About the Client

The Total Force Retention System (TFRS) is the information support system that enables the Marine Corps Career Retention Force to systematically input, review, and dispose of personnel information needed to process a Reenlistment, Extension or Lateral Move Request, and to extend current enlistments (RELMs). The application supports both active duty and reserve forces, and the principal users consist of Career Retention Specialists (CRSs) and Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) staff.

The Challenge

The TFRS application consists of multiple Lotus Domino databases integrated with the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) Oracle data store. The application includes object-oriented (Lotuscript, Java), client-side scripting (AJAX, JavaScript) and relational database (SQL, JDBC) technologies to realize a CAC-enabled and PKI-secured, globally-accessible system. Through TFRS, CRSs submit requests for retention via the web-based data validation forms; HQMC routes these requests to all functional activities in order to determine their accuracy and validity. Once these are determined, each functional unit makes a decision on acceptance of the RELM application until the highest necessary authority makes a final decision as per Marine Corps policy.

The Solution

In partnership with CGI (Stanley Associates prior to acquisition), Segue Technologies® provided Lotus Notes/Domino developers and administrators to perform system maintenance and upgrades for the TFRS system. To ensure a common look & feel and to coordinate releases across multiple systems, Segue worked with other USMC Manpower vendors to share user and server administration. This informal vendor collaboration enhanced application security and information assurance while allowing for single sign-on and reducing overall system development, license, and maintenance costs.

Segue provided tier two and three administration, support, and development services in a comprehensive Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) environment employing CMMI Level 3 practices. These practices provided monthly maintenance releases with complete requirements, test, and user documentation updates under configuration management. To support the application's help desk, Segue developed and maintained a Lotus Notes/Domino portal, allowing users to post questions, issues, and enhancement requests.