphrey Building.

Frequently Asked Questions
WCD provides Department-wide guidance to assist you in writing consistent, succinct, and professionally written questions and answers. WCD uses Google to search departmental FAQs.

Translation
Ask WCD about the translation process and requirements. HHS.gov will be translated into Spanish starting in FY ‘08. All translations must be peer reviewed for accuracy, as well as go through OPA product review.

WCD makes enterprise-wide tools available for Department-wide use.

Web Content Management System (WCMS)
Use WCMS to facilitate the processes for creation, organization, posting and approval of content. License available to all Divisions.

Watchfire Compliance monitor
Check 508 accessibility for individuals with disabilities and detect broken links, spelling errors, slow loading pages, and other problems that affect site usability.

Enterprise Portal
The re-engineered portal features upgraded collaborative software, a secure environment, the ability to work across the firewall, and a metrics package.

Agencies and programs looking can contact a WCD consultant regarding experiences with specific Web management tools.

E-Mail Subscription Management
WCD contracted with GovDelivery to automatically send personalized e-mail to alert subscribers about new information. This drives site visits and ensures that new info is seen.

Metrics
WCD obtains Web site statistics using WebTrends analytics. WCD also uses CrazyEgg for visual supplements to WebTrends data.

Video Hosting
WCD contracts with Feedroom, a video hosting service, for on-demand and live-streaming capability including Webcasting.

Search Engine
WCD uses Google search across the Department’s Web site to help the public find information and services available across the entire website. Google search is available for all Division Web sites.