The Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) is a framework used by the

United States federal government to improve the management and

efficiency of its IT resources and investments. It provides a structured
approach for designing, documenting, and managing information
technology and business processes within the federal government. The
FEA framework helps federal agencies align their IT investments with
their mission objectives and goals, reduce duplication of efforts, and
improve interoperability among different agencies.

The FEA framework consists of five reference models:

1. Business Reference Model (BRM): The BRM describes the federal

government's lines of business. It categorizes government activities into
various business areas, such as healthcare, defense, and education. Each
business area is further divided into subfunctions and activities. This
model helps in identifying areas where agencies can collaborate and
share resources to improve efficiency.
Example: Within the healthcare business area, the subfunctions could
include patient care, health information management, and research. By
using the BRM, agencies can identify common processes and systems
that can be shared to improve healthcare services across the
government.
2. Performance Reference Model (PRM): The PRM focuses on measuring
and assessing the performance of federal programs and services. It helps
in defining performance metrics and standards to evaluate the
effectiveness and efficiency of government initiatives.
Example: The Department of Transportation (DOT) might use the PRM
to measure the on-time performance of airlines and develop metrics to
assess the safety of the transportation system. This data can be used to
allocate resources more effectively and improve the overall performance
of the transportation sector.
3. Data Reference Model (DRM): The DRM defines the data standards
and information sharing practices across the federal government. It helps
in ensuring that data is consistent, secure, and can be easily shared
among agencies.
Example: In the context of cybersecurity, the DRM could specify
standardized data formats for sharing information about cyber threats
 and vulnerabilities among different federal agencies. This would enable
faster response to cyber threats and enhance overall cybersecurity.
4. Application Reference Model (ARM): The ARM provides a framework
for categorizing and standardizing software applications used by federal
agencies. It helps in reducing redundancy and promoting the reuse of
software applications.
Example: Multiple federal agencies may need to track and manage
grants. Instead of each agency developing its own grant management
system, the ARM could promote the use of a standardized grant
management application that can be shared across agencies, saving time
and resources.
5. Technology Reference Model (TRM): The TRM defines the technology
standards and guidelines for federal IT systems. It helps in ensuring that
IT investments are compatible and interoperable across the federal
government.
Example: The TRM might specify that federal agencies should use a
common set of encryption standards to protect sensitive data. This
ensures that data can be securely exchanged between agencies without
compatibility issues.

Overall, the Federal Enterprise Architecture framework is a

comprehensive approach that enables federal agencies to work together
more efficiently and effectively by standardizing processes, data,
applications, and technology. It promotes collaboration, reduces
duplication, and ultimately improves the delivery of services to the
American people.
 FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework), the
Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), and
the Zachman Framework are all approaches to enterprise
architecture, but they serve different purposes, are used in
distinct contexts, and have varying levels of detail and focus.
Here's a comparison of these three frameworks:

1. Purpose and Context:

 FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework): FEAF is

designed specifically for use within the United States federal
government. Its primary purpose is to improve the
management and efficiency of IT resources and investments in
federal agencies. It focuses on aligning IT with the mission
objectives and goals of these agencies while reducing
duplication and improving interoperability.
 DoDAF (Department of Defense Architecture Framework):
DoDAF, as the name suggests, is tailored for the U.S.
Department of Defense. It provides a standardized approach to
architecting, describing, and managing defense systems and
processes. It helps in supporting mission-critical defense
operations and acquisitions.
 Zachman Framework: The Zachman Framework is a more
generalized enterprise architecture framework that can be
applied to various organizations, not just government entities.
Its primary purpose is to provide a structured way of organizing
and understanding an enterprise's architecture, including
information systems, processes, and data, regardless of the
industry or sector.
 2. Scope and Abstraction Levels:

 FEAF: FEAF comprises reference models that focus on different

aspects of federal enterprise architecture, from business
processes to data and technology standards. It is detailed and
prescriptive, with a strong emphasis on aligning IT with
business goals.
 DoDAF: DoDAF has a specialized focus on defense systems and
operations. It includes viewpoints and models specifically
designed to address defense-related concerns, such as
operational, technical, and system architecture.
 Zachman Framework: The Zachman Framework provides a
high-level structure for organizing enterprise architecture
artifacts but does not prescribe specific models or
methodologies. It encourages organizations to tailor their
architecture descriptions to their unique needs and covers a
broader range of perspectives.

3. Applicability:

 FEAF: FEAF is primarily used by federal government agencies in

the United States. It is specifically tailored to address the needs
of these agencies, including regulatory and compliance
requirements.
 DoDAF: DoDAF is intended for use within the U.S. Department
of Defense and its related organizations. It addresses the
specific needs and complexities of defense operations and
systems.
 Zachman Framework: The Zachman Framework is widely
applicable and has been used in various industries and sectors
around the world. It is a flexible framework that can be adapted
to suit the needs of different organizations, both public and
private.
 4. Granularity:

 FEAF: FEAF is detailed and prescriptive, providing predefined

reference models and methodologies.
 DoDAF: DoDAF offers a standardized approach to defense
architecture but allows for flexibility within the framework.
 Zachman Framework: The Zachman Framework provides a
high-level structure but encourages organizations to determine
the level of detail that best suits their needs.

In summary, FEAF, DoDAF, and the Zachman Framework serve

different purposes and are tailored to specific contexts. FEAF
and DoDAF are more specialized and detailed, while the
Zachman Framework is a more generalized framework with
broader applicability across industries and sectors.
Organizations should choose the framework that aligns best
with their specific goals and requirements.