October 1996
Volume 1, Number 4
Introduction
We apologize for not being around for awhile. Our author recently returned to her job at the Illinois State Police. We've added a new staff person this September, however, and he'll make sure we live up to our commitment to update this newsletter monthly.
Central Segment Hardware and Software Acquisition
The Harris Corporation (Harris) released the solicitation document for the acquisition of the Central Segment system hardware and software on September 30. This acquisition will provide the central processing unit and system software needed to process NCIC 2000 transactions. Harris will work on cost and technical teams to evaluate the proposals during mid to late October.
The contract is scheduled to be awarded in mid-November 1996. Harris will acquire the equipment and software in two phases. The first delivery will be in January 1997 and will consist of an initial configuration that will be used to develop, integrate, and test applications software. The second delivery will be in January 1998 and, added to the initial configuration, will make up the final NCIC 2000 Central Segment. The final configuration is anticipated to have multiple central processing units, with over 500 million instructions per second (MIPS) and four gigabytes of memory. Storage will consist of two independent subsystems, each providing a minimum of 180 gigabytes of storage.
The central processing system will support a parallel Sysplex environment and data sharing. The computers will use complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This is a relatively new configuration that uses less power, and requires less special handling (e.g., temperature and humidity controls and floor space) than traditional water cooled mainframe computers. CMOS technology has been successfully employed at a growing number of commercial and government applications. CMOS technology is scalable. It can easily add increased quantities of processing complexes and power (MIPS). This means that the NCIC 2000 system can grow as usage increases without having to replace existing hardware and software.
Completion of Change Order Proposal (COP) #8 Negotiations
In August, the FBI and Harris completed their negotiations on COP #8. The completion of these negotiations puts the new target cost and schedule estimates for NCIC 2000 in place. The date for initial NCIC 2000 operating capability remains July 1999. The FBI will soon brief Congress on the additional funding needed to complete the project. Key areas of COP #8 include cost and schedule estimates for developing central processing applications software, acquisition of the Central Segment hardware and software, and options for delivery and enhancements to the fingerprint matching subsystem (FMS), workstation, and mobile imaging unit (MIU).
Next Steps for User Segment
The FBI is working with Harris to develop a plan for completing work on the user segment of NCIC 2000. The user segment includes the FMS, workstation, and MIU. This Fall, the FBI will task Harris to prepare a plan for completion, delivery, and integration of these subsystems. The FBI also has set aside a fixed amount of funds for any enhancements that these subsystems will need. Once the first version of these subsystems is delivered to FBI headquarters, the FBI will be communicating with the States for opportunities to test these products in an operational environment. Although no dates are firm until Harris responds to the SOW, look for the testing to occur sometime in late 1997 or early 1998.
Probable actions on the end user segment include making the software, documentation, and computer based training for the FMS, workstation, and MIU all compatible with the software image processing supercard (SWIPS). This software program, which is FBI owned and will be made available to all States free of charge, will be used instead of the hardware IPScard. The FBI has directed Harris to stop work on this card. Also, all compression of mugshots and similar images will use JPEG.
Integrated Logistics Conference
In September 1996, the FBI and Harris held the first Integrated Logistics Conference to discuss the development, delivery, operation, and maintenance of the NCIC 2000 system. The conference covered a diverse area of subjects ranging from Harrisþ approach to configuration and data management during system development, to the approach for training of and providing documentation to system operators, programmers, and network managers. The FBI and Harris will pay close attention to logistics to ensure a smooth transition to NCIC 2000. This will also help the FBI to efficiently operate and maintain the system once it is operational.
Test and Transition Working Group Meeting
The Test and Transition Working Group met in September to discuss and evaluate Harris' approach to testing system software and moving from NCIC to NCIC 2000. Testing will examine the ability of each software application to meet NCIC 2000 requirements. It will also evaluate the integration of these applications together to form the operational system. Transition issues will cover the work that needs to be done to ensure that the switch from NCIC to NCIC 2000 goes smoothly, with minimal impact on system users.
This space is provided for authorized criminal justice agencies to provide commentary, questions, or suggestions. We will provide an answer to all questions. If you would like to submit an article, send it to:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Ms. Katina Mackall
Room 9504
NCIC 2000 Program Office
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20535
