A system for managing data collection processes is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, a data collection system having a controller element that assigns a priority level for processes, assigns to each of the processes a query interval for requesting use of processing resources, prompts each of the processes according to their respective query interval to request use of at least a portion of available processing resources, releases at least a portion of the available processing resources to a requesting one of the processes when the utilization of available processing resources exceeds a utilization threshold, and modifies the query interval of the processes after occurrence of a triggering event. Additional embodiments are disclosed.