FNC Working Groups and Committees

FNC Executive Committee

The FNC's Executive Committee is comprised of representatives of theparticipating HPCC agencies with major network initiatives andothers as designated by the FNC chairperson. The ExecutiveCommittee provides support to the FNC chairperson and serves asprimary decision making and implementing body of the FNC tocoordinate with the NSTC HPCCIT Subcommittee on HPCC crosscutbudgets, plans, and activities. It will also perform annualreviews of FNC working groups and task groups with regard tomembership, purpose, and continuing need in order to make changesas appropriate.

FNC

The Federal Networking Council (FNC) consists of representativesfrom Federal Agencies that have requirements for operating andusing networking facilities, mainly in support of research andeducation, and for advancing the evolution of the federallyfunded portion of the Internet. The FNC works closely with theappropriate Federal committees and private organizationsto provide a broader forum for discussion and resolution of networking plans, operations, and issues.

FNC Working Groups:

Engineering & Operations Working Group (EOWG) The Engineering and Operations Working Group is responsible forintegrating new network technologies into the Interagency Internet and providing support to the Federal HPCC Program. The EOWGoversees the ongoing operation of the Federal research andeducation portion of the Internet and has overall responsibilityfor coordinating the requirements, engineering, and operationalactivities, for both domestic and international research andeducation requirements, for implementing the Interagency Internet.
Education Working Group (EWG)The FNC Education Working Group prepares reports onissues, requirements, and recommended FNC activities with regardto educational networking support, needs, and benefits.
Policy Working Group (PWG) The Policy Working Group is currently inactive, but may be re-activated should policy issues warrant such action. In conjunction with the FNC Executive Committee (FNCEC), other FNC working groups and the FNC at large, the PWG is generally responsible for identifying, documenting, and reviewing policy issues affecting the development of the Interagency Internet. It works with the FNCEC to develop plans and proposals for managing the Interagency Internet and for the operation of the FNC; identify policy issues associated with the operation and evolution of the Federal portion of the Internet; and develop policies and plans to address these issues. Currently, these responsibilities are being shared by the FNCEC, the FNC, and the FNC working groups.
Privacy & Security Working Group (PSWG) The Privacy & Security Working Group is responsible for addressing networksecurity technology, management, and administration issuesrelated to maintaining and improving the availability, integrity,and confidentiality of Interagency Internet resources. It will alsoreview security requirements of the evolving NREN and proposetechnical developments, operational guidelines, andadministrative procedures needed to meet them. It preparesinput to the FNC, as needed, on security related matters. ThePSWG works closely with other organizations developing ordefining security policies, standards, services, and mechanismsin fulfilling these duties.