Securely sharing files and collaborating across federal agencies presents several challenges. One of the primary issues in creating a unified, centralized system for external file sharing is ensuring compliance with security standards, making it difficult to share files with other government agencies, stakeholders and external entities. Agencies often rely on disparate platforms, which can lead to security challenges, duplicate efforts and unnecessary expenditures.
Additionally, synchronization of identities across federal agencies complicates collaboration efforts. These challenges highlighted the need for a platform that can efficiently share and collaborate with stakeholders external to our customer's environment while reducing unnecessary costs of third-party tools by customizing the native functionality of the customer's M365 environment and taking full advantage of the features of Power Platform.
 | The External Collaboration Platform (ECP) effectively addresses the challenges of securely sharing files and collaborating across federal agencies by providing a unified, centralized system for external file sharing. |
Vamonos IT identified a viable custom solution to this issue, using tools our customer already had included in their M365 licensing bundle for no additional cost. We created an innovative solution that significantly simplifies external file-sharing – the External Collaboration Platform (ECP). ECP is a custom-designed platform that offers the agency employees a centralized location for file sharing with other components, individuals, and outside agencies using native tools already owned by the customer.
Delivered Cost Savings of $200k Annually
ECP was built using a low-code, no-code automated process, making it simple for government personnel to collaborate and share content with external partners in a secure environment. This includes federal agencies, trade partners, commercial entities, and individual citizens on behalf of Agency programs.
Here are some key ways ECP tackles these issues:
Centralized Platform: ECP serves as a single platform for sharing and collaborating with external stakeholders and individuals, reducing the need for multiple disparate platforms that can lead to security challenges and duplicate efforts
Enhanced Security: ECP leverages M365 Conditional Access tools and automated file life cycle management to ensure secure file sharing. This reduces the opportunity for improper or accidental information sharing that does not meet security requirements
Cost Savings: By utilizing licensing that CBP already had in use, ECP provides significant cost savings compared to third-party solutions that incur additional cost
Ease of Use: Users of ECP are overwhelmingly satisfied with the familiar interface and ease of use compared to old methods of file sharing. This encourages adoption and efficient collaboration
Scalability: ECP is a scalable platform, FedRAMP certified, and can handle increasing storage and user demands as needed
Automated Processes: ECP includes automated processes for granting access, managing user data, and certifying shared mailboxes, which streamline operations and improve efficiency
By addressing these challenges, ECP enhances CBP's ability to securely share files and collaborate with external partners, including other federal agencies, trade partners, commercial entities, and individual citizens.
"We were able to successfully transfer data from our GCMS Scientific Instrument to the ECP -- great success," said a Branch Chief in Laboratories and Scientific Services
Read More About the External Collaboration Platform:
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