SENTINEL - FBI software case management system developed by ePaper Limited ( ISRAEL )with aim to replace paper processes

The Sentinel project was managed under a contract with Lockheed Martin, which included an award fee structure to incentivize meeting project goals in areas such as project management, cost management,

FBI Sentinel Project

The FBI's Sentinel system is a case management system designed to replace the FBI's paper-based processes with digital workflows.2 The system was developed to address the shortcomings of the previous Virtual Case File (VCF) project, which was canceled in 2005 after significant delays and cost overruns.3 Sentinel was initiated in 2006 with a budget of $425 million and was completed under budget, becoming operational agency-wide on July 1, 2012.2

The FBI's management of the Sentinel project involved several key strategies. Initially, the project faced challenges similar to those of the VCF, including missed deadlines and budget overruns. However, the FBI adopted agile development methodologies, which contributed to the successful completion of the project.

The use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, such as EMC's Documentum document management software, Oracle databases, IBM's WebSphere middleware, Microsoft's SharePoint, and Entrust's PKI technology, played a significant role in the system's development.

Despite the successful deployment, the FBI's Sentinel system faced ongoing issues, particularly with its search function. An audit in 2014 found that only 42 percent of surveyed FBI employees indicated that they often found results they needed.

The FBI's management also faced criticism for not being transparent about the operational state of Sentinel's search capabilities.

The Sentinel project was managed under a contract with Lockheed Martin, which included an award fee structure to incentivize meeting project goals in areas such as project management, cost management, schedule, and technical performance.

The project's management also involved the FBI's Program Management Office (PMO) and extensive documentation to ensure disciplined management and best development practices.

Overall, the FBI's management of the Sentinel project involved significant changes in approach, including the adoption of agile methodologies and the use of commercial technologies, which ultimately led to the successful deployment of the system, albeit with ongoing challenges.