A look at GSA’s Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Service

GSA is helping secure Federal networks

GSA provides many services to federal users, including communications services. They help agencies tap into the best communications industry can offer and does that in ways that can enhance security. One key method is MTIPS, which stands for Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services (MTIPS). This is a way to help agencies improve their online security with TIC-compliance managed security services.

The MTIPS solution complies with OMB’s guidance on TIC capabilities and is available for users of the Networx contract through 4 different providers.

AT&T, Qwest, Sprint and Verizon have all undergone the TIC Compliance Validation process.

Here is an image of the MTIPS functional model.

This illustration depicts the MTIPS Generic Functional Model

Find out more about MTIPS and your agency here.

Here is more from the GSA.gov site on MTIPS:

GSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly developed the requirements for this Networx Trusted Internet Connection Access Provider (TICAP) service. The high-level functional components include:

• Internet access
• Hosted EINSTEIN enclave (a computer network intrusion detection system)
• Security Operations Center (SOC)
• DCID 6/9-compliant Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)
• MTIPS transport

All information exchanged with the external networks is monitored by the MTIPS Security Operations Center to protect agency traffic. The MTIPS transport serves as a collection network for the TIC portal, insulating an agency’s internal network from the Internet and other external networks.

MTIPS features and price structure

Download MTIPS pricing (07/01/2011, PDF, 464k). These optional features are separately priced.

• Encrypted traffic analysis
• Agency security policy enforcement
• Forensic analysis of cyber Incidents
• Customized reports
• Agency Network Operations Center/Security Operations Center console
• Custom Certification and Accreditation support
• External Network Connection (IP traffic)
• Encrypted DMZ (Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2-compliant)

The illustration above also depicts the MTIPS pricing structure:

Price = Port + Access + SEDs (Service-Enabling Devices or equipment)

Charges for the port are monthly, with no installation fees. The MTIPS port charge is made up of the following:

• Internet access connectivity
• Failover connectivity
• EINSTEIN enclave
• SOC with cleared staffing
• Security services
• SCIF
• Global and rapid response loops
• Dual site and component redundancy

MTIPS agency awards as of October 2011

• African Development Foundation
• Broadcasting Board of Governors
• Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled – AbilityOne
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Corporation for National and Community Service
• Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Commerce – Census
• Department of Commerce – Economic Statistics Administration
• Department of Commerce – Hdqtrs (HCHB)
• Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Department of Commerce – National Technical Information Service
• Department of Commerce – U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
• Department of Labor
• Department of the Treasury – Bureau of the Public Debt
• Department of Transportation – FAA R&D
• Department of Transportation
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Executive Office of the President
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Federal Housing Finance Agency
• Federal Labor Relations Authority
• Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
• Federal Trade Commission
• Merit Systems Protection Board
• Millennium Challenge Corporation
• National Archives and Records Administration
• National Capital Planning Commission
• National Credit Union Administration
• National Endowment for the Arts
• National Labor Relations Board
• National Railroad Passenger Corporation – AMTRAK Police Department
• National Science Foundation
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board
• Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
• Office of Government Ethics
• Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation
• Office of Special Counsel
• Office of the U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
• Railroad Retirement Board
• Selective Service System
• Small Business Administration
• United States Agency for International Development
• Unites States Commission on Civil Rights
• United States International Trade Commission (USITC)

Original post