Client Mission & Challenge
The Office of Head Start (OHS) utilizes the Head Start Monitoring System to measure the performance and accountability of Head Start programs nationwide. Seeking a shift away from static, single-point-in-time data snapshots, OHS required a progressive monitoring platform—the Aligned Monitoring System (AMS 2.0)—capable of evaluating grantee compliance, progress, and performance across multiple years of active program implementation.
As a trusted modernization partner, Federate Systems Corporation was contracted to drive the analysis, design, and end-to-end implementation of IT-AMS system features and functions, aligning the framework with rigorous new federal standards.
Project Snapshot
Agency: HHS, Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
System: Aligned Monitoring System (AMS 2.0)
Frameworks: EPLC, FISMA (NIST 800-53)
Core Technologies
Java / JEE Angular MongoDB Tableau SQL Server AWS Cloud Google Cloud Azure Docker & K8s Jenkins Jira / Bitbucket
Strategic Modernization Pillars
1. Application Development & Modernization
Transforming complex monolithic business processes into scalable, cloud-native services.
- Full-Stack Engineering: Designed and developed multi-tier frameworks using Angular for robust web interfaces and Java/JEE for high-performance server-side operations.
- Service-Oriented Architecture: Developed secure RESTful services, Business Process Management (BPM) workflows, email automation components, and enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities.
- Agile Execution: Actively drove Agile scrum activities around architecture, requirements clarification with Product Owners, and task estimation.
2. Data Modernization
Migrating static data silos into unified, high-performance analytical environments.
- Multi-Source Extraction: Executed complex, ad-hoc data extractions across disparate sources, cleanly merging files to optimize data discovery.
- Document Databases: Leveraged MongoDB to reliably store varied compliance documentation and underlying application components.
- Advanced Analytics: Engineered modern dashboards and enterprise reports using Tableau and SQL Server platforms, drastically improving data analytics performance and decision-making capabilities.
3. DevSecOps Automation
Securing the continuous software factory line and automating hybrid cloud multi-tenant infrastructures.
- CI/CD Pipelines: Integrated automated Jenkins pipelines for tight code version management, building automation test scripts, and rapid deployment routines.
- Containerization & Cloud: Orchestrated deployments utilizing Docker and Kubernetes, scaling workloads securely across Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure environments.
- Release Governance: Scripted builds, managed configurations across higher environments, and delivered full artifact and release documentation.
Enterprise Compliance & Rigorous Governance
Beyond standard development, Federate Systems ensured AMS 2.0 fully complied with the **HHS Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC)** framework. Crucially, the system architecture was engineered to satisfy strict federal **FISMA controls (NIST 800-53)** and completely align with the updated **Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS)**, guaranteeing maximum security and regulatory alignment.
The Federate Impact
By blending technological modernization with strict regulatory compliance, Federate Systems delivered outstanding outcomes on the IT-AMS initiative.
On-Time
Sprints completed predictably within schedule and budget guidelines.
Optimized
Drastically minimized application deployment cycles via automation.
High
Increased overall stakeholder and customer satisfaction levels.