Case Study
Reducing National Emergency Risks through Cloud Services and DevSecOps Modernization
Introduction
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), plays a crucial role in providing flood insurance, improving floodplain management, and developing maps of flood hazard zones. The NFIP aims to mitigate the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help reduce the socio-economic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but also of flood insurance, specifically.
Recognizing the need to enhance these capabilities, FEMA embarked on a strategic initiative to modernize the NFIP's enterprise platform using advanced cloud technologies. This modernization was spearheaded by Northramp, in partnership with Guidehouse, FEMA's prime contractor. Northramp was tasked to provide Architecture as a Service (AAS) and Engineering Support (ES) to deploy, sustain, and modernize "Pivot," a custom multi-application IT platform that serves as NFIP’s system of record.
The Challenge
NFIP's legacy systems were plagued by inefficiencies, including outdated technologies that hampered data processing and management capabilities essential for managing flood insurance claims and mapping flood hazards accurately. These systems were not only slow but also lacked the flexibility needed to integrate with newer technologies, which impeded the program's ability to adapt to rapidly changing environmental and regulatory conditions. The need for a robust, scalable, and flexible IT platform was clear, prompting FEMA to pursue a comprehensive overhaul of the NFIP’s technology infrastructure.
The Solution
To modernize the NFIP's enterprise platform, a multi-faceted approach was adopted, encompassing several critical tasks designed to enhance system capabilities, streamline processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and strategic innovation.
Program and Project Management
Northramp's engagement included comprehensive program management for over 150 full-time equivalent (FTE) resources, spanning multiple support contracts and agencies. The team's responsibilities encompassed overseeing solution architecture, project management, communications, stakeholder management, and vendor management. By integrating rigorous PMO functions with Agile practices within a SAFe environment, Northramp effectively supported the NFIP’s transition to a more efficient and responsive operational model.
Strategic Decision Support
A critical component of the modernization effort was selecting an appropriate cloud service provider. Northramp conducted a vendor-neutral analysis of alternatives (AoA) that assessed three major cloud platforms. Based on rigorous testing and cost-performance analysis, Google Cloud was chosen for its ability to meet NFIP’s specific solution requirements and mission objectives. This strategic decision has since served as a model for similar technology assessments across FEMA.
Business Process Design and Management Support
To enhance NFIP’s operational efficiency, Northramp addressed several business process challenges, particularly around the deployment of applications and web scanning tools which were producing a high volume of false positives. The team's efforts in reevaluating these tools and processes significantly improved the agility and compliance of NFIP's operations.
Customer Engagement Support
Improving stakeholder engagement, Northramp streamlined the onboarding process for new business stakeholders within the NFIP. This effort included managing relationships and enhancing communication between various partners within the NFIP ecosystem, which was critical in ensuring program cohesion and alignment.
Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
Northramp also spearheaded the redesign of NFIP's data management processes, including the streamlining of 56 ETL processes using Google-native solutions like BigQuery and Looker. This significantly improved the quality of data and the efficiency of report generation, crucial for monitoring and managing flood insurance claims and risk assessments.
Solution Architecture Services
The migration of NFIP operations to Google Cloud was facilitated by advanced Configuration as Code (CaC) technologies. Northramp's expertise in creating CaC workflows and leveraging a GitOps approach ensured a smooth transition to the cloud environment, which was critical for maintaining continuity and security during the migration.
Cybersecurity, Risk, and Engineering Services
Enhancing cybersecurity, Northramp defined and implemented a robust Identity Access Management (IAM) environment within Google Cloud, crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and systems integral to NFIP operations.
Technical Writing, Evaluation, and Requirements Documentation
Documentation and governance were key aspects of Northramp’s support. The team helped define and implement procedures that streamlined FEMA's governance review process, supporting the NFIP’s adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.
Outcomes
The modernization of the NFIP’s enterprise platform marked a significant leap forward in enhancing the program's operational capabilities. Achieving full operational capability on time and under budget, the NFIP's transformation was recognized as the DHS Program of the Year in 2020. The successful migration to Google Cloud not only resulted in operational efficiencies but also generated substantial cost savings, estimated at $3.1 million in the first year post-migration. This project has established a blueprint for future technology upgrades within FEMA, ensuring that the NFIP remains well-equipped to manage the nation's flood insurance needs effectively.