Enterprise Architecture (EA)

Federal agencies are required by the Clinger-Cohen Act to develop an Enterprise Architecture (EA). An EA is a logical structure for classifying and organizing complex information. Section 5125 of the Clinger-Cohen Act requires agencies to develop sound and integrated information technology architectures. Furthermore, the OMB budget process requires agencies to indicate the degree to which their IT initiatives comply with the OMB's Exhibit 300B budget request forms.

From a more practical perspective, a robust EA will enable agencies to align their IT goals and objectives with the mission, goals, and objectives of the business. Obtaining business/IT alignment however, requires more than just capturing what technology an agency currently uses to support their mission and envisioning what will be needed in the future. Achieving alignment requires the full involvement of business process owners across the organization in collaboration with IT decision makers, as well as the integration of the EA program into the normal operations of the organization. An effective EA requires governance, the enforcement of architecture policies and principles, and the procedures that integrate the EA process with the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process. An efficient and effective EA provides the common ground where business and IT people can collaborate, make decisions, and set the direction of the organization.

T&H provides end-to-end EA services that include:

• Business Architecture Development
• Data Architecture Development
• Applications Architecture Development
• Technology Architecture Development
• Security Architecture Development

In addition to the development of specific Architecture components and artifacts, the following EA elements are essential to the development of a robust EA, and for implementing an effective EA program. T&H has the expertise necessary to assist you in addressing these elements.

Essential EA Elements (click diagram below to enlarge)