Closed jilladams closed 1 year ago
@productmike hiya - scrubbing old tickets and somehow this ticket never got assigned to you!! ๐ฌ It's wow so late to be helpful, so I'll let you close it when you want, but FYI a lot of things in here that may be useful even now. So sorry for th emixup on assignment! (Unless this was a dupe?)
Welcome to the VA.gov Modernization Team! ๐
We're thrilled to have you join us on this journey! ๐๐๐
Our vision is to craft a seamless editorial experience that empowers editors to create Veteran-centered content. In April of 2022, we also assumed responsibility for a portfolio of front-end products and sites.
The onboarding materials below are organized by chronological time to complete (day one, week one, week two, month one); and main category (why, how, who, what). There's a lot to digest but don't worry, your Delivery Manager will guide you, you'll have an onboarding buddy to provide support, and we'll also introduce you to your workstream's lead to help with specific things related to your discipline (UX, DevOps, Drupal Engineering, etc). In addition, you'll have the support of the entire team, who have all gone through this process before and are eager to answer any questions that arise. Come back to this ticket any time to refresh your knowledge on a specific topic covered below.
Have fun and we look forward to getting to know you! ๐
Projected start date:
Team info
Day one
## Day one ### How? - [ ] Read through our [team norms](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cs5FePhtR0LIJi63b9ZtqT7T6dphgB584UpfEbejSOc/edit#), which will also give an overview of how we apply the [USDS playbook](https://playbook.cio.gov/) and VA.gov platform [code of conduct](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/working-with-vsp/policies-work-norms/code-of-conduct.md). ### Who? - [ ] Who is on the team? Read your [team members' user manuals](https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/195otsT1IUxi_k8oEU21TUkvEG-6p5YQj?ths) and copy [the template](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rvtoo8CQvE7dptcqmMVqmJ_hbKSNWJ983NXkDj_gVg0/edit?usp=share_link) to add your own - [ ] Share your user manual with your team in Slack, once you've created it! ### What? - [x] [Onboarding questionnaire](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17fWcL-5p4T3H7dT2bbw02u_CHEZ0tDlszcoMVLfRqP4/edit?usp=share_link) - copy this template and fill out. Your delivery manager will review with you to fill in gaps. - [ ] Contract - Discuss which contract you are on with your Delivery Manager or Program Manager. Your contract will determine your paperwork process. - [ ] Read the [VA.gov platform mission and goals](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/cms/onboarding/library/VA.gov%20Platform%20Overview%202021.pdf). - [ ] Read the [VA's Office of the CTO (OCTO) engineering excellence guiding principles](https://dsva.slack.com/archives/C04KXPXL4/p1674065912579799) [post in DSVA slack] - [ ] Open a VA.gov [Platform orientation ticket](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/guidance-for-new-teams-and-team-members#Guidancefornewteamsandteammembers-NewVFSteammembers * The VA.gov Platform team manages VA.gov tooling and network access. In order to receive access to the SOCKS network proxy (described later), you must complete this Github issue, and attend a Platform orientation. * That will result in adding you to the [VFS Platform roster](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11dpCJjhs007uC6CWJI6djy3OAvjB8rHB65m0Yj8HXIw/edit?folder=0ALlyxurHpUilUk9PVA#gid=2042046665). * If a Platform orientation isn't available for several weeks, sign up for the next available slot, then mention your Delivery Manager and/or Program Manager on your Platform ticket to expedite SOCKS access.Week one
## Week one The goals of this week are: 1) get background paperwork completed as quickly as possible and 2) start gaining context for what we're doing and why. ### Paperwork: - [ ] Wait to receive an email directing you to the paperwork you should fill out for secure access to relevant VA systems. Federal contractors are required to complete many of the same forms as federal employees. If you're not sure which you contract you are on, ask your Delivery Manager. - **VFS-CMS** or **Sitewide Crew** contract paperwork will come from A6. - [ ] Complete & submit your initial paperwork per contract instructions, including setting up your fingerprinting appointment. - [ ] When you are notified to complete your e-QIP (the online version of the federal standard investigation form, SF 86), it will require a lot of background information. [Review page 7 of the SF 86 guide](https://www.dcsa.mil/Portals/91/Documents/pv/mbi/standard-form-sf-86-guide-for-applicants.pdf) in advance for the list of information you'll need to collect to complete e-QIP ### Why? - [ ] Why is VA.gov using a Drupal CMS and how is our success measured? Read the [objectives and key results](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/96698383/Product+CMS). - [ ] [Watch the Drupal GovCon presentation about the project](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN4bGjEuQdM). - [ ] Why are VA Medical Centers changing their websites? Watch the [2-minute YouTube video](https://youtu.be/Xrv5wCv6cKY). - [ ] Why are Vet Centers important to Veterans? Watch the [2-minute YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMzkZNbKk1I). ### How? - [ ] Who is our team? [View this Mural diagram](https://app.mural.co/t/vagov6717/m/vagov6717/1653588059793/7a260edabca9535d25d71fac1035c979261c223c?sender=u252e7152800e3981889d1910) - [ ] [How does the team work in an agile environment?](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/cms/onboarding/library/sprint-best-practices.md) - [ ] How do Agile 6, CivicActions, Friends From The City, and Kind Systems work together on this project? Discuss with your Delivery Manager. - [ ] How does the team fit into the larger OCTO ecosystem? [View this Mural diagram](https://app.mural.co/t/vagov6717/m/vagov6717/1643724063628/1654203c1a0d6c763bbd5c969febf94ec476df79?sender=kevinwalsh8610) - [ ] How does OCTO fit into the VA universe? And how is VA structured? [View this Mural diagram](https://app.mural.co/t/vagov6717/m/vagov6717/1646447643431/1cbae3844c54a42877451e7a79706f0be048d740?sender=kevinwalsh8610) ### Who? - [ ] Complete your personal information in the [official team roster](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/185270337/Team+Roster+2022). Note: this is separate from the Platform ecosystem's roster. - [ ] Make your Google calendar publicly accessible, showing free/busy time. This will allow team members in other organizations to easily schedule with you. See [Mark your calendar as public](https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/37083?hl=en#zippy=%2Cmark-your-calendar-as-public). - [ ] Let's start introducing you to the team and key stakeholders. If you're on a meeting where you don't know someone, feel free to kickstart an introduction. Everyone in the ecosystem is friendly and interested in connecting. ### When? - [ ] Familiarize yourself with our team's [shared calendar](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/calendars) and add in any known dates. This is where we coordinate upcoming out of office (OOO). Choose "Calendar" = OOO and "Event type" = whatever is relevant.Week two
## Week two The goal for this week is to get you set up with the tools you need to be successful. We will pair you up with a buddy on the project that is in your same discipline to help inform which ones are relevant and which aren't. **The most important thing is to get set up is SOCKS** as it will give you access to our systems so try to prioritize that. ### When? - [ ] Check your calendar for invitations to team ceremonies. - [ ] Scrums - [ ] Planning sessions - [ ] Refinement sessions - [ ] Demos - [ ] Retros ### What products do we support? - [ ] Discuss with your Delivery Manager, as this varies a lot by team. Review [this mural](https://app.mural.co/t/vagov6717/m/vagov6717/1658961045082/cedcb1c5c42489e47be37733c73890ef890070ae?sender=u252e7152800e3981889d1910) as a good starting point. - [ ] [Review the editor onboarding slides](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/cms/onboarding/library/https___prod.cms.va.gov_sites_default_files_2021-07_Welcome%2520to%2520the%2520new%2520VA.gov%2520CMS.pdf). - [ ] Read the [product sheets](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/raw/master/platform/cms/VA-CMS-Product-Sheets.pdf) (PDF download). ### Access Regardless of your role, please review these access notes. Your Delivery Manager will have set up most of the tools for you (with the exception of SOCKS). This list is for you to verify along the way: #### Github for issue tracking and document sharing - [ ] [VA.gov request instructions](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/github-user-requests/issues/new?labels=add-user-to-org%2C+new-user%2C+user-created&template=add-user-to-the-va-organization.md&title=ADD+USER+TO+ORG+-+%5BUSERNAME%5D) - Your Delivery Manager should have already requested this for you so double check with them before submitting a new request. - [ ] [Zenhub extension instructions](https://www.zenhub.com/extension) - You'll need to install this on your preferred browser. - [ ] [Intro to CMS Team Github](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms#readme) - [ ] [CMS team list](https://github.com/orgs/department-of-veterans-affairs/teams/vfs-cms-team/members) - Same as above. You must be added to this team to contribute in Github. - [ ] New to Github and markdown? [Learn about writing on Github](https://docs.github.com/en/github/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github) or [watch a tutorial video](https://youtu.be/TBbtbKplUoc) #### Slack for instant messaging. Your Delivery Manager should have already requested this for you, but if not, view the [request instructions](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/working-with-vsp/orientation/slack-requests.md) - [ ] [Review Slack etiquette](https://slack.com/blog/collaboration/etiquette-tips-in-slack). - [ ] Update your profiles in Slack (in the A6 and DSVA workspaces), add a calendar link - [ ] Your Delivery Manager should add you to appropriate Slack user groups for the DSVA workspace (e.g. `@sitewide-cms-team`, `@platform-cms-team`, `@cms-helpdesk`, `@public-websites-team`, `@facilities-team`. Also `@cms-engineers-group` for eng.) You should be in the following slack channels: - [ ] A6/agency workspace = `#proj-vagov-team` - [ ] DSVA workspace = `#sitewide-program`, and your team channel e.g. `#cms-team`, `#cms-platform`, `#sitewide-public-websites`, `#sitewide-facilities` - [ ] [This is a description of other channels](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_lZzectbSzs8zt4dvTFJTiPURxa0Kfp3xinYEuZdqq4/edit#gid=0) that ought to be on your radar. Note that many are going to be dependent on which workstream you're in (DevOps, Helpdesk, UX, etc.). Feel free to join whichever you think will aid you and your work. #### SOCKS - VA network proxy The VA network is required for Drupal CMS and other VA tools and usually requires a VA ID card (PIV or Smartcard). Until you get your paperwork approved and ID card, SOCKS proxy is a back door to some of these tools. This is the first priority for week two. - [ ] File a [SOCKS proxy request](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Internal-tools-access-via-SOCKS-proxy.1821081710.html) and select the label for your team. - [ ] [Platform orientation](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Calendly-Orientation-Sessions.2133393543.html#CalendlyOrientationSessions-GeneralOrientation). This should have been requested on day one as part of the Platform onboarding ticket but is here as a reminder that this is a blocker for SOCKS access as you'll need to get added to their ecosystem roster in order to proceed. - [ ] [Request a Github personal access token first](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/creating-a-personal-access-token). You only need to do the "repo" panel in that form and leave the other panels as is. It may take a day or two for the SOCKS proxy request to be fulfilled before you can complete the rest of the SOCKS process. This can be a complex process. Post in #sitewide-program Slack channel if you need help from a current member - we're happy to help. - [ ] Optional [Core Tunnel set up for SOCKS proxy on all browsers on Mac](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSuN9LhkB5o) #### Drupal - [ ] [Learn about the different Drupal environments](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms/blob/main/READMES/environments.md) - [ ] If you are using a non-VA laptop for development you will need [follow the instructions on Github](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms/blob/main/READMES/https.md) to trust the VA Root Certificate Authority (CA) in your browser(s) - [ ] Drupal production environment access (SOCKS or VA network required) - in DSVA #cms-support channel, use the Slack workflow to file a helpdesk support request. Ask the helpdesk to create a Drupal user for you in [prod.cms.va.gov](prod.cms.va.gov). * DevOps team members require an administrator account. (SOCKS or VA access with PIV card required) * Standard practice for other roles is to have minimal access in prod (content editor or even a blocked account) and full admin access in lower environments. ##### Tugboat demo environments (Drupal) Tugboat is a development server platform where you can preview CMS code changes pre-production. - [ ] [Tugboat for engineers](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms/blob/main/READMES/tugboat.md) - [ ] [Tugboat for non-engineers](https://prod.cms.va.gov/help/demo-environments-tugboat-guides) SOCKS required #### Other tools / access - [ ] [Confluence](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/179765342/2020-2021?NO_SSR=1) for team resources and calendar - [ ] [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0ADx85_gnl3Y4Uk9PVA?ths=true) for team documents. Generally, VA doesn't use Google products. Use Github or downloadable files when sharing with VA. - [ ] [Trello](https://trello.com/vacmsteam) for project managementDiscipline specific onboarding (UX, developers, helpdesk, etc.)
## Keep only the discipline that applies to you below. Delete the other disciplines. - [ ] What do I need to know about my discipline on this team (DevOps, Engineering, Helpdesk, ID, UX)? Discuss with your discipline lead. - [ ] What applications or discipline-specific tools are needed? Discuss with your discipline lead. ## Onboarding for Developers - [ ] [VA.gov tools overview](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Request-access-to-tools.969605215.html) - [ ] [Access to dev & staging to be able to replicate the SSO piece of the login experience](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms/issues/5838) (SOCKS or VA access with PIV card required) - [ ] [Datadog](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Request-access-to-tools.969605215.html#Requestaccesstotools-Requestaccess) to access monitoring metrics (as of 8/5/22 this is TBD. reach out to your DM for details) - [ ] Review the [VA.gov Design System](https://design.va.gov/) which includes [how to provide feedback](https://design.va.gov/documentation/feedback) - [ ] Browse the [CMS topic dives videos](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/1714094110/CMS+Topic+Dives) **VA Platform documentation** - [ ] [VA Technical Architecture Overview](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team-sensitive/blob/master/platform/engineering/TechnicalArchitectureOverview.md) - describes technical architecture of va.gov (+ api.va.gov) - [ ] Deployments: https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/developer-docs/deployments - [ ] [Deployment crib notes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/164H07n4FChg-JxJZu964nfg2wAX0kPD0SjTfZMhzj_I/edit#gid=0) with detail re: various repos, timings, & support - [ ] Front-end workflow: https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/developer-docs/frontend-workflow - [ ] [Front-end steps to run & build VA.gov locally](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/developer-docs/run-and-build-va-gov-locally) ## Onboarding for DevOps members - [ ] [VA.gov tools overview](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Request-access-to-tools.969605215.html) - [ ] [IAM/SSO lower environment access](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team-sensitive/blob/master/platform/cms/cms-sso-saml-iam-login-braindump.md#testing-login) - [ ] [Jenkins](http://jenkins.vfs.va.gov/) (SOCKS required) - [ ] [Grafana](http://grafana.vfs.va.gov/login) (SOCKS required) - [ ] [Sentry](http://sentry.vfs.va.gov.) (SOCKS required) - [ ] [AWS](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/getting-started/Request-access-to-tools.969605215.html#Requestaccesstotools-Requestaccess) (SOCKS required) - [ ] And request to be added to the `adhoc-vetsgov-devops` group. - [ ] sshuttle - [ ] [Access to dev & staging to be able to replicate the SSO piece of the login experience](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-cms/issues/5838) (SOCKS or VA access required) - [ ] Browse the [CMS topic dives videos](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/1714094110/CMS+Topic+Dives) ## Onboarding for User Support members - [ ] [Review the helpdesk Github repo](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/tree/master/platform/cms/helpdesk). - [ ] [Review the helpdesk Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1opC6DgZyBQ6uEVzIz3FWmISMLt-Y91ts). - [ ] [Jira Service Desk](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/jira/servicedesk/projects/VAHELP) - [ ] Discuss Drupal CMS account administration process with helpdesk folks, Delivery Manager or Product Manager - [ ] Get access to training, staging, and prod environments with instructional designer - [ ] Discuss broken links process with instructional designer - [ ] Discuss Jira reporting with instructional designer - [ ] Discuss Knowledge Base with instructional designer - [ ] The following trainings and additional videos can be found on the Knowledge Base on the Drupal CMS prod and lesser environments that require VA network or SOCKS proxy access. They can be watched without VA network or SOCKS access at the links below. - [ ] [Watch the Drupal CMS editorial experience video for all users](https://youtu.be/ju7EH0F5S4I). - [ ] [Watch the training video that VA Medical Center (VAMC) editors have to complete](https://youtu.be/Sowgt1rOmlE). - [ ] [Watch the training video that Vet Center editors have to complete](https://youtu.be/scuC5lSHZuw). ## Onboarding for Product Management members - [ ] Review [onboarding docs](https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/va.gov-team/blob/master/platform/cms/onboarding/PM/) ## Onboarding for UX members - [ ] Attend design onboarding call 1: You are here - You'll get an invite during Week 3-ish. - [ ] Attend design onboarding call 2: Partners - You'll get an invite during Week 3-ish. - [ ] Reading (this is more for Public Websites and Facilities teams, but helpful context for everyone) - [Collaboration Cycle](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/collaboration-cycle/collaboration-cycle-kickoff) - [Research Overview](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/research-overview) - [VA Design System](https://design.va.gov/) - [ ] Get tools - [ ] Sketch (for designers on Public Websites or Facilities) - [ ] Mural - [ ] Figma (for designers on Sitewide CMS) - [ ] Airtable - [ ] Review and start getting acquainted with existing design systems. - [ ] Helpful Slack channels to join - #accessibility-ops - #design - #cms-design - #inclusive-design - #research-ops - #vagov-accessibility - [ ] Fonts to download - Lucida Grande [download from fontsgeek.com](https://fontsgeek.com/fonts/Lucida-Grande-Regular) - Source Sans Pro [download from Google Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Source+Sans+Pro) - Bitter [download from Google Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Bitter) - [ ] Request an "Ask-Me-Anything" call [optional] - It's an opportunity to ask any lingering questions and clarify any information we've covered. - [ ] Download a [markdown cheat sheet](https://cheatography.com/lucbpz/cheat-sheets/the-ultimate-markdown/pdf/) [optional] - [ ] Request a Github Cliff's Notes call [optional] - Aren't comfortable with Github? It's cool. We have people who can help.Month one
## Month one By this point you should have enough context and access to be able to start contributing. Work with your team to identify specific issues to focus on. ### Who? - [ ] Who are our VA points of contact? Discuss with your Delivery Manager or Product Manager. - [ ] Who should we know on the platform teams? Discuss with your Delivery Manager or Product Manager. - [ ] Background [history of the ecosystem](https://app.mural.co/t/vagov6717/m/vagov6717/1646745279937/9a5570c420939d84e875e8334fd73073e3a3971b?sender=clarencemaeng1702) ### What? - [ ] Complete any VA-assigned trainings in the TMS system. If the TMS learning modules malfunction, assign yourself the print version of the module. (Ask in #proj-vagov-team if you need help.) - [ ] You'll receive an email confirming that you have been approved for remote access, using Citrix Access Gateway (CAG). You can contact Enterprise Service desk via provided instructions to set up your CAG access manually, if you need access prior to receiving your PIV card. - [ ] After your background check is complete, you will get an email to get your Personal Identify Verification (PIV) card. Contact your local VA office (where you got your fingerprints taken) for information about getting your [PIV card](https://www.oit.va.gov/programs/piv/how-to.cfm?). - [ ] Review a [video about the benefits of the PIV card and VA network access](https://youtu.be/6rI-i8zmOzE). - [ ] PIV card will help you get remote VA network access. See [VA network remote access options](https://www.oit.va.gov/resources/remote-access/index.cfm?) - [ ] [Azure virtual desktop is recommended for Windows](https://www.oit.va.gov/resources/remote-access/azure-virtual-desktop/) - [ ] Mac users should [follow these CAG download instructions](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_3HKMk4AXyqAoQcfF4CthEQ7uU_d1h9Tt7CPHGJ-FaM) - [ ] Purchase a card reader, if you don't have one. A6 IT recommends these options: [USB](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N3MM6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1) or [USB-C](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N3MM6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1) - [ ] Use your PIV card to access CAG. You must access CAG every 60 days or your access will be expired. - [ ] [What is Drupal?](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11ppWiIggKJh-YAWia28utZXW48tJZGCEg-sFJ6eIl9c) - [ ] Google Analytics: [Request access to Google Analytics](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/analytics-monitoring/New-Users-to-Google-Analytics.1877704964.html) - [ ] [Opt out](https://www.va.gov/analytics-opt-out.html) of Google Analytics collection on VA.gov. - [ ] [Opt out](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/?internal-user-opt-out=true) of analytics for Platform's website. You will not get a confirmation message and will have to do this for every browser and every time you clear cookies. - [ ] [View short presentations on specific topics](https://va-gov.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VAGOV/pages/1714094110/CMS+Topic+Dives). Topics include site alerts, release and deploy, Facility API, etc. - [ ] [Browse the VA Drupal CMS Knowledge Base articles](https://prod.cms.va.gov/help/).Month two
## Month two ### What additional tools do you need access to? - [ ] Mainly for helpdesk folks: [CMS Support distro group](https://mim.va.gov/IdentityManagement/default.aspx)Team
Please check the team(s) that will do this work.
CMS Team
Public Websites
Facilities
User support