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VA Technical Reference Model v 25.1

IBM Cloud Pak for Applications

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	IBM Cloud Pak for Applications is used for updating existing applications and developing cloud apps in conjunction with Red Hat OpenShift. It allows for application, data, and workload management. The TRM decisions in this entry only apply to technologies and versions owned, operated, managed, patched, and version-controlled by VA. This includes technologies deployed as software installations on VMs within VA-controlled cloud environments (e.g., VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC)). Cloud services provided by the VAEC, which are listed in the VAEC Service Catalog, and those controlled and managed by an external Cloud Service Provider (i.e., SaaS) are not in the purview of the TRM. For more information on the use of cloud services and cloud-based products within VA, including VA private clouds, please see the Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) Portal at: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITECSO
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v24.5
Decision Date:	05/16/2024 at 15:53:23 UTC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	International Business Machines (IBM)

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

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Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
3.x
4.x
5.x	04/27/2020

Current Decision Matrix (05/10/2024)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VAIT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported.

Legend:

White	Authorized: The technology/standard has been authorized for use.
Yellow	Authorized w/ Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M): This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Authorized w/ Constraints (DIVEST): VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unauthorized may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Unauthorized: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Authorized w/ Constraints (PLANNING/EVALUATION): The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M).

<Past

CY2026

CY2027

CY2028

Future>

Release

3.x

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

4.x

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

5.x

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

Decision Constraints


[1]	This Technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population.

[2]	It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied: IBM Cloud Pak for Applications should not be used in a production environment until the VA develops a container strategy and establishes an enterprise orchestration solution. Should a user request to use IBM Cloud Pak for Applications, the product must be used in a development or testing environment. System administrators must ensure that the underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module can protect the security of IBM Cloud Pak for Applications when it stores and/or processes VA sensitive data. Due to potential information security risks, cloud-based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102)

[3]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[4]	Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities.

[5]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[6]	Based on the IPR findings from Security Engineering and pending required VA security policy guidance from OIS DevSecOps on container and orchestrator technology, this technology is only authorized for Development and Test systems usage. Production system use of this technology is considered TRM unapproved must have an authorized TRM waiver to accept the risks of using this technology in production without required policy and configuration standards. This constraint will be revisited after VA determines relevant policy and creates configuration standard(s). See the reference section and the Baseline Configuration Management website for more information: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied: IBM Cloud Pak for Applications should not be used in a production environment until the VA develops a container strategy and establishes an enterprise orchestration solution. Should a user request to use IBM Cloud Pak for Applications, the product must be used in a development or testing environment. System administrators must ensure that the underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module can protect the security of IBM Cloud Pak for Applications when it stores and/or processes VA sensitive data. Due to potential information security risks, cloud-based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102)

[7]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[8]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[9]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (PSF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[10]	Based on the IPR findings from Security Engineering and pending required VA security policy guidance from OIS DevSecOps on container and orchestrator technology, this technology is only authorized for Development and Test systems usage. Production system use of this technology is considered TRM unapproved must have an authorized TRM waiver to accept the risks of using this technology in production without required policy and configuration standards. This constraint will be revisited after VA determines relevant policy and creates configuration standard(s). See the reference section and the Baseline Configuration Management website for more information: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied: IBM Cloud Pak for Applications should not be used in a production environment until the VA develops a container strategy and establishes an enterprise orchestration solution. Should a user request to use IBM Cloud Pak for Applications, the product must be used in a development or testing environment. System administrators must ensure that the underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module can protect the security of IBM Cloud Pak for Applications when it stores and/or processes VA sensitive data. Due to potential information security risks, cloud-based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102)

[11]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the VA OIT Product Engineering team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[12]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[13]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

[14]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request, visit the Product Marketplace. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[15]	Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: .IBM Cloud Pak for Applications should not be used in a production environment. Should a user request to use IBM Cloud Pak for Applications, the product must be used in a development or testing environment. System administrators must ensure that the underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) certified cryptographic module can protect the security of IBM Cloud Pak for Applications when it stores and/or processes VA sensitive data. Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Business Integration and Outcomes Service (BIOS) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Digital Transformation Center (DTC), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non-AWS or Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by DTC. Users must ensure that OpenShift Container Platform is implemented with VA-authorized baselines. (Refer to the ‘Category’ tab under ‘Runtime Dependencies’) Users must not utilize HCL Digital Experience, as it is at the time of writing, unapproved in the TRM.

[16]	The Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification status of this technology was not able to be verified. This technology will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information, where applicable. More information regarding the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) can be found on the NIST website.

[17]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 5.2 is the most current version, released 03/01/2024.

Type	Name	Source	Description
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.


Application Technology Development Tools	Build and Deployment Tools

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This is a well-documented technology.
The vendor of this technology is an industry leader in the subject matter.

Adoption Risks

The potential exists to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) and/or VA Sensitive data and proper security standards must be followed in these cases.
Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
There are known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) associated with this technology. Please see https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/search for more details.
IBM Cloud Pak for Applications is not an authorized orchestration solution.
The product is not Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certified. Per vendor: “For [IBM Cloud Pak for Applications], [IBM WebSphere Liberty] and [WebSphere Application Server] can be configured to use the FIPS 140-2 support that is provided in the IBM JDK [Java Cryptography Extension].”
IBM Cloud Pak for Applications can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud.
This technology can potentially use HCL Digital Experience, an unapproved technology.
The potential of vendor lock exists when utilizing proprietary vendor technology.
System scans indicate that this technology is no longer in use within the VA network.

Architectural Risks

This technology is not portable as it runs only on Linux operating systems.
This technology includes cloud-based functionality which has potential information security risks.

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (05/16/2024 at 15:53:23 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 25.1

General Information

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Current Decision Matrix (05/10/2024)

Decision Constraints

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Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

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Runtime Dependencies:

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