C.3.2.1 Software Engineering
The area of Software Engineering encompasses all tasks necessary to assist agencies in the management of their software (application systems, data files, databases, and interfaces) from initial conception and planning, through design and development, to maintenance, improvement, and conversion. It includes the performance of these tasks as well as assistance in the acquisition of IT resources to perform these tasks. The general area of life cycle Software Engineering can include studies related to information systems planning as well as the sizing and designing of computer systems on which new or existing software will operate.

C.3.2.2 Communications
The area of Communications deals with the definition, design, implementation, and management of digital and integrated communications systems which may be terrestrial or satellite based. It includes local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANS), enterprise systems, Internet/Intranet-based networks, and any combination thereof, including all forms of digitization and incorporation of multiple media types, e.g., data, digitized voice, video, or imagery as well as high bandwidth and demand bandwidth technologies. Tasks may include any type of study, integration support, development, evaluation, and implementation having to do with digitized, integrated communications, including secure communications and satellite communications requirements.

C.3.2.3 System Integration
This functional area encompasses all activities necessary to develop and deploy an automated information system. It includes the integration of technical components, such as software, hardware, and communications, and organizational components to include processes and procedures, resulting in a turn key system. System Integration may make use of technical laboratories, prototypes, and pilot systems. It overlaps with several of the other functional areas but is differentiated by its all-encompassing nature. Under this area, fully operable, complete systems will be provided to the clients.