In order to be maximally effective, an occupational information system (OIS) designed to support vocational education planning, administration, and client services should contain information dealing with energy, women in the work force, productivity, population demographics, equal opportunity, civil rights, coordination and linkage, new and changing occupations, resource limitations, and the world economy. Occupational information is needed to make decisions that are related to long-range planning, economic development, personnel development, curriculum development, facilities and equipment planning, program monitoring, evaluation and compliance, organizational development, policy and legislation formulation, budget justification, funding allocation decisions, and research and information development. Particularly needed are data pertaining to occupational demand, occupational supply, occupational characteristics, complimentary occupational information, and supply and demand analysis. Much of the information that is available in these areas is not, however, suitable for inclusion in an OIS. Often, existing data are incomplete, limited in scope, and inconsistently based on ambiguous criteria. In light of these informational needs, the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC) should take immediate action to establish the requirement definitions for an OIS that will be responsive to both the short- and long-range planning needs of national, state, and local vocational education agencies. (MN)