Development of “Permit Wizard” Software for AssistedPermit Application Completion

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: The objective of this project is to research the technical feasibility of designing a software tool “Permit Wizard” that will automate the process for aquamarine permit application submittal, review, approval/disapproval and issue (including collection of fees). Aquaculture producers are currently faced with slow, complex, and often confusing permitting processes that must be completed before they can begin operations. The concern over placing significant time and investment into completing and submitting a permit application only to have it rejected is deterring much needed investment in aquaculture. The approach will investigate the use of questions and answers to generate appropriate permit application forms/documents, similar to tax preparation software. The tool will electronically forward completed applications to the appropriate reviewing/approval official who will be able to review, approve or reject, and notify the applicant of the permit decision. If approved, the tool will be able to generate the appropriate permit documents for email distribution to the applicant. The tool will initially focus on a select number of federal permit requirements, but it will be designed to accommodate expansion to additional multi-agency permitting processes. The tool, when fully developed, can be sold to other federal agencies, as well as state or municipal agencies for a wide variety of permit/licensing uses.SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The automated “Permit Wizard” tool will streamline the permit process for marine aquaculture. The resulting efficiencies in time for the permitting process will be an incentive for investment in aquaculture. The tool will clarify requirements, generate document templates, and dramatically reduce time and effort for completion of permit documents, all the while, providing a quick, accessible, accurate application history for management. The automated review workflow will enhance visibility of permit applications and allow for expedited permit processing and issue. It will also speed up the disapproval and reapplication cycle by enabling agency officials to document reasons for disapproval. These benefits will result in an increased number of permit applications being submitted and more permits being issued. With more permits, US Aquaculture production can increase resulting in a reduction of dependence on foreign seafood.