FedIntel is based on COTS products including a web portal server, a messaging server and a real-time communication server. The system models the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). CSI is now in the process of designing the National Incident Management System (NIMS) extensions of the FedIntel network.
FedIntel is a super-set of Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). FedIntel can work seamlessly with HSIN. Optionally, FedIntel is currently provisioned to completely replace HSIN. FedIntel also provides the upper level support for the Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC), Interagency Incident Management Group (IIMG), Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC), National and Regional Response Coordination Center (NRCC, RRCCs) of the NRF. These groups form the top level of Multi-Agency Coordination Services (MACS). FedIntel’s U.S. federal portal provisions collaboration sites from the Whitehouse Situation Room down to FEMA’s regional response centers in addition to the critical sectors GCCs, SCCs, ISACs, and member sites.
CSI’s addition of the NIMS extensions will extend the functionality of FedIntel down to the first responder level. The extensions will provision collaboration sites from FEMAs’ regional response centers down to the incident command post. Provisioning includes site creation, documentation and resources. The design of the NIMS extensions will support federal compliance.
The design of FedIntel is completely modular and allows for site structure to be extracted and migrated to stand-alone systems. Federal, state and local organizations can adopt and exercise sections of the network independently of other organizations. Vertical and horizontal and external information sharing is facilitated by the architecture of the system.
The underlying COTS software and services have well developed and documented APIs and are compatible with XML and NIEM document models. HSIN and DISA’s Defense On-Line portals currently use 2003 versions of the COTS software. FedIntel uses the 2007 version. The updated version maximizes interoperability with the legacy systems.