U.S. Department of State IRM "Cloud Computing" Symposium & Expo

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Information Resource Management will host the first quarterly technology educational seminar and IT Expo, reflecting their mission to empower diplomacy, consular services, and development, by providing access to information and technology solutions anytime and anywhere.

This first event of the quarterly series will focus on Cloud Computing and be held at the American Red Cross Building. During the IT Expo, the Department hopes to facilitate information exchange and create a networking environment.

Small businesses and prime contractors with an interest in Cloud Computing are invited to share information about their companies. Some exhibitors may be invited to make presentations on their product or service offerings, and how their solutions may be utilized by the U.S. Government. During Symposium sessions, the Department will share how it views the various elements of cloud computing as a strategic direction for supporting digital diplomacy. Exhibitors are invited to attend all sessions.

The Department of State is committed to pursuing a “Cloud First” strategy as outlined in the Federal CIO’s 25 Point IT Reforms http://www.cio.gov/documents/25-Point-Implementation-Plan-to-Reform-Federal%20IT.pdf. Cloud Computing is also a key goal of the Department’s approved and published FY 2011-2013 IT Strategic Plan (ITSP) (published at: http://www.state.gov/m/irm/). DOS recently named 3 initiatives to move to the public cloud – each of which processed only public information. They will focus first on this type of system/information until they fully refine security requirements for processing more sensitive information. The Department is refining its approach to risk management along the lines of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), to take full advantage of cloud computing. DOS is also in the planning stages of creating a private cloud model which builds on several initiatives already underway (e.g. Virtualization, Enterprise Server Operations Centers East/West, and applications such as global SharePoint services) which provide building blocks of cloud computing, but enable them to retain their internal networking security posture. For the purposes of this symposium, vendors should be sure to address the FEDRAMP model along with any additional security measures and controls that are available.

Future events will have a specific theme such as Cyber Security, Social Media, Virtualization, and/or Data Center Consolidation.

About the Bureau of Information Resource Management
The Bureau of Information Resource Management, headed by Chief Information Officer Susan Swart, provides the information technology and services the Department needs to successfully carry out its foreign policy mission by applying modern IT tools, approaches, systems, and information products. It is expanding the use of collaborative information development and refinement to provide end users with the most accurate and useful information. IRM constantly strives to improve its commitment for transparent, interconnected diplomacy, information systems and to incorporate new technologies for the advancement of U.S. foreign policy. Equally as important, the bureau is focused on enhancing security for the Department's computer and communications systems. IRM continues to aggressively confront these issues by strengthening IRM employee expertise and by enhancing the Department's information technology.