Mastering the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF) Version 2
Mastering Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF) Version 2 is a comprehensive approach to enterprise architecture used within the Federal Government of the United States. This course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of FEAF v2, its components, and how to effectively apply it in a government context. You will learn the principles, strategies, and methodologies necessary to develop and implement an Enterprise Architecture (EA) that enhances efficiency, mission effectiveness, and collaboration across Federal Agencies.
The Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework Version 2 (FEAF v2) delineates a suite of tools to aid government planners in implementing the Common Approach. At its core is the Consolidated Reference Model (CRM), which equips the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Federal agencies with a shared language and framework for describing and assessing investments. The CRM comprises a collection of interconnected “reference models” that outline the six sub-architecture domains within the framework:
- Strategy
- Business
- Data
- Applications
- Infrastructure
- Security
These reference models are designed to facilitate cross-agency analysis, identify redundant investments, pinpoint collaboration opportunities within and between agencies, and establish a clear connection from high-level strategic goals to the software and hardware infrastructure required for their attainment. Together, these reference models constitute a framework for describing critical aspects of federal agency operations in a uniform and consistent manner.
To apply this framework to an agency’s unique context, the agency should generate a set of “core” artifacts that document its environment within the CRM framework. Each sub-architecture domain corresponds to a specific facet of the overall framework and includes specific artifacts, guided by best practices in Enterprise Architecture, as detailed and recommended in the Framework and Artifacts document. The depth and type of documentation employed by the agency should be tailored to meet specific needs related to requirements, applicable standards, timelines, and available resources.
The genuine value of developing an Enterprise Architecture lies in its ability to facilitate forward-looking planning, transforming the government while enhancing efficiency. Agencies can employ the EA process to describe their current state and envision the desired future state, enabling them to devise strategies for transitioning from the present to the future. The Collaborative Planning Methodology offers a step-by-step approach for planners throughout the planning process, aiding in the development of a transition strategy that transforms the envisioned future state into reality. This method is straightforward, repeatable, and encompasses integrated, multi-disciplinary analysis involving sponsors, stakeholders, planners, and implementers.
The agency will create an Enterprise Roadmap to document both the current and future architecture states at a high level and outline the transition plan for moving from the present to the future in an efficient and effective manner. This roadmap combines the artifacts produced during the EA process, including current and future state versions, with a plan crafted through the Collaborative Planning Methodology. It enhances awareness, visibility, and transparency within an organization, facilitating cross-organizational planning and collaboration. Moreover, it aligns strategy with projects and budgeting, assisting in identifying gaps between investment and execution, as well as dependencies and risks across projects.
In summary, the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework Version 2 plays a pivotal role in expediting agency business transformation and the adoption of new technologies. It achieves this by offering standardization, analysis, and reporting tools, an enterprise roadmap, and a repeatable architecture project methodology that is agile and valuable, ultimately generating more authoritative information for intra- and inter-agency planning, decision-making, and management.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of Enterprise Architecture and its significance in the Federal Government.
- Familiarize themselves with the key principles and concepts of FEAF v2.
- Explore the six sub-architecture domains within FEAF v2.
- Develop expertise in applying the Consolidated Reference Model (CRM) for standardized architectural documentation and analysis.
- Master the Collaborative Planning Methodology to drive transformational change.
- Create an Enterprise Roadmap that aligns strategic goals with practical implementation plans.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and efficiency enhancement within and across Federal Agencies.
- Evaluate the impact of FEAF v2 on government operations and service delivery.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of Enterprise Architecture and its significance in the Federal Government.
- Familiarize themselves with the key principles and concepts of FEAF v2.
- Explore the six sub-architecture domains within FEAF v2.
- Develop expertise in applying the Consolidated Reference Model (CRM) for standardized architectural documentation and analysis.
- Learn about FEAF v2 Reference Model: PRM, BRM, DRM, ARM, IRM and SRM
- Master the Collaborative Planning Methodology to drive transformational change.
- Create an Enterprise Roadmap that aligns strategic goals with practical implementation plans.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and efficiency enhancement within and across Federal Agencies.
- Evaluate the impact of FEAF v2 on government operations and service delivery.
Audience:
This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals within the Federal Government, including:
- Federal CIOs and IT professionals
- Enterprise Architects
- Program and Project Managers
- Strategic Planners
- Business Analysts
- IT and Data Analysts
- Federal Agency Executives
- Government Contractors and Consultants
Prerequisites: No specific prerequisites are required, but a basic understanding of government operations and IT concepts will be beneficial.
Course Agenda
Understanding Enterprise Architecture and FEAF v2
- Module 1: Introduction to Enterprise Architecture
- Definition and significance
- Evolution of Enterprise Architecture in the Federal Government
- Module 2: FEAF v2 Overview
- Key components and concepts
- Historical context and updates
The Components of FEAF v2
- Module 3: The Six Sub-Architecture Domains
- Strategy
- Business
- Data
- Applications
- Infrastructure
- Security
- Module 4: The Consolidated Reference Model (CRM)
- Purpose and significance
- Practical applications
Applying FEAF v2
- Module 5: Collaborative Planning Methodology
- Step-by-step approach
- Case studies and practical exercises
- Module 6: Creating an Enterprise Roadmap
- Aligning strategic goals with practical implementation
- Mapping out the transition plan
Collaboration and Impact
- Module 7: Promoting Collaboration and Efficiency
- Identifying opportunities for collaboration
- Enhancing shared services and eliminating duplication
- Module 8: Assessing the Impact of FEAF v2
- Measuring mission effectiveness
- Improving government operations and service delivery
Capstone Project and Certification
- Participants will work on a capstone project applying FEAF v2 principles to a real-world government scenario.
- Capstone presentations and feedback.
- Course completion and certification.
This comprehensive course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement FEAF v2 within their respective agencies, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations and IT service delivery.