Projects

The USDA NASS Database and Cloud Services project is a Cloud modernization initiative to move the legacy applications to an Azure centric platform called the NASS Integrated Cloud Environment (NICE) Platform. NICE is a new USDA platform as a service that provides an abstract layer between Azure Platform services, data layer, and USDA’s other mission critical apps. It provides a standard and consistent API for building apps, exchanging data across these apps, and releasing required business functionality to NASS stakeholders on a continuous basis. 

Coretec provided migration of applications from the legacy system to the Azure centric platform, automated and manual testing of re-platformed and re-architected applications, database management, and program management to ensure deliverables are met on a timely schedule and within cost. The Coretec Team was instrumental in analyzing and creating a roadmap for multiple apps and databases including Sybase, and FoxPro databases into SQL Server keeping in mind the coupling and compatibility issues. We also provided software development assistance with .NET/Blazor and Drupal development to maintain their UI stack, create automation scripts and standardized libraries for the NASS team.

Coretec provided end-to-end technical support for operating and maintaining the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), including integrating with PeopleSoft Financials 9.2 and Oracle Hyperion 11.2.x. 

Our services for the contracts included custom configuration, user support (Tier I & II), developing migration plans and roadmaps to move to the hybrid cloud platform, business process optimization, operations, and maintenance, and developing training materials for government users.

Coretec provided a wide range of security support and management activities. 

• System Engineering and Development (SED) — We established and documented standardized processes and procedures for USDA FPAC SED activities. This included defining workflow processes, documenting best practices, and implementing quality assurance measures to ensure the reliability and integrity of SED activities.
• Information System Security Officers Support — Our team provided dedicated support from certified ISSOs to ensure the security and integrity of information systems and data assets. This included implementing and enforcing security policies and procedures, conducting security assessments and audits, and responding to security incidents and breaches.
• Security Engineering and Architecture — We offered comprehensive security engineering and architecture support to design, implement, and maintain secure IT infrastructures and systems. This included conducting security architecture reviews, designing and implementing security controls and mechanisms, and integrating security technologies and solutions.
• Continuous Monitoring and Operations — We also performed continuous monitoring and vulnerability management to ensure the security of FPAC systems.

This contract includes providing project management strategy, developing and creating a software asset management plan for the NASA facilitating workshops, and providing training for the NASA MSFC’s software asset management team. The team created detailed program documentation, publisher policy documentation, asset lifecycle process documents, Tool documentation including context documents, sample reports of regular Software Asset Management program outputs. Assessed current goals, objectives, and success criteria, policies, processes and workflows, roles and responsibilities, staffing and other resource requirements, and governance model. We also synthesized the output from the Workshop to produce the delivery document. 

Our team utilized a variety of project management techniques, including PMBOK to create and maintain the project management office. We identified gaps in the current SAM program and prioritized SAM initiatives that suited the needs of the NASA MSFC organization. The following are a few of the methods our team provided services:

• Project Facilitation — Develop project management plans for SAM office and developed working sessions with the NASA stakeholders to create a list of action items that needs to be taken for the successful implementation of a IT Asset Management tool.
• Workshops — Developed hands-on training right into practical training. We paired the new resources with a trainer or a buddy to learn and complete the tasks.
• Interactive training methods — This method combines instructor led training and sessions with group activities, workshops, and role play sessions.
• Instructor-led training — The most traditional way of training and this requires everyone’s full attention. This method features a subject matter expert of training manager and lecture style presentation. This also allows for a lot of personal interaction and ensures that everyone attends the training session.