Challenge: An integrated human resources data management solution

Challenge Statement

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) require novel tools and methods to seamlessly and securely access, share, integrate, and analyze disparate types and sources of human resources management data residing in different applications and storage systems.

Background and Context

Decision-making related to personnel is significantly strengthened by timely access to accurate and complete data. Data on personnel in DND/CAF currently exists on multiple, disconnected applications and storage systems, which makes integrating and analyzing data from various sources labour intensive, error-prone, and inefficient. Moreover, only a small fraction of personnel currently have access to their own data. The dispersed nature of DND/CAF operations adds additional challenges to data management, including the need to access data while deployed overseas or operating at home, at bases across Canada or in headquarters, or in any of the many CAF recruitment centres across Canada. The sensitive and varied nature of this data – including performance assessment, career management plans, and medical data – necessitates a flexible system that can be tailored to each individual as a function of their role. DND/CAF’s goal is to explore solutions for the secure storage, integration, and analysis of data necessary for decision-making and operations at home and in theatre. Although many vendors offer viable solutions (e.g. cloud services), a critical consideration in this case is an ability to host, access and use DND/CAF data, while ensuring data is protected from threats such as access by unauthorized personnel, hackers, or foreign governments.

Desired Outcomes and Considerations

The desired outcome of this activity is the development and demonstration of novel technologies and methods to seamlessly and securely access, share, integrate, and analyze disparate types and sources of human resources management data residing in different applications and storage systems. Successful proposals must include a detailed discussion of all factors to be considered when assessing the viability of a solution in the Canadian and DND/CAF context. Proposed solutions should be:

• Secure, with an ability to transmit sensitive data securely and protect data from unauthorized access;
• Flexible, with an ability to integrate various forms of data residing on disparate data storage systems;
• Scalable and adaptable, with an ability to incorporate new functionality, data sources and forms of data, e.g. video, as well as new users and access sites;
• Customizable, with an ability to tailor access to individuals based on their role;
• Compliant with applicable Canadian Government policies/regulations regarding data storage and management;
• Internet accessible and user-friendly, requiring minimal training; and
• Cost effective across the full life-cycle.