An Architecture of IA Processes

This essay considers an architectural model comprised of Information Assurance (IA) processes. I use the term IA process architecture to refer to an aggregation of processes whose objective is to ensure and promote the secure development and operation of an information system. The objective of this essay is to show how the application of architectural principles and best practices to process architecture can lead to process improvement. While the focus of this essay is on IA processes applied to the acquisition of information systems for the Department of Defense (DoD), the application of architectural modeling advocated in this paper has general value to systems engineers and can be used to facilitate process improvement in other contexts as well.