 |
|
|
 |
What's New?
Here are some activities our staff members have been involved with since our last edition.
Activities and Events
VAI was invited to present at the 4th Supervisors Symposium for the Caribbean Anti Money Laundering Programme held in Antigua
from November 3-7, 2003. Over 20 countries sent representatives for technical discussions focused on providing better
approaches for information management and data sharing. VAI presented advanced techniques for analyzing SARs
(Suspicious Activity Reports), integrating multiple sources of data, and working within a collaborative environment.
VAI looks forward to providing continued support to the Caribbean Anti Money Laundering Programme.
Group Photograph from the Symposium
At the AFCEA Fall Intelligence Symposium at the Defense Intelligence Analysis Center (DIAC), Bolling Air Force Base, Oct. 22-23, VAI gave a "sneak preview"
of VisuaLinks 3.0. Attendees from across the Intelligence Community and DOD, including members of the executive leadership, were extremely impressed with
the new functionality, collaboration features, security enhancements, easy-to-navigate GUI, and robust reporting options. See the VisuaLinks News page for more information on this release.
VAI was a proud corporate table holder of the November 12 AFCEA NOVA Chapter Luncheon Series.
We joined Ms. Debra Filippi, Deputy Director C4 & Deputy CIO, United States Marine Corps as hosts for this event. The event was held at the Sheraton Premier, Tyson's Corner, Virginia.
On November 13, VAI was at FBI Headquarters conducting demonstrations and Q&A sessions. VAI's technology directly addresses the Bureau's need to increase
its intelligence capabilities and analysis. Additionally, our tools provide secure information-sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement,
which is the number one priority of the Department of Justice. VAI's best-of-breed analytical tools could significantly enhance the Bureau's abilities to
spot suspicious and criminal activity faster, better, and more cost effectively.
Growth
VAI continues to expand. We have recently brought on board new additions to our training, testing and support functions.
We continue to seek out and hire the best talent available.
|
|
|
 |
continued from the cover
Furthermore, DIG can return the actual data or a pointer-index for positive query results. Depending on the needs of the agency, the pointer-index keeps the actual data secure and hidden while providing a reference to initiate follow-up requests.
The following list provides some examples of the types of data sources that were provided within the network during this initial coupling.
- Arrest records
- Parole releases
- Homicides
- Narcotic arrests
- Case management
- Seizure addresses
- Jail records
- Suspect records
Additionally, VAI hosted a data-source server to provide samples of data that was not region-specific. Although the VAI server was not granted permissions to query into any other servers, all other participants could access the VAI data for integration into their own investigations. The sources provided by VAI included:
- Social Security Death Master
- OFAC List
- FBI Most Wanted
- Interpol Most Wanted
- Federal Prison Addresses
The success of the peer-to-peer transfers is not particularly new within the computer industry. One recent search of Google for "file-sharing" applications resulted in over 100 entries. In fact, many of us have been exposed to systems like Napster or KaAzA where files such as MP3s and MPEGs have been shared with other users of the system.
The Server-to-Server protocols used within VisuaLinks and DIG are designed along the same conceptual lines, except that they transfer the queries and responses between different systems allowing only the relevant data (as opposed to an entire data file) to be transferred between authorized systems. Additionally, proper security and access controls are built into the systems so that only authorized users are permitted to access the data. See the BCD Speaks article in our September, 2003 (Volume 2, Issue 9) newsletter for a more in-depth discussion on the Server-to-Server techniques.
In just a few weeks, the VisuaLinks system will also make history in providing the remote coupling of a number of financial intelligence units (FIUs) to share the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) money transfer data. This, combined with other remote sources, provides an unparalleled capability within the analytical community.
In future systems, we expect to integrate the ability to cross our borders and share data on an international basis - regardless of the underlying representations or languages used. The goal now is to show how local, state and federal government agencies can work together for the collective good of the communities they serve.
|
|
 |
|
VAI will host an exhibit at the Knowledge Management Conference, December 15-16, in Crystal City, Arlington, VA. The KM for Government Conference is focused on ways to improve, enhance and find real working solutions to the technical, management and cultural challenges facing the inevitable progress towards knowledge management and systems. For more information, please visit: http://www.federalevents.com/km/overview.shtml
|
|
 |
Testing Technician - one (1) position is available
This position will be expected to conduct on-site testing for the VAI tool suite, to include both VisuaLinks and DIG. The successful candidate will execute test scripts and scenarios, record results and report discrepancies to development staff. The candidate may be required to write new test scenarios.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a background in structured testing with demonstrable experience in other testing environments.
Requirements: A degree is not required for this position, however, 2 years of testing experience are required.
All interested candiates should submit a resume to: info@visualanalytics.com
Technical Writer - one (1) position is available
This position will be expected to conduct on-site training for the VAI tool suite, to include both VisuaLinks and DIG. Additionally, the successful candidate will assist our technical writing staff in maintaining and extending our documentation program.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a background in technology training to include the creation of training objectives, lesson plans, presentation materials and end-user exercises. The candidate will also be required to demonstrate strong technical writing skills.
Requirements: A BA in English or a similar course of study, or 5 years of equivalent technical training and writing experience. The candidate must show at least two (2) years of professional experience as a technical trainer and technical writer. A portfolio of sample work would be helpful. Current TS/SCI security clearance is a plus.
All interested candiates should submit a resume to: info@visualanalytics.com
|
|
|
 |
|
