Going live in 2025: Modernizing the Registration System Architecture at the Selective Service System

The Selective Service System (SSS) is on track to complete a major upgrade to its FedRAMP-certified national registration system, which is among the largest databases in the federal government, by moving it to a secure cloud in 2025. This modernization effort will further enhance the cybersecurity protections for its registration system.

As part of a broader federal initiative, SSS is committed to meeting the stringent cybersecurity requirements set forth by Executive Order 14028, "Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity," as well as the Office of Management and Budget's directives, M-22-09 and M-22-16. To facilitate these upgrades, SSS competed for and received funding from the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) in 2022, which is accelerating the migration of the nation's registration system to a cloud-based architecture.

The TMF funding provided the necessary financial resources to complete this project and created a new opportunity for SSS to partner closely with the TMF Program Management Office. Utilizing tools such as GSA's application rationalization playbook, SSS is expertly managing the technical challenges inherent in modernizing a major federal system.

SSS modernization initiatives in recent years have engineered in resilience and agility to important systems that manage the registration of millions of men aged 18-25, including U.S. citizens at home and abroad, as well as male immigrants residing in the United States. Maintaining a comprehensive and secure registration system supports national readiness in the event of a return to conscription during a national emergency. Registering with the Selective Service is an important civic responsibility for men and safeguards their eligibility for student aid in several states, federal employment, and job training programs, among other benefits.

"Modernizing the Agency's registration system architecture through smart investments and innovative federal funding options, like the Technology Modernization Fund, is pivotal to our mission readiness and ability to scale operations during a national emergency," Acting Director of Selective Service Joel C. Spangenberg said. "We are committed to modernizing and maintaining secure and trustworthy IT infrastructure that upholds our commitment to consistently deliver a superior customer experience to the American public."

By modernizing its IT infrastructure, SSS is achieving greater operational efficiency, with the capability to securely manage data using cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. The shift to cloud-based hosting platforms and zero trust architectural principles is already further strengthening the system's scalability, agility, resilience, and overall cybersecurity posture.

Moreover, by leveraging FedRAMP-certified cloud providers, SSS will benefit from a more streamlined authorization process, increased operational efficiency, access to advanced data analytics to inform decisions in peacetime and during a national emergency, reduced maintenance costs, and heightened trust in the security, scalability, and resiliency of the system.

In closing, Acting Director Spangenberg said, "This TMF project helps illustrate how the Selective Service System is actively modernizing for the future, while maintaining the necessary readiness posture today."