DHS’ System To Enable Telework Needs a Disaster Recovery Capability

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is implementing two systems to enhance telework in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These systems are called Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) and are part of an overall effort to move to cloud-based services. In September 2011, DHS awarded within scope task order modifications to the contractors operating DHS’ Data Center 1 (DC1) and Data Center 2 (DC2) to implement WPaaS. Under the task orders, the contractors were to provide the government with complete physical environments which would provide the same functionality available on current DHS laptops and desktops. In addition, the task orders required the contractors to make the respective workplace environments accessibbe from all DHS components and organizations and from anywhere within the DHS OneNet and through appropriate technologies from any location where employees conduct work.