CVSA/FMCSA Data Quality and Systems Training

March 5-7, 2024

Boston, Massachusetts

Schedule

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

Download Schedule as PDF

March 4, 2024

04:00 PM ET - 05:30 PM ET

Event Registration and Member Services

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Statler Ballroom

March 5, 2024

07:00 AM ET - 05:00 PM ET

Event Registration and Member Services

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Statler Ballroom

07:00 AM ET - 08:30 AM ET

Networking Breakfast

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

08:30 AM ET - 10:00 AM ET

General Session

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom A

  • Event Welcome Remarks from Col. Russ Christoferson, Montana Department of Transportation, CVSA President
  • Welcome Remarks for CVSA/FMCSA Data Quality and Systems Training Attendees from Holly Skaar, Idaho State Police, CVSA Information Systems Committee Chair
  • Welcome Remarks for Inspector In-Service Attendees from Lt. Ronald Jenkins, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, CVSA Training Committee Chair
  • Remarks from Scott Valentine, Data Quality Program Manager, Analysis Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Remarks from Philip Thomas, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Safety, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Remarks from Pavan Pidugu, Chief Technology Officer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Remarks from Sue Lawless, Acting Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Event Closing Remarks from Col. Russ Christoferson, Montana Department of Transportation, CVSA President

10:00 AM ET - 10:30 AM ET

Networking Refreshment Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Ballroom AB Foyer

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

New Analyst Session 1

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: Nelson Canas and Jim Wright

Participants with less than two years’ experience are asked to attend these sessions. This session will offer new analysts the opportunity to meet with other States and learn about the role an analyst plays within the Data Quality Program. New analysts will learn an overview of the tasks accomplished on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis and receive an introduction to various FMCSA systems available on A&I Online. Attendees will learn about the sessions available to them over the course of the week and time will be given for new analysts to ask questions and identify topics of interest.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Meet with other new analysts and network among other States.
  • Explain their role as an analyst within the Data Quality Program.
  • Explain the tasks that an analyst completes on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
  • Understand the FMCSA systems and resources available on A&I Online.

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

How to Train a New Analyst

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Beth Deysher and Zahra Nassirzadeh

Participants with two or more years’ experience are asked to attend this session. This session will offer States the opportunity to identify topics and tasks a new analyst needs to understand, as well as what training resources are available or needed. Time will be available for States to share best practices about training new analysts and what resources are used in the training.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Identify what topics and tasks new analysts need to understand and accomplish.
  • Identify what training resources are currently available and what resources are still needed for training new analysts.

12:00 PM ET - 01:00 PM ET

Networking Lunch (Provided)

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

New Analyst Session 2

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: Catherine McInnis and Jeremy Crowell

Participants with less than two years’ experience are asked to attend these sessions. This session will offer new analysts the opportunity to meet with other States and learn about the role an analyst plays within the Data Quality Program. New analysts will learn an overview of the tasks accomplished on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis and receive an introduction to various FMCSA systems available on A&I Online. Attendees will learn about the sessions available to them over the course of the week and time will be given for new analysts to ask questions and identify topics of interest.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Meet with other new analysts and network among other States.
  • Explain their role as an analyst within the Data Quality Program.
  • Explain the tasks that an analyst completes on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
  • Understand the FMCSA systems and resources available on A&I Online.

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

DataQs Adjudicated Citation Refresher

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: FMCSA Data Quality Program

This session will provide direction for State DataQs analyst regarding the processing of DataQs Record of Data Reviews (RDRs) subsequent to the adjudication of a citation with an associated violation included on a driver or vehicle inspection. This session will use actual RDRS submitted through both introductory and more in-depth examples.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the Adjudicated Citation Policy and Procedures.
  • Distinguish between Punitive and Non-Punitive Costs.
  • Identify and document the appropriate SAFETYNET State Citation Result Codes.

02:30 PM ET - 03:00 PM ET

Networking Refreshment and Snack Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Ballroom AB Foyer

03:00 PM ET - 04:30 PM ET

Timeliness

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Kevin Berry and Lynde Rockwell

Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Timeliness Measures and recognize differences between local and lead agencies in their reporting processes. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify trends impacting the Timeliness Measures. Time will be available for States to share ideas about improving the Timeliness Measures.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what the Timeliness Measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measure.
  • Recognize differences within the records process between local and lead agencies.
  • Analyze the Records to Research supplemental report to identify trends with agencies, officers, and time periods.

03:00 PM ET - 04:30 PM ET

Crash Records Process

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: Nelson Canas and Beth Deysher

Many people and agencies are involved in the processed that provide accurate, complete, and timely data to FMCSA. The crash record process begins with the collection of data at the scene of a crash and then goes through multiple phases before being uploaded to FMCSA. Learn about the crash record process and identify where potential issues or bottlenecks might occur within the process. Time will be available for States to share ideas about identifying and resolving or improving potential issues or bottlenecks within a State’s process.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Explain the crash records process from event to SSDQ Measure.
  • Identify potential issues or bottlenecks within the process and understand resources available to States to help resolve the issues.
  • Identify at least one potential issue and a corresponding resolution or change that could be implemented in your State’s process.

March 6, 2024

07:00 AM ET - 05:00 PM ET

Event Registration and Member Services

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Statler Ballroom

07:00 AM ET - 08:30 AM ET

Networking Breakfast

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

08:30 AM ET - 10:00 AM ET

Timeliness

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Kevin Berry and Lynde Rockwell

Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Timeliness Measures and recognize differences between local and lead agencies in their reporting processes. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify trends impacting the Timeliness Measures. Time will be available for States to share ideas about improving the Timeliness Measures.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what the Timeliness Measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measure.
  • Recognize differences within the records process between local and lead agencies.
  • Analyze the Records to Research supplemental report to identify trends with agencies, officers, and time periods.

08:30 AM ET - 10:00 AM ET

SafeSpect: Demonstration for Data Quality Analysts/Administrators

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: FMCSA IT

A demonstration of an inspection and walk through will allow participants to understand how the various Business Rules in SafeSpect minimize data entry errors. Data Quality is enforced by having a validation check at each step of an inspection as well as upon submission of the inspection. Participants will learn how SafeSpect can guide the user through each step of an inspection through the SafeSpect wizard. SafeSpect also provides the capability for State Agency data quality staff to identify issues with common data quality errors found on inspections.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand the capabilities built into SafeSpect that promote data quality.
  • Understand how SafeSpect guides the user throughout each step of an inspection.
  • Know how to identify common data quality errors found on inspections.

10:00 AM ET - 10:30 AM ET

Networking Refreshment Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Ballroom AB Foyer

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

SafeSpect: Reporting Capabilities and Search Criteria

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: FMCSA IT

Learn how to generate reports in SafeSpect, including: Inspector Activity Summary Reports, Data Quality Reports, Repair Certification Reports, and Inspection Downloads. Participants will also learn how SafeSpect users can leverage light analytics through the Inspections download and heavy analytics and business intelligence by leveraging the API integration with State’s reporting solutions. Participants will also learn how to search inspections based on the user’s role within their organization. Search criteria include INSP Report Number, Status, Inspector Name, Inspector Radio #, DOT #, Carrier Name, VIN, License Plate #, CVSA Decal #, and Driver License #.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Generate various reports in SafeSpect.
  • Leverage light and heavy analytics within State reporting solutions.
  • Search inspection records based on the user’s role within their organization.

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

Accuracy

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Catherine McInnis and Jessica Russell

Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Accuracy Measures and the link between reporting the correct carrier and CMV safety. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with inaccurate information and learn how to research the accurate information in these problematic records. Through technical instruction and hands-on exercises, learn how to correct records with missing USDOT Numbers and how to identify inaccurate information when a USDOT Number is provided. Time will be available for States to share ideas about researching driver and vehicle data.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what information the Accuracy Measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measures.
  • Use the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with inaccurate information.
  • Research information in problematic records and find the accurate information to correct the record.

12:00 PM ET - 01:00 PM ET

Networking Lunch (Provided)

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

SafeSpect: Continued Demonstration

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: FMCSA IT

This session will be a continuation of the two previous SafeSpect sessions. Remaining questions/topics that were not addressed in the previous sessions will be addressed here.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand the capabilities built into SafeSpect that promote data quality.
  • Understand how SafeSpect guides the user throughout each step of an inspection.
  • Know how to identify common data quality errors found on inspections.
  • Generate various reports in SafeSpect.
  • Leverage light and heavy analytics within State reporting solutions.
  • Search inspection records based on the user’s role within their organization.

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

Completeness

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Olivia Gillham and Jim Wright

To focus resources and reduce crashes, FMCSA relies on States for complete (i.e., accurate and comprehensive) data on crashes and inspections. Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Record Completeness measures. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with incomplete information and learn how to find the missing information in these problematic records. Time will be available for States to share ideas about researching driver and vehicle data.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what information the Completeness measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measures.
  • Use the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with incomplete information.
  • Research the incomplete information in problematic records to find the information needed to correct the record.

02:30 PM ET - 03:00 PM ET

Networking Refreshment and Snack Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Ballroom AB Foyer

03:00 PM ET - 04:30 PM ET

Fatal Crash Completeness Measure and the FARS/MCMIS Matching Tool

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Jeremy Crowell and Dana Schweitzer

Learn how to use the FARS/MCMIS Matching Tool to identify improvements to State crash record processing procedures. The Tool helps reconcile differences between The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and FMCSA’s MCMIS databases by matching fatal large truck and bus crash records between the two databases.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what the FCC Measure is looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measure.
  • Use the FARS/MCMIS Matching Tool.
  • Understand the importance of working with your State’s FARS analysts and their importance role within the Data Quality process.

03:00 PM ET - 04:30 PM ET

FMCSA Portal, OCs and Account Management/Cybersecurity

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: FMCSA IT

The FMCSA Portal is the focal point for how most of FMCSA’s systems are accessed. This session is geared for participants to be able to request roles and access, and to navigate through the Portal. Organization coordinators are also encouraged to attend for refresher training. This course will also provide training on relevant cybersecurity and privacy-issue related to accessing FMCSA systems.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand how to create accounts and request access to FMCSA system.
  • Understand how to navigate to FMCSA’s connected systems.
  • For organization coordinators, how to manage their users’ accounts, including the Account Validation Survey.
  • For organization coordinators, get answers to questions on account management.

March 7, 2024

07:00 AM ET - 03:30 PM ET

Event Registration and Member Services

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Statler Ballrom

07:00 AM ET - 08:30 AM ET

Networking Breakfast

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

08:30 AM ET - 10:00 AM ET

Using DataQs and Addressing RDRs

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Jeremy Crowell and Janna Cox

DataQs is the FMCSA system that allows public users to request and track a review of Federal and State data issued by FMCSA believed to be incomplete or incorrect. Learn how to consistently review and resolve Requests for Data Reviews (RDRs) by following FMCSA guidance and best practices.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand a basic overview of DataQs and how to review and resolve RDRs.
  • Consistently review and resolve RDRs following FMCSA guidance.

08:30 AM ET - 10:00 AM ET

Pivot Tables

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: Beth Deysher and Zahra Nassirzadeh

Pivot Tables are a powerful tool that quickly summarize large amounts of data to support analysis, track program activity, or create reports. Using technical demonstration and hands-on, peer-inspired exercises, learn how to use data in Excel and produce Pivot Tables.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Identify when it is appropriate to use a pivot table.
  • Create and use a pivot table.

10:00 AM ET - 10:30 AM ET

Networking Refreshment Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Ballroom AB Foyer

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

Completeness

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: Olivia Gillham and Jim Wright

To focus resources and reduce crashes, FMCSA relies on States for complete (i.e., accurate and comprehensive) data on crashes and inspections. Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Record Completeness measures. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with incomplete information and learn how to find the missing information in these problematic records. Time will be available for States to share ideas about researching driver and vehicle data.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what information the Completeness measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measures.
  • Use the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with incomplete information.
  • Research the incomplete information in problematic records to find the information needed to correct the record.

10:30 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET

Accuracy

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Catherine McInnis and Jessica Russell

Learn about the State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Inspection and Crash Accuracy Measures and the link between reporting the correct carrier and CMV safety. Dig deeper into State data using the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with inaccurate information and learn how to research the accurate information in these problematic records. Through technical instruction and hands-on exercises, learn how to correct records with missing USDOT Numbers and how to identify inaccurate information when a USDOT Number is provided. Time will be available for States to share ideas about researching driver and vehicle data.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand what information the Accuracy Measures are looking at and what affects the data used to determine the measures.
  • Use the Records to Research supplemental report to identify records with inaccurate information.
  • Research information in problematic records and find the accurate information to correct the record.

12:00 PM ET - 01:00 PM ET

Networking Lunch (Provided)

Boston Park Plaza, Lobby Level, Avenue 34

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

Crash Definitions

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom B

Instructors: FMCSA Data Quality Program

The MCMIS Crash File contains statewide crashes that meet the federal reportable criteria. This session will review the crash collection criteria as well as examples of requests submitted in the crash-not reportable category through both introductory and more in-depth examples.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Identify crashes sent to SAFETYNET for upload to MCMIS.
  • Identify Crash Location qualification.
  • Identify Crash Vehicle qualification.
  • Identify Crash Severity qualification.

01:00 PM ET - 02:30 PM ET

A&I Online

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Clarendon Room

Instructors: Volpe Instructors

Learn how to use the data sources and reports in FMCSA’s Analysis & Information (A&I) Online website to track CMV program activities and improve data quality.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Know where to find data reports to support grant reporting requirements.
  • Understand how the reports available can answer questions from carriers, drivers, or management.

02:30 PM ET - 03:00 PM ET

Networking Refreshment and Snack Break

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom A

03:00 PM ET - 04:30 PM ET

Closing Session: Conference Wrap-up and Open Forum

Boston Park Plaza, Mezzanine Level, Grand Ballroom A