Apache NiFi was created by the National Security Agency to automate classified data flows across intelligence systems. Zapata Technology deploys it back into the defense and intelligence community — with a TRL-9 rated, MOSA-compliant solution currently fielded with U.S. Army Special Operations and INSCOM on classified networks.
Proven at Scale in Classified Environments
From the NSA to the Warfighter
Apache NiFi was originally developed inside the National Security Agency as “NiagaraFiles” to automate the management and movement of data across intelligence systems. In 2014, the NSA released the technology to the open-source community through the Apache Software Foundation, and it has since become the premier data flow automation platform used by thousands of organizations worldwide.
Zapata Technology brings NiFi full circle — deploying hardened, MOSA-compliant NiFi solutions back into the defense and intelligence community where the technology was born. Our Commercial NiFi platform is not a consulting engagement or a managed service. It is a deployable, containerized data integration product with secure containers, Helm charts, and security documentation ready for rapid field deployment on classified networks.
Apache NiFi Services
NiFi Deployment & Integration
- Containerized deployment with Helm charts
- Air-gapped and classified network installation
- On-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
- Kubernetes and Docker orchestration
- Clustered and single-node configurations
- RMF/ATO documentation and accreditation support
Custom Flow Development
- Custom processor and controller service development
- Data flow design for multi-source intelligence fusion
- ETL pipeline engineering and optimization
- Real-time streaming and event processing
- Legacy system and sensor integration
- CAPCO classification extraction and data tagging
NiFi for Classified Environments
- NSA RTB encryption compliance
- MOSA (Modular Open Systems Approach) architecture
- ITAR-compliant data handling
- NIST 800-171 and CMMC-ready configurations
- Cross-domain data flow management
- Data provenance and audit trail for compliance
NiFi Training & Enablement
- Operator-level NiFi training for military personnel
- Soldier Training Plans (STPs) for field units
- Flow design and monitoring fundamentals
- Advanced expression language and schema usage
- NiFi administration and cluster management
- Version control with NiFi Registry
Performance & Optimization
- Flow optimization and latency reduction
- Cluster tuning and backpressure management
- Repository and disk I/O optimization
- Capacity planning and scaling strategies
- Queue depth monitoring and alerting
- Production troubleshooting and debugging
Managed NiFi Services
- 24/7 monitoring with ZMonitor
- Patch management and version upgrades
- Disaster recovery and failover configuration
- Flow version control and change management
- Ongoing data source onboarding
- SLA-backed support tiers
The Commercial NiFi Stack
Commercial NiFi isn’t a standalone tool — it’s an integrated data platform that combines Apache NiFi with Zapata Technology’s proprietary products for end-to-end data lifecycle management in defense environments.
Deployed with U.S. Special Operations & Intelligence
USASOC — 1st Special Forces Group
Commercial NiFi is currently fielded with 1st Special Forces supporting Commander’s Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR) and processing finished intelligence (FINTEL) to ESRO geoevent server. Proven integration of both legacy and new sensors within four hours of sensors coming online, as tested with NIWC.
INSCOM Cloud Initiative (ICI)
Currently deployed with INSCOM Cloud Initiative providing real-time bi-directional data ingestion to support exercises and Mission Partner Environments (MPE). Manages and maintains unique ETL and data transformation across hundreds of intelligence data sources.
Why Choose Zapata for Apache NiFi
| Capability | Zapata Technology | Typical NiFi Consultancies |
|---|---|---|
| Classified network deployment (TS/SCI) | Yes | No |
| Deployable product (containers + Helm charts) | Yes | Consulting only |
| MOSA / NSA RTB compliance | Yes | No |
| Proprietary integration tools (ZIngest + ZMonitor) | Yes | No |
| TRL-9 operational deployment | Yes | No |
| Soldier/operator training (STPs) | Yes | Limited |
| TS/SCI cleared NiFi engineers | Yes | Varies |
| OASIS+ / STARS III contract vehicles | Yes | No |
Use Cases
Intelligence & ISR
- Multi-source intelligence data fusion
- ISR sensor ingestion and processing
- FINTEL generation and distribution
- Real-time Commander’s PIR support
- Cross-domain intelligence sharing
Data Engineering
- ETL pipeline automation at scale
- Real-time streaming and event processing
- Data lake ingestion and enrichment
- Legacy system integration
- IoT and edge data collection
Operations & Compliance
- Data provenance and lineage tracking
- CAPCO classification extraction
- Audit trail for compliance investigations
- Automated format normalization
- Mission Partner Environment (MPE) data sharing
Apache NiFi FAQ
What is Apache NiFi?
Apache NiFi is an open-source data integration platform originally developed by the NSA as “NiagaraFiles.” It provides a drag-and-drop interface for designing data flows that automate the movement, transformation, and routing of data between systems. NiFi handles back-pressure, data provenance, and supports hundreds of built-in processors for connecting to databases, APIs, file systems, messaging queues, and more.
Can Apache NiFi run on classified networks?
Standard Apache NiFi requires hardening and accreditation for classified deployment. Zapata Technology’s Commercial NiFi is specifically configured for classified environments with NSA RTB encryption, MOSA compliance, containerized deployment, and pre-built security documentation to accelerate RMF/ATO accreditation on TS/SCI networks.
How does Commercial NiFi compare to Cloudera DataFlow?
Cloudera DataFlow (CFM) is the primary commercial NiFi distribution, focused on enterprise IT environments. Commercial NiFi is purpose-built for defense and intelligence — with MOSA compliance, NSA RTB encryption, air-gapped deployment support, and integration with Zapata’s ZIngest and ZMonitor tools. It is designed for tactical edge deployment and classified networks where Cloudera’s enterprise model doesn’t apply.
What makes Zapata Technology’s NiFi approach different?
We don’t just consult on NiFi — we deploy a hardened, containerized NiFi product with proprietary integration tools. Our solution is TRL-9 rated and currently operational with USASOC and INSCOM. We manage 350+ unique data sources with custom ETL transformations, and can integrate new sensors within 4 hours of coming online. No other NiFi provider offers this combination of deployed product, classified network experience, and defense-specific tooling.
Does Zapata Technology offer NiFi training?
Yes. We provide NiFi training tailored for military operators and defense engineers, including Soldier Training Plans (STPs) developed for field units. Training covers NiFi fundamentals, flow design, monitoring, expression language, schema usage, cluster administration, and version control with NiFi Registry. Training can be delivered on-site or at your facility.
Procurement
Contracting officers can procure Commercial NiFi and Apache NiFi services through the following vehicles:
- OASIS+ Total Small Business — Contract # 47QRCA25DS585
- OASIS+ 8(a) Small Business — Contract # 47QRCA25DA204
- GSA 8(a) STARS III GWAC — Contract # 47QTCB22D0134
- SeaPort-NxG — Contract # N0017821D9470