MINUTES OF COINS COMMITTEE MEETING OF 5 JANUARY 1968

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 177
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 23, 2007
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 29, 1968
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
NSA review completed
TAB
DIA review(s) completed.
State Dept. review completed
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
M1M4ORAhNDUJM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Minutes of COINS Committee
29 January 1968
Meeting of 5 January 1968
1. The COINS Committee met at NSA on 5 January 1968. Attending
2. Minutes of the meeting of 15 December 1967 were reviewed
and approved..
3, NSA Data. Sys tems Analyst briefed the committee
r,
on a machine f 03' Wit ' C si n d- to facilitate recording'', of genera l_ information
on COINS files to provide users an on.-Line reference to information on
any aspect of COINS files. Each participating agency would compile and
record all information on its files. NSA would consolidate all data,
produce a master file tape and distribute copies to all other agencies
for addition to their computer system.: for on-line reference by'users.
Committee members were requested to study the format for a discussion. at
the next meeting.
4. As information on matters of interest, distributed
copies of a paper, "Functional Specifications for Typewriter Like Time-Sharing
Terminals" by T. A. Dolotta, Princeton, University and 0. G. Selfridge,
Lincoln Laboratory, M.I.T. This paper describes a typewriter-like terminal
suitable for connection to a remote computer, and specifically user oriented
rather than programmer or machine operator oriented.
5. Members were requested to carefully review correctness of the
COINS file fonaats included in the Se-ii`_annual report prior to their
publication in a single document on COINS files.
6. Final copies of Technical Memorandum of Agreement No. 1 on COINS
communications were distributed for signature by representatives of the
participating agencies.
initiate: a request to the Defense Commercial Co municati.ons Office of DCA
for instal_latio;:m of data. circuits to idl?IC, CIA, NIC and State. He
requested notificat--on from each of ti"l.ese agencies of a specific date of
circuit installation and nmrics of persons to be contacted at each agency.
7. line or-ed members that DIA was now prepared to
NSA review completed
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
8. The draft paper on establishh~nent of security levels for COINS
wa discussed. CIA, sug vested that the proposed specific
list of subjects and security levels ccre too inflexible. Rather than
try to establish fixed levels of classification in advance, more
flexibility could be achieved by classifying the various documents and
aspects of COINS based upon their actual content and a determination by
the COINS Committee. In this rn'inner a list of subjects could be developed
with documents to provide a quide to and levels of security classification.
9, d.istributei co-des of a draft charter for the Evaluation
Panel. This paper was reviewed by Panel Chairman and. certain 25X1
changes suggesued by her were r..aa.e. Mr. Stein will represent Department
of State on the Panel.. A representative should be varied by NIC if that
organization desires, and l be replaced on the Panel by another
representative of NP'IC. tril has also requested that a member
be appointed by CIA to allow here to devote full attention to the work of
the Panel.
10. The next meeting was scheduled for 19 January 1968. 1000 hours,
Friday at CIA. Items for the a;o:?lda w-wri1._l include:
a. COINS file information data base format (See paragraph 3)-
b. Charter for the Evaluation Panel
c. COINS Situation Papers 4 and 5-
d. Draft TMA on "Guide for COINS File Panels".
Executive Secretary,
Committee
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl 139A000100150001-6
f _
2'( December 1)0
SUBJECT: Minutes of COINS Committee Meeting of 15 December ig67.
1. The COINS Co n iittce m t r,.. iIPIC on 15 December 1967. Attending were:
2. Minutes of the previous meeting of 1 December were reviewed and
approved.
a.l cieerified the intent of paragraph 6 on the extent of
NSA contractor ;tudy of data retrieval languages. The NSA contractor is
concerned with a study of all known user oriented languages, capabilities,
advantages and disadvantages, etc. and formulation of recommendations for NSA
on their use. As a part of this study, the contractor will include COINS
participating agency languag=e ir being or planned (N SA TILE, CIA 10 - QUE:, DlA
Formatted File System retrieval language). The study will not result in
recommendations for COINS adoption of any language, but will prcviLle a co~:-i,r4ri ,gin
of the different languages of the system for consideration by the COINS Committee
in determining a course of action on this subject.
working within the framework of tyre Computer and Communications
will continue his study of development of a common network data retrieval l.angu:a e
for COINS. This concept envisions the following:
(1) User. s at COINS participating agencies would frame interrogations
of COINS files at distant agencies in the local retrieval language.
(2) The local remote access computer system would have a library
translator program to translate the local language into the network language.
(3) At the receiving agency the translator program translates the
network language into the local language for retrieval operations.
(IE) This concept would require each agency to write one translator
program. Undesirable -alternatives are:
(a) Users learning and applying the ling uage of each of the
other COINS agencies. '
'(b)- Each agency provide the software to translate the locl
Lang ue.ge into the language of the agency being interrogated.
c. P._ference paragraph 3 relative to TNA No. ]_ on COALS Ctr:arunications.
(l)
inl_cccds above 2! O0 BPS will not be considered prior to FY-(0. The
former problem has been referred to DIA for resolution. 25X1
3. presented a mernoranduan (copy inclosed) on the subject of
establ_islment-, of security classification levels for COINS. Members were
requested to review the classification levels proposed, and to be pr;pared to
discuss the matter at the next meeting.
1E. A proposed T MA providing general guidance to COINS Panels concerned
with data base requirements was presented for committee consideration.
,i. Final copies of Part 1 of the COINS Semiannual report were distributed
to those att.ending.- The balance of copies for each agency and Part 2 (in
publication) will be distributed through courier channels. 25X1
6. re ported the f : st exchange of user
classes between
of DIA to discuss
courses. Pair.
NSA and DIA. rill arrange a meeting with
further training courses to be conducted, and improvement of the
Stein wishes to monitor the next classes conducted.
(. lurged co mittee members to determine agency reaction tc the
files planned for COINS I, what is required to better satisfy requirements,
what additional data elements might: be required, etc.
distributed copies of an NSA draft rroposal for COINS
development and management by means of an Executive Agent and Agency COINS
bia.nager system. Basically, the COINS Executive Agency would. be designated by
a DCID. The director of the agency named would appoint an Executive Agent for
system. management, and a COINS Manager for that agency. Each of the other
participating agencies would name COINS Managers. The host agency would provide
all. support services; the Executive Agent would plan, coordinate and manage.
the system; the COINS Managers would assist the Executive Agent and coordinate
all activities within their respective agency. The proposal is currently being
studied by NSA legal and comptroller personnel who are preparing briefs to be
made available shortly.
Efforts to arrive at a solution for efficient and effective COINS
management are most important, particularly in view of the fact that such a
major interagency und.erta'_.ing is without precedent and may serve as a prototype
for future systems.
9? described an AIIIEX video docuLaent retrieval system to be
installed by NSA. Anyone interes-',Ed in learning more about the system can be
briefed.
10. Conduct of a "workshop" on the subject of computer networks is bein--
considered by PISA. COINS Committee members were asked to consider interest in
the workshop and extent of participation.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
ll.. Copies of~the second draft of COINS Situation papers No. 1_h and the
first draft of No. 5 were distributed for consideration and. corument.
12. Members are requested to provide lists of the character sets and codes
utilized in the computer and terminal equipment of their system.
13. The next committee meeting is scheduled at 1000 hours, 5 January 1908,
at PSA. Members are requested to be prepared to comment and discuss the
following:
a. Proposed ~iM on "Guide for COINS File Panels.
b. Proposed management system.
c. COINS security leve_ls.,
d. Computer network workshop.
9 L,
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
IvI-2,IORANDUI4 FOR IIIE RECORD
1. The COINS Committee met at DIA on 1 Decer.iber 1967. Attending were:
2. Minutes of the previous meeting of 17 November 1967 were reviewed and
approved.
25X1 3? presented a final draft of Technical Memorandum of AgreEirent
No. 1 on U0j-!,qS con unications (copy enclosed) committee members were requested to
secure concurrence of their agency by the next meeting on 15 December 1967.
25X1 !t? informed the co:rmittee that NSA. intends presenting a proposal
for establishing a COINS network which obviates the need for dedicated circuits
and. a central network f4store and forward" switch such as that now installed and
operated by DIA (Refer to the DIA publication, "DIA COINS Test Facilities and
Irnplerin,entatio?? Guide"). NSA engineers will determine the feasibility of
establishing computer to computer cormnunicati.ons, as required for interrogation
and response, by utilization of telephone co:rrpany direct dial facilities. This
method of operation is now commercially feasible, however COINS security require-
ments and utilization of crypto devices will complicate COINS use of a similar
system. The NSA study must consider:
a. Communications security requirements or restrictions.
b. If adequate hardware is commercially available.
c. What developmental effort is required if hardware is not commercially
available.
The proposed system would have several distinct advantages over the present
and planned modus operandi.
a. It would obviate the need for CIA to assume the network switching
function in FY 71 (See COINS Committee Minutes of 17 Nov. 1967, para 2e) with
resulting hardware and. software costs. In the event of switch failure the network
would be inoperable. The proposed system would obviate the need for a redundant
switch and associated costs.
C 0 ~-3
DoJ3t1`" j~ r
5 December 1967
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
b. Any queuing problem at the central switch would be eliminated
and. speed up communication.
c. Would allow extreme flexibility; each COINS participating
computer system would work directly with the system of momentary interest
at the security level required (e.g., A specific terminal at NSA could
interrogate a specific file at NP=C and vice versa).
5.I Iwill try to have COINS Panel charters available by
the next meeting.
6.I unformed the committee that an NSA contractor studying
currently available info retrieval languages can also include a study of
COINS participating agency languages. This is a part of the continuing
study of the COINS network retrieval language problem.
7. Relative to the retrieval language problem, of DIA 25X1
presented a paper with thoughts and. proposals for solution of this pressing
COINS problem. (Copy enclosed). paper was very well 25X1
received, and reflected the concensus of opinion of committee members.
as named as the DIA representative for technical and
or operational matters on the Evaluation Panel.
9. The final draft of the COINS semi-annual status report was received
and necessary changes made. Final. publication will be accomplished as
soon as possible.
10. The next committee meeting was scheduled for 1000 hours, Friday,
15 December 1967 at NPIC.
,xecu ive ecre ary
COINS Committee
Incls:
a/s
2
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 ;;Y F,-s : -.- AFT COPY
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
COINS I - Technical Memorandum of Agreement #1
The Agencies in COINS I agree on the following points concerning data
communications in support of the project:
a. The leased communications lines will have schedule 4C transmission
characteristics (except NIC).
b. Computer to computer data links in the system will initially
operate at 2400 baud utilizing the equipment shown on enclosure.
c. Speeds above 2400 baud will be considered for the high speed
computer to computer links. This change will be considered for FY 70.
d. DIA will initiate the requisite procurement action associated with
the circuits to NSA, STATE, CIA, NPIC, and NIC. Procurement of terminating
equipment is the responsibility of each agency. (DIA will lease teletype
equipment for NIC through FY 69.)
e. DIA has funded for and will pay for all of the above lines through
FY 69. Thereafter, each agency will transfer funds to DIA each year to
pay for their line (Approximately per year for 2400 baud ckts).
f. Communications equipment will. be supplied in accordance with
the code on the enclosure.
g.. Each participating agency will initiate the requisite correspondence
to receive authorization for establishing the lines connecting the
communications terminal equipment.to their ADP equipment in accordance with
existing communications security regulations pertinent to their respective
agency.
h. The problems of communications malfunctioning and their possible
alleviation by the use of error detection and correction equipment, crypto
automatic synchronization equipment etc., will be addressed in the COINS I
evaluation. Signed: NSA , CIA , DIA , STATE
NPIC , NIC
>'1 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP8OB01139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
COINS RETRIEVAL LANGUAGE PRORLE4
1. in addressing multiple language problems facing the COINS user,
the operator should be required to learn only one query language.
That language should be the same one which he uses to query his on-line
system. This will make the COINS network transparent to the user,plnd
one system in the network should not be affected by the addition or
withdrawal of another system in the network.
2. In order to meet these requirements we propose a Common Communica-
tion I?^.n uage. This l Tlg age will be utilized for transfer of
queries in the connecting links of COINS. Each computing system in
the network will be required to write a meta language to convert
from their language to the common language and from the co amon
language into their language.
3. This approach to the problem has several advantages. The greatest
advantage would be the flexibility afforded the total network, while
causing minimum interference to the individual systems. Any system
or the total network is not affected with the addition or withdrawal of
a system. A system which has evolved to satisfy a purpose can enter
the network by writing a meta language. A system that is initiated
to enter the network can chose to write a meta language or use the
Covunon Communication Language. The language could grow in co op le:.ity
and usage an the network grows. Thus it would provide for a gradual
evolution of a common language easing the lj r,mpact upon time, money
and technology,
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
4. The lars;u : e shot'.id have at a minimum in the binning all the
capabilitica required by the initial member systems. Each system
could drawuupon r ny capability w Lich they desired at any time they
desired. Additions could be made to the co>>tr.wn language without
affecting the participants. The participants could, at- their own
pace, made chances to take advantage of the additions.
5. We further Propose that an ad hoc committee be set up w draw
up specifications for such a language and that funds be -..ade available
for contracting efforts. The specifications should be in sufficient
10
detail to T.r-;tit competitive bidding from software houses.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 28 Nov 67
SUBJECT: Minutes of COINS Committee Meeting of 17 November 1967
L. The COINS Committee met at CIA on 17 Nov 1967. Attending were:
2. Minutes of the previous meeting of 3 Nov 1967 were discussed and
approved.
a. Paragraph 3 - Discussion of the COINS information retrieval
language problem was continued.
(1) stated that CIA prefers that the Committee
attempt to reach agreement on adoption of a retrieval.. language currently
existing or under development by one of.the participating agencies.
complete records when only a few data fields might be required.
(2) I suggested the possibility of employing a
limited network language in which the desired file would be named, certain
search parameters specified, and all records meeting the parameters moved
from the file to a temporary file for further processing at the requesting
agency. One obvious disadvantage of this approach is the necessity to transmit
25X1 b. Paragraph ti-b: announced the assigr.Tnent of
NSA Data Systems Analyst, to the task of designing a "COINS File In~or iam on
format, a draft of which should be available by 15 December 1967. COINS
participating agencies will be responsible for recording in magnetic tape
all specified information for their COINS files. NSA will then combine all
information into one tape file, copies of which will be made available to all
participants for incorporation into local computer systems for COINS file
reference.
c. Paragraph 5: expects to complete a draft of the
final TMA No. 1 on COINS communications by the next Committee meeting.
determine what the circuit charges from the DIA switch to each agency are.
transfer funds to DIA for payment of circuit charges will 25X1
d. Paragraph `;a: DIA has budgeted for payment of COINS circuit
charges through FY-69. It will be necessary for COINS participants to pay
individual circuit charges for FY-70 and subsequent years. For budgetary
review and other purposes, Mr. Stein suggested sore rma.ns be found for joint
funding for COINS rather than a "bits and pieces"" approach (e.g.,A11 participants
z s ?' Dover. :a~4J at 12 year
int~rva!s; not
.automatically c ~c~ ta;i~lad
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
e. Paragraph 6: CIA was requested to plan assumption of the
central COINS network switch function in FY-71.
asked if had received any comments on
the draft paper on COINS management drafted at NSA and being reviewed by
the Legal Counsel and others. No comments have been received to date,
and open to present the draft and any comments to the Committee
as soon as p ible.
+. requested that all participating agencies other than
NSA procure Western Electric Company Model 205 MODEM's for use on COINS
circuits.
5. DIA plans making their system and files available on-line to certain
military commands, and. questioned. if COINS files of other agencies could
also be available. The concensus of opinion was that other files in the
system were available to DIA and that it was a decision of that organization
to make them further available to DIA system subscribers.
6. Final draft copies of the COINS semi-annual report were distributed
to the Committee. Any comments or changes were requested no later than
1 Dec 1967. Approval will be assumed. in the absence of any comments.
report
ed meeting with
for a discussion of COINS status
This group will meet on an informal basis to discuss COINS and other problems.
F_ I
Among these will be the groups consideration of the
problem which will be assumed from the
continue to function as a, working group, owever group
will determine policy and provide high level direction towards a solution
of this community wide problem. In addition, the group will choose for
study one specific, hopefully well defined, intelligence area of interest
towards which COINS support will be directed. An attempt will be made to
select an area of interest to which all COINS participaxits can contribute
and make good use of the resulting data base.
8. continues work on COINS Situation Papers to highlight
and discuss Specific COINS problems? Currently in preparation is a. CSP on
the data base problem. This paper will discuss the selection, management,
data standards, etc. of COINS files.,
9. hopes to prepare and present for Committee consideration
at the next meeting draft charters specifying COINS Panel tasks, terms of
reference, etc.
10. The next Committee meeting; is scheduled at DIA on Friday, 1 Dec
at 1000.
Executive secretary
COINS Committee
_zl
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP8OBO1139AO00100150001-6
SUBJECT: Minutes of COINS Committee Meeting of 3 November 1967
1. The COINS Committee met at NSA on 3 November 1967.
a. Attending:
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
*The COINS Committee welcomes
DIA COINS Representative.
2.~ 'announced the appointment o
Chairman, COINS Evaluation Panel vice,
of the pro ens.
who has been appointed
of CIP_ as
who as e t DIA.
on 2 November for a discussion
3. Minutes of the meeting of 20 October were discussed and approved.
a. Discussion of the COINS information retrieval language problem was
25X1 continued, distributed copies of four "COINS Situation Papers".
These Situation Papers will be used as media for highlighting and discussing
specific COINS problems? Situation Paper No. 1 concerns the retrieval language
problem.
(1) Initially COINS users at the participating agencies must be
multi-linguists (i.e., They must learn the retrieval languages of the other
agencies), or they must use fixed, "canned" (i.e., stored program) interrogations.
At this time it is not known if CIA will have canned interrogation programs
available.
(2)I lof NSA will investigate the
possibility of either of those organizations assuming responsibility for a
comprehensive study of the language problem, either in-house or contractually.
(3) Other alternatives mentioned were:
(a) COINS Committee adoption of one participating agency
language for use by all.
visited
(b) Adoption of a subset of an existing language.
(c) Investigate any action on this problem by the National
Bureau of Standards.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP8OBO1139AO00100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
4. The importance of making COINS file information readily available to
users at each participating agency was discussed. This information is of
particular importance when a retrieval language is employed.
a. suggested the obvious possibility and advantages
of having complete 1 e information maintained in each agencies computer
system for reference by COINS users at that agency. This method would obviate
utilization of COINS circuits and switch between agencies to obtain file
inf ormation.
b. Re above, l mentioned the possibility of assembling,
formatting and recording in magnetic tape all file information at NSA and
distributing copies to all other agencies for addition to their systems.
5. A draft of Technical Memorandum of Agreement No. 1 containing
agreements on COINS communications between the central switch and the
participating agencies was given to for pref.ration in final 25X1
form.
a. DIA has budgeted for COINS circuit charges through FY-69. It
may be necessary for each other agency to budget for its circuit during
subsequent years.
6. reported that C L1 had made a preliminary study of the
impact on CIA of a agencies assumption of the COINS s,urtiching function
(now at DIA), possibly in the FY-71 time frame.
7. requested that DIA appoint a representative to the
EvalLuatso n ane _.
8. The next COINS Committee meeting was scheduled for Friday, 17 Nov at
CIA. A principal topic of discussion will be all aspects of COINS data bases
(e.g., their construction, maintenance and executive agency).
Fycecutive Secretary
COINS Committee
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
probably act as principal DIA COINS Representative until a permanent
representative is named.. .
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 26 Oct 67
StBTECT: Minutes of COINS Committee Meeting of 20 Oct 1967
1. The COINS Committee met at NPIC on 20 Oct 1967. A list of those
attending is inclosed.
2. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
3. DIA COINS Committee member is leaving DIA, and
appointmen Of A successor is still under consideration. will
4. The principal purpose of this meeting was to conduct a survey of users
information retrieval methods and languages being developed by the different
COINS agencies for internal use; and to discuss various approaches to providing
increased COINS information retrieval capability by the employment of a user
oriented computer language. Dr. Lawrence Roberts of the DOD Advanced Research
Projects Agency, a recognized authority in computer sciences was invited to
attend the meeting to offer any assistance he can to aid the COINS Committee
in its consideration of the user language problem. Also attending the meeting
was Dr. John Egan, Staff Asst., Office of Special Asst. (Nat1_..Intel.) Director
Defense R&E, Off of Sec. of Defense.
25X1 a. briefed the group on DIA formatted file retrieval
25X1 language. presented the CIA language TORQUE, and
presented the NSA TILE language.
b, One factor common to all of the retrieval languages described was
the necessity for users knowledge of the existence of specific files and names
for interrogation, file structure and content, date level, etc.
c. or, Roberts presented a brief description of a nationwide computer
network sponsored by ARPA which will link together many diverse, multiple access
computer systems of independent agencies and universities engaged in research.
Some of the potential uses of this network are:
locally.
(1) Access to a language or computer utility not available
(2) Remote use of a large program eliminating local reprogramming.
(3) Remote bulk computing power for a local machine which provides
interactive input and presentation.
(4) A centralized program library with directory service and
documentation storage.
Dr. Roberts has been involved in.many of the same problems being
faced by the COINS Committee. Amon; these are the user language problem and
providing for multi-level security. Dr. Roberts expressed the opinion that
development of a common COINS users language was not practical at this time.
~~~?cl 'tom.. -..-.
GROUP-3
Downgcedcd at 12 year
intervals; not
automaiicdly dcc!z 1icd
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
d. CONCLUSIONS: From the various presentations and discussions some
conclusions can be drawn.
(1) There is a need for a computer assisted instruction (CAI)
capability to be included in each of the participating systems which at a minimum
permits COINS users to request the following information.
(a) A list of files available for interrogation in a specified
system (e.g., at DIA).
ft,1 A list of PlemAnts of infrn'n ion in a specified file
(c) A list of files in which specific data elements or data
element sets are included and the agency system in which
they4included .
cz~e
(d) A list of "canned" interrogations that can be used
against a specific file or set of files.
(e) A description of information in specified fields.
1 Finite list of data items
2 Recording conventions when no such finite list exists.
(2) Initially in COINS, data retrieval can be accomplished by the use
of sets of "canned" interrogations.
(3) For those desiring greater retrieval capability, individual
COINS agency retrieval languages can be learned and applied.
(1.) A limited COINS common language capability should be made
available to permit users to:
(a) Specify file or files
(b) Specify limited search criteria using simple Boolian and,
or, not expressions
(c) Select all app:Licable records from specified files and move
to the local system for follow on processing using local language.
(5) At a future date possibly develop translator systems.
5., The next COINS Committee meeting was scheduled for Friday, 3 Nov at NSA.
Executive 6ecretaTy
COINS Committee
Incl:
a~s,
~s'~y-~ 'r2:;.n? '2..:.r =t 2
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 x x:4.~._ r yea:
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
.- ~- 23 Oct 67
SUBJECT: Minutes of COINS Committee Meeting of 5 Oct 67
1. The COINS Committee met at NPIC on 5 Oct 1967. Attending were:
approved.
a. Minutes of the meeting of 21 September 1967 were reviewed and
(2) Paragraph 2j. As a continuing subject of considerable
importance, at the next committee meeting will submit a draft of a
proposed method of COINS management utilizing the Executive Agent or Project
Manager system.
b. The draft of a short COINS Status Report was reviewed. No
objections were voiced and the report will be issued. Completion of a
comprehensive semi-annual report is contingent upon receipt of certain data
from COI1 S participating agencies.
c. Short and long term COINS objectives (FY-69 - 70 time frame) were
discussed at length. It was generally concluded that some improvements in
the currently planned system could be foreseen and were practical and possible;
however, any longer term objectives of consequence could not be formulated
until after a reasonable period of COINS use (probably at the end of FY-69).
A summary of suggested objectives submitted by COINS participants is inclosed.
d. Dr. Roberts of the DOD Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA),
will be invited to the next committee meeting for a discussion of COINS user
languages .
3. The next meeting was originally scheduled for 19 Oct 1967 at NSA,
however, at the time of this writing, the meeting has been changed to Friday,
20 Oct at 1000 hours at NPIC to facilitate attendance b Dr. Roberts (See Para
2d..j. All committee members are urged to notify of NPIC of their
planned attendance, or attendance of others, particularly those concerned
with user languages.
25X1
Executive Secretary
COINS Committee
mncl :
a/s
C''OU?-3
Down_3r7_'>d et 12 year
inlervais; r.lot
automa:ica!ly 1 d i. died
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
SUGGESTED
COINS OBJECTIVES
Following are listed some objectives for COINS suggested by CIA, NSA and
NIC. No particular time frame for accomplishment, or acceptance as a valid
objective is indicated. At a later date the COINS Committee will list
those objectives considered valid and the projected time frame in which
attainable.
1. Establish an experimental computer-based system which permits an
intelligence officer of one agency to retrieve information from files of
another agency without leaving his own agency or building.
2. Evaluate the system and determine those system elements and system
attributes which are critical to the success of an operational system.
3. Develop objectives and specifications for an operational system.
Determine the resources required to develop the operational system and
prepare a plan for its development and implementation.
4. USIB has compiled lists of specific indicators or acts of probable
preparation for wax by potential aggressors. Each indicator'is assigned an
alpha.-numerical code for use in intelligence re-ports for indexing purposes.
An all source message file should
be created in COINS and structured to permit retrieval by this three element
code. Such a file would be very useful in the organization and collation of
data, and ease the clerical burden inherent in all analytical problems. The
file would serve most COINS members since nearly all agencies have warning/
indications responsibilities.
5. Related to the above would be some method of providing an index to
the intelligence reports of participating agencies (e.g., an index of key
words in the report title)
6. If system usage requires, increase data link rates from present
2400 BPS to !i 80o Bps.
7. Each participating agency system include provisions for remote file
maintenance as rapidly as new information becomes available.
8. COINS capability for storage and retrieval of graphical information
(maps, charts, diagrams, etc.) should be considered. This capability would
sxpplement the formatted file system, and be handled in digital form.
Additionally COINS should include some form of image storage capability in
which images are stored and transmitted. in analog form.
9. After a reasonable period of COINS experimental use, an evaluation of
current files should be made by a panel. The panel should then conduct an
objective study of intelligence community file requirements irrespective of
current files or organizational constraints and recommend files for COINS.
Once specified, the file should be created by a specified participating agency.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
Ito. COINS should include provisions for multi-level security which provides
for foolproof limited user access to certain files.
11. Users should receive answers to interrogations in less than 15 minutes
unless unusual circumstances prevail, in which case they will be notified.
12. Develop specifications for a computer independent retrieval or meta
language. Three agencies (CIA, DIA, NSA) are currently developing separate
system languages (TORQUE, ISIC, TILE respectively) each of which will have to be
learned by COINS users to interrogate the files of these agencies.
13. The central communication switch should be made redundant to provide
uninterrupted service in the event of master switch failure. Or, some elementary
form of alternate routing could be provided. Each agency could have two circuits,
one to the switch and one to another agency. Each agency would act in an emergency
as a crude switch passing critical messages around the central switch. Software
could be designed to sharply limit the amount and type of traffic passed.
14. Provide an "interactive" mode of ojerat.ions to permit user interaction
with a distant computer and files on a word-by-word or line-by-line basis.
Detection of valid errors and correction of queries would be aided by this capabi-
lity. The system being interrogated could help the user by identifying errors
immediately by refusing incorrectly worded queries, or questioning the extent
of some queries such as "Do you really want all entries?"
15. Some sort of "cost feedback" could be incorporated in COINS. This will
become particularly important when the system load becomes heavy and when
various grades of service are provided. The user should be made aware in some
direct and immediate way what it is costing the system (and therefore him) to
operate in the way he has chosen. The user should be given latitude to choose
among alternative services, allowing him to evaluate the cost and value of the
service to him.
16. The pratical realities of planning and operating a system such as COINS
require an effective and efficient management system. An immediate objective
of the COINS Committee should be the formulation of recommendations to higher
authority on this aspect.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved Fo
P-1EMO ANDU^i FOR THE RECORD
26 September 1967
SUI'sJECT: ? mutes of COINS Committee '4ce-tin7 of. 21 September 1967.
1. The COINS Committee met at DIA on 21 September 1967. Attending were:
2. Discussions
a. minutes of the meeting; of 7 September 1967 were reviewed and
accepted.
(1) Reference paragraph 2c (3). stated that the NPIC file
entitled, "All Source File" will initially include only S CPET classified data.
(2) Paragraph 2c (5). questioned the status of the
short COINS quarterly status report to be issued. This report has yet to be com-
pleted, but will be issued as soon as possible.
questioned if any information was known on USIB action
to discontinue CODIB and establish the Information Handling Committee. No
further information is available.
d. reported that COINS circuit activation between DIP,
aryl all COINS agencies (except NSA which is currently connected) would bc,~vailable
approximately 1 `,arch 1966. There is some question if the NIC terminal will be
ready at that time.
e. In view of developments sul,sequcnt to preparation of Technical
Memorandum of Agreement Number 1 on COINS communications, and the fact that TA.
has not yet been signed by participating agencies, it will be redrafted to elim-
inate historical information and distributed for signature.
f. The Remote Computer Transmission Panel recently published and dis-
tributed the document, "DIA Test Facilities and implementation Cuide" part one
of which contains information of interest to and affecting all COINS participants.
Due to the technical complexity of the information, the coTrmittee decided acainst
formalization of the document by means of a T"A.. Any system chancres will be
coordinated within the Remote Computer Transmission Panel. Any dissents will be
referred to the COINS Committee for resolution.
i
1"i "t 12 Yet
Down
For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
g. In the spring of 1968 DIA will replace the IBM 1410 used in its
information retrieval system with an IBM 360/5011, however the IBM 7740 (switch)
will remain.
h. Heported that the ambiguities of CIA representation on
the had been cleared up, and that CIA would be officially 25X1
represented, probably in the person of 25X1
i. again mentioned the request of the Collection Research
Division, Directorate of Collection, ACSI USAF (AFNICC) located at NSA for a
COINS terminal. DIA was requested to inform the Chairman if it had any objections
to AFNICC access to DIA. COINS files through the NSA terminals.
j. A lengthy discussion was held on possible methods of COINS management.
briefed the Committee on the DOD System/Project Management approach.
No conclusions were reached.
k. Pending action on dissoluOtion of CODIB and establishment of the
information Handling Committee (iF this is the case) a suggestion was made by
or the Committee to formulate a statement of COINS objectives and
p ans. The chairman requested that members formulate a list of realistic, short
term (1969-1970'period) COINS objectives for discussion at the next meeting.
3. The Committee will meet again on Thursday, 5 October, at 1000 hours at
25X1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
rz~ r,7o~u ~DIJM FOR ""HE z CO R:
Il Oct 66
SUBJECT: Minutes of the COINS Meeting 5 October 1966
:L. The COINS Meeting T,,,as held at NSA 5 October 1966 at 1000 hours.
2. The following individuals were present:
Drafts of the minutes of the last COB'S meeting were passed. out
to members. Since these minutes contained. their status reports, the
Chairman asked there to review the minutes and report any changes by the
next COINS meeting.
25X1 4. CODI}I, called. the Chairman to inform him that the
IYCI' had. signed the COINS Progress Repoi~t. CIA reported,,
ho--ever, that the letter a.uthorrizin ; the participation of the CIA
organization had. not yet been signed.
5. The Chairman announced. that sin=e the last COINS Meeting, meetings
25X1ha.d, been held In addition, a
DIA/1VISA - eting Try s held on the sub je .t of t e -rani ng requirements for
the COINS ? .j?enir:.CTlt. Btu- was generally ~~'; eed the:t the training requirements
cool d be broken dorm into four broad. categor:':Les:
a. The genera]. concept of COINS
b. r;SA-.iLT_0 U e_. j~-an ua.ge Course
C. ~.~1.A ?- .CvI.. :JSt~r I,...n~~;t,.:-_,"E: C:OL..'St`
d.. Courses on the FILES
GT\OUP 3 7
I\Vr..d.S~
1,10T
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl1399A000100150001-6
(l) Gener-7 description of the contents, currency and.
accuracy of files, including specific interrogations which are routinely
available.
(2) Sponsor of each file should, arrange a briefing for each
(3) Each Agency agreed. to develop) an outline for each course
indicating the length of time, topics to be covered. and. the target date for
the beginning of the training.
(k-) The following are some rough "guestimates" as to the
nvmnber of personnel to be trained.. It should, be noted. that the NSA training
of NSA personnel. is something that would. be done in TIPS, regardless of
COINS. Therefore, one should. not be led. to believe that these requirements
are being generated, solely by COINS.
ORGANIZATION COURSE
NSA General Course
TILE Users Language
FILLS
DIA ISIC Users Language
FILES
CIA. Users Language
FILES
NPIC FILLS
(5) NSA would. like some slots in an early DIA ISIC users
language course in order to develop a translator Program (i.e., TILE to ISIC).
(6) members were asked. to be ready at the next COINS meeting; to:
(a) Provide the numbers of people at their agencies
(b) Provide the person to be contacted. for the next
training meeting.
(c) Male pugcstions as to content of the courses listed..
above, or suggest any additional courses that should. be a.dci.ed..
(7) Since NPIC will be using the NSA system, NSA will provide
any necessary training for SIC personnel.
6. On 30 Septcmber, NSA, DIA and. IBM personnel met relative to the
Corn .,.Lnica,uions Switch at DID. (i.e., the IBM 774'0).
SECRET .
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 ~1 - l11T Z\rtf~l
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
a. indicated. that I13N was waiti., for the CRT
photographs promised, by
b. DIA, will modify the communications paper in
accordance with changes requested. by IBM.
7, NSA, will. call together representatives from NSA,
DIA, CIA, NPIC and, S1' .E to develop the procedures for handling the KG-13's
when they are out of set condition.
8. DIA reported. that DIA, had suggested.
that an Evaluation Panel be established.. Members tentatively agreed..
DIA, pointed. out that problems arise v hen too many panels are
9. d.escribed. a first model of COINS I. The model
includes only ac generation rates of Queries,. Responses, Receipts, and.
Releases and the competition of these messages for the scarce resources
of words of core memory and. of memory cycles. The "region of interesting
behavior" was discussed and. a message "filter effect" was identified.. If
the comnn.unications switch has limited. core words available and. if incoming
messages, once refused. because of lack of space, continue to try to enter
(at fifiteen second. intervals), then the population of refused. messages
becomes richer and. richer in large messages. The simulation showed. that
unless special. priorities are given to large messages, or unless a refused.
message is given a higher priority each time it is refused, the large
messages (which would. generally be Responses) will suffer large delays.
The skeleton of a second., more complex, model. (written by
was described and. several corrections to the model were
made by members of the Committee. A meeting will be held. at 1300 hours
on 12 September 1966 among the systems designers and, the simulators to
exchange questions and. information needed. for a more accurate simulation
model of COINS I.
10. Evaluation
a. The following procedures were proposed. for evaluating COINS
and.. are designed. to: (1) reduce subjective influences and. (2) establish
a ntiraerical score for all items and. categories being evaluated.. This
procedure is also designed. to minimize the amount of effort required. by
the personnel being evaluated. as well as reduce the amount of narrative
comments required.. Narrative comments are useful and. should. be encouraged
when the person scoring the evaluation form believes that they would.
be useful. However,, such comments are often aanbigouous and. can not be
reduced. to a numerical value for manipulation.
b. The technical and. operational evaluations will be conducted.
by three distinct groups of people and. each group having a d.ifferent
responsibility.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 c Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl 139A000100150001-6
(1) Each member of this group will independently set the weights
for each major category to be evaluated. (i.e., interrogations, users, file,
communications, etc.) by distributing a 100 points between these categories.
(2) Each member will submit in an unmarked. sealed. envelope
to the Chairman of the Evaluation Control Group who i ;ill_ not open them but
hold. them until after the evaluation is completed..
(3) After the Evaluation has been completed. the envelopes will
be opened, at a joint session of the Evaluation Control Group and. the COINS
Committee. At this joint session the average weights for each category will
be established. and applied. to the raw average scores collected. during the
evaluation.
(4) The members of this group should. be identified, and. could.
be composed.. of CODIT3, GEP, or senior officials ' in each participating Agency,
etc.
category.
d.. Role of COINS Committee: This Committee will be responsible for:
(1) Identifying the specific items to be evaluated. within each
(2) Distributing the 100 points allocated. to each category
among each of the items to be evaluated. thereby setting the maximum score for
each item Within a category. (See Display I for sample Evaluation Form).
(3) Conducting the actual evaluation by:
upon time.
(a.) Distributing the evaluation forms at the mutually agreed.
(b) Educating the personnel involved in the evaluation on
how to properly fill out the evaluation form.
(c) Collecting and. averaging out the scores for each item
and. category.
e. Grp Fein Evaluated
(1) Each participating organization will be given a number of
evaluation forms to be scored. during the evaluation period. (e.g., 15 forms
to each Agency).- These will be scored by users, file sponsors, communicators,
systems analysts, managers, security personnel, programmers, etc.,
associated, with the COINS Experiment u.
(2) Personnel being Evaluated. will:
(a) Score only items in those categories With which they
are faami:i.iar. For example, communicators would. not be expected. to evaluate
files.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 -' Ii ( a Ie'
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
(,b) - 'ouraged. to include narrative c rents when they
believe such comments w'd be useful in supporting or el..aining their
scores.
(c) Encourage to make recommendations on how to improve
the system.
f . Final Phase
(1) The COINS Committee will collect the evaluation forms from
each participating Agency and, average out the scores for each item and.
category regardless of the submitting organization.
(2) Upon completion of this process the COINS Committee will
prepare a draft evaluation report containing:
(a) Raw averaged, scores for each item and, category.
(b) Summary of the pertinent narrative comments submitted.
by the group being evaluated..
(c) Tabulation of quantitative statustics collected.
during the evaluation period. (e.g., average response time for interrogation
by hour, average number interrogations by Agency and. hour, etc.)
(3) Then the Evaluation Control. Group (to be designated.)
and. the COINS Committee will meet in joint session. At this time the sealed.
envelopes will be opened. and. the weights for each category will be completed.
and. applied, to the "Rai?r Average Scores" contained, in the draft evaluation
report.
11. The next COINS Meeting will be held, on 19 October 1966.
uftalrman, ommi ee
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B0l139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
M 1BERS OF EVALUATION
CONTROL GROUP
>
AVERAGE
WEIGHTS
PER
CATEGORY
CATEGORIES TO BE EVALUATED
A
..
INTERROGATIONS
1.0
20
30
24
USERS
40
30
50
25
31
C OIv v1UNICATI ONS
10
10
25
15
FILES
30
30
50
20
20
30
_100
1.00
100
100
100
100
(SAv L' EVALUATION FORM )
CATEGORY I (100 Points)
ITRM NO. FILES MAX. POIN'T'S SC OR
1. Is the information contained. in the files
complete enough to satisfy your require- 40
ments?
2. Is the information in the files current 40
enough to satisfy your requirements?
Are abbreviations or codes used. in input-/ 20
output adequate?
!`1 n !'v -w-" rr --
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
5 oct 66
SUBJECT: Minutes of the COINS Meeting 21 September 1966
1. The COINS Meeting was held. at NSA 2:L September 1966 at 1000 hours.
2. The following individuals were present:
3? DIA, indicated. that National Indications Center
(N7:C) has informally requested. a remote terminal in the COINS Experiment.
He is now in the process of submitting a formal request through channels.
4, DIA, stated that the DI:A Answer System (i.e., ANSRS)
is being designed around. the GE 635 and may replace the existing ISIC Query
System (i.e., IBM 1110). The GE 635 system will also use the IBM 771.0 as a
switch. (This is the same device to be used for the COINS Experiment.)
5. Training.
a~ IMr. Slaughter, STATE, are in agreement that
three slots are available o State Department personnel in the DIA ISIC
query language course. Other members expressed. an interest in sending
personnel to this course. Necessary arrangements will be made as soon as
possible.
b. A discussion took place with respect to the kind.s of training
that will be required, in the COINS Experiment.
(1) User Language
(a) For data processing personnel who are to write
translation programs GROUP-3
Downgraded at 12 year
interva}s; not
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
 t "- o-,, -- r
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
(b) or potential' users who are to the language to
interrogate the files.
(2) Files - User-oriented briefings on content and. currency (i.e.,
date level of information) of files including discussion of available specific
or "canned.." interrogations.
c. DIA, was invited, to submit a paper at the next meeting
with regard. to training requirements for the COINS Experiment.
6. Source Information
a. There was some discussion as to the need. for source information
with respect to each record in the file and. each data element within a record.
b. The following points were agreed. upon:
(1) At this point it would. be extremely d.ifficult to include source
information for every element in every record..
(2) Sources of information are frequently sensitive, or more
highly classified. than the actual information itself.
(3) Some files in the COINS Experiment already contain Basic
(i.e., source) information. Therefore, in the COINS Experiment there will be
no attempt to require that this information be included. in every record. or for
every data element.
(ii.) The subject of Source Information will be treated. on a file
by file basis.
(5) If a user needs to know the source and validity of any
information, he will be required. to contact the file sponsor.
7. Classification. Discussions were also held frith respect to the subject
of classification. It was generally agreed that:
a. Each file would. be classified according to the highest classification
of material in the file, and.
b. No attempt will be made to classify each record. or data element
in the file unless the responsible Agency desires to take such action.
8. Date-of-Ent Update. There was discussion relative to the, need for
a date in each record. to give the user some appreciation for the date level
of the information extracted. There seemed, to be a concensus of opinion
that such a date should, be included. at the time a record. is entered. and changed
each time any element of information in the record. is updated..
9. Status Report
a
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
(1) General - The letter which will permit CIA and. NPIC to
participate in COINS has not been signed..
(2) Software - The necessary software irclud.ing a single users
language is almost complete and interrogations of the data base have been
simulated. using the IBM 1050 or IBM 2260 (i.e., remote terminals).
(3) Communications
(a) Specifications for two pieces of interface hardware
have been completed.:
1 IBM 2701 High speed. (i.e., 21+00 BPS) interface
equipment to permit secure computer-to-computer communications. Estimated.
date of delivery is 01 December 1966.
2 IBM 2702 Low speed. (i.e., 100 WPM) interface equipment
for communication between the CIA computer (i.e., IBM 36050) and. the remote
terminals in the CIA Headquarters Building at Langley, Va. The equipment is
scheduled. for delivery and. installation in October 1966.
(b) The necessary communications and crypto-equipment
(i.e., one each MODEM, HN9 and.. KG-13) will not be available for approximately
180 days after the procurement funds are approved..
(11.) Remote Terminals. There will be approximately 8 remote
terminals located, throughout the CIA Headquarters Building. These remote
terminals will be either IBM 2250's, IBM 2260's or IBM 1050's.
(5) Files. Although five files have been nominated by CIA for
the COINS Experiment, they have not been officially confirmed.
(1) Software. The NSA RYE PS "PILOT" systems software has been
successfully transferred. to the UNIVAC CO 9at NPIC. Personnel from NPIC will
continue to work with NSA on the ne-r UNIVAC 1j.91. RYE/TIPS software.
(2) Communications. Communications and, Crypto-equipment is in
the same status as CIA's
(3) Remote terminals. There will be approximately 8 remote terminals
of the ASR 35 class in NPIC.
(1,.) File. The file is still in theprocess of being designed. and.
redesigned..
c. STATE (Mr. Lawrence Slaughter)
(1) The funding necessary for participation in the COINS
Experiment has been approved.
(2) The communications people have been alerted. and are ready to
participate when required.
V ',i _ 19.1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
(3) There is concern about the problem of training analysts
to use the ISIC system. State hopes to take advantage of training at DIA
when the nea=t course is offered..
(I) Software
(a) The COINS System rides the back of TIPS. All TIPS
activity is accomplished. via a Data Management and. Recovery medium having a
system hierarchy consisting of three levels of sophistication. The prescribed.
levels are; Real-Time, Executive, and Worker. The design of the COINS
Software necessarily crosses all three levels.' Therefore, extensive modifications
and. new controls must be ad.d.ed. to the real-time and. executive levels of the TIPS
System.
(b) REAL-TI!M - In the TYPS/RYE interim upgrade, the TIPS
real-time program resides in the master 494 while all executive functions and.
worker proceed.ings resides in the slave 490. It is within this area that
significant work remains outstanding due primarily to the massive conceptual
redesign of the total RYE system. While the pertinent TIPS/COINS system
definition and, design., the executive techniques and. its communications are
fully known and. developed., there still remains the physical structuring and.
interface of the additional COINS routines into the real-time program.
Modifications are also required. in the Slave REX and. RYE real-time programs.
These, however, cannot be affected. until the system is in the upgraded. master/slav
mode.
(c) EXECUTIVE - The executive level of the system serves as
the interface between the master real-time program, and. the slave worker level.
Within this level lies the major. NSA efforts to implement COINS. Extensive
modifications must be made to the existing executive primarily to provide the
environmental security d.emand.ed.by NSA. The Executive level is also the
system's d1rectorate, providing all internal control and. bookkeeping. COINS
job queues are generated., maintained, and exhausted via subsequent processing.
Currently eleven executive routines have been projected. to satisfy the
requirements of COINS. Said. executive level of COINS is approximately 90%
defined., object coding has begun with some spot debugging.
(d) WORKER -. The worker level from the systems view is a bit
of a misnomer. Here the objective is the interfacing macros that provide the
necessary communications between the scheduling executive and. the object worker
program. The macros are approximately 65% defined., object coding approaches
definition..
(2) Communications. The communications and.crypto-equipment required
for the NSA end, of the link to DIA is available and. will be ready by 1 Dec 66.
(3) Remote Terminals. There are approximately 80 remote terminals
operating throughout the NSA Operations Building and. theoretically any
interrogation can come from any one of these stations.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
1
(4) Files. The files are currently in machineable form and, will
have to be reformatted to fit into the TIPS environment.
hopefully, this can se ovei-L cj1!L Ljy
attempt to acquire a recording of a test signal which meets mi i ary specifi-
cation 188D for IBM. The IBM 1740 is scheduled, for delivery in November 1966.
.(b) Software for the switch will be available in November 1966.
(c) The four-phase adapter necessary for computer-to-computer
operation is scheduled. for delivery in November 1966.
(d.) Full scale operation of the switch at DIA is tentatively
scheduled. for March 1967.
(3) Remote Terminal. There will be approximately 8 terminals in DIA.
The low speed. interface should.be available this week.
(l) Software
DIA has formulated, the procedures to be followed. by the COINS
Switch. Sufficient agreement has been reached. between NSA and. DIA to permit
program design for the IBM 771EO (COINS I Switch). The COINS I Switch log has
been designed. and. may be a DIA COINS I file in itself. General program design
criteria have been outlined.. No major points of concern exist concerning the
switching procedures. NTPIC and. CIA have not conunented. on the Switch procedures.
(2) Commva.ications
(a) Some difficulty is being experienced. in the switch-4 1 -1 , but
The Air Force Training C orrrand. at Lowery ' s
T
i
i
(5)
n
ng .
ra
agreed. to provide DI A with an instructor for a year to teach. a course related,
to COINS.
11. The primary subject for the next COINS meeting at 1000,
will be the Evaluation of the COINS Experiment.
October 1966
Chairman, uuji~b onnnl ee
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
TAB
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
-J1J~1\RJ J..
13 Sep 66
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD:
SUBJECT: Minutes of the COINS Meeting 7 September 1966
1. The COINS Meeting was held, at NSA 7 September 1966.
2. The following individuals were .present:
3. The minutes of the last meetir4g were not ready, but will be
mailed, and. then reviewed. at the next meeting.
1i.. ' CIA, indicated. that the letter authorizing CIA
organiza ons, ... ., NPIC and. the CIA Computer Center) to participate
in the COINS Ex eriment has still not been signed.. The letter was
sent to on about 19 August 1966.
5q ind,icated that:
a, CIA CODIB member, had affirmed. the above
situation at the CODIB meeting of 30 August 1966.
b. This will probably cause a, three to six months delay in
the participation of CIA and. NPIC in the COINS Experiment.
6 The initial ef'ort in the COINS Experiment will be restricted.
to State Department, DIA and.NSA.
6. The draft paper entitled. COINS Computer ~COmmuni ations has been
and, NPIC,, are unable to obtain the necessary concurrence
until the e er mentioned, in paragraphs 4 and 5 above has been signed..
GROUP 3
DOWNGRADED AT. 12 YCAR INTERVALS :
NOT AUTOMATICALLY DECLA.SSIFI1ED.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
7. The following i1IJEC'T: Minutes of the COfyS Meeting 3-1 August 1966
25X1 1. The COINS Meeting was held, at NSA 31 August 1966.
A tendance was as follows:
6 Sep 66
25X1 L. The draft Corrcunication Paper is still pending.
is still awaiting official word. before he can obtain a co .
a. Amouxnt of duplication and, if there is duplication how can it
be eliminated, or reduced. to an acceptable level.
GROUP 3
DOWI GRADED AT l2 YEAR IN TERVAI;);
T`O`T' AUTOMATICALLY DECLA ESIFIFD
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 25X1 ,
a.do.pl ed..
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
L)LJ-ui%lv .1
L?xterit 1,0 witi.ch%0rrirmton standard data elements if qI]y can be
Standardization of data elements
"o. Inclusion of the following information with respect to source
e7e rf re.~ora:
(1) 'T'ype of Source
(?) Date of Source
(?,) Title of Source
(4) Locations of information in Source
(a) Volume Number
(b) Page Number
(5) Security Classification
(6) Validity of Information
r-,. Obtain answers to the questions
t e Parr.. es of the COINS Meeting of
W to these questions will assist
the Operational ?^,valuation Program..
contained. in paragraph '(.
1'( August 1966, dated. 23 August 1966.
the COINS Committee in developing
25X1 b. discussed. f0-Ur problem areas relative to the files
in COINS I. See Inclosure II.)
a. Piles in a Remote Access System
b. Types of Duplications in COINS I
c. Central File Concept
d.. Intelligence Reporting by -Exception
1.1..,tributed some informal views with respect to
F rr;ec ed o ' %:I:T~ s 1. (See Inclosure III.) Paper was discussed
l participants were asked. to review the paper for the next meetir.
25X1 distributed. some "think" questions for evaluating
. l participating members were asked. to add,
i1.es and inter.ro;ations Al
delete, or modify these questions (See Inclosure IV.).
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
25X1
25X1
25X1
-JL ..A1 .I2 1
1_:1.. as to prepare a paper on the questions to
E)c2 a,.hed. In a tee .n:Led;= 'evaluation with respect to communications.
p? ;Y paper should. cover such topics as corrununicat.ons hardware
> t cifical1 the
n:?l,_cli.n4 data links, encryption equipment and the com?nunicationus switch
both hardware and, software. Multi-level security problem was again discussed.
12.I I will prepare draft of all discussion relative to
evaluation of COINS I by the next meeting.
> -z est everyone re-read. the chapter on files in the COINS
-Mide:mentation Plan, dated. 25 May 1966. Particularly paragraph 7,
" 'roblern of Duplicate Information in COINS".
iLk. -Dointed. out that the files in COINS I are facts
of varying degrees of validity. Judgements and. conclusions reached, by
~uiaiysts bayed. on these facts are a separate matter.
~.`~ . indicated, that there should. be some way of alerting
the u - ?~cipa:_i_'ng -,encies whenever some significant information is added
r .. .r: ..le
16.I were introduced. as the
individuals who will be doi the simulation of COINS I. A meeting was
25X1 arranged. with DIA to discuss the log to be maintained. by the
communications switch. Members were invited. to define problems for
simulation.
Chairman, ee
Incls:
a /s
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
Iq
Next 4 Page(s) In Document Denied
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
S
PRORLLTv7 RELATING TO THE FILES IN COIN
I
1. Files in a Lemote Access System:
What files should. or should. not be included. in an on-line remote
access system such as COINS? It is recognized. that not all of the formatted.
files in the Intelligence Community can or need. be included. in such a
system. What is the criteria for determining whether or not a file should.
or should. not be included, in an on-line, remote access system?
a. 1- antic vs. Static Files: One proposition states that only
dynamic file- should. be included. in an on-line, remote access system, and.
static files should. never be included. in such a system.
(1) Dynamic files are defined, as those files which are
arnesmd frequently for either the purpose of (a) interrogating or (b) updating.
(2) Static files are the opposite as they are those files
which are seldoml*y accessed. for the purpose of either interrogation or
file maintenance.
(3) How often need a file be accessed. to be considered. dynamic
or static
b. Historical vs. Current Information
(1) Shoald historical as well as current information be
available on-line in a, remote access system? What is the criteria for
differentiating between current and. historical information? These and
similar questLons provoke a hue of arguments both pro and con. Following
are some of the many catch phrases concerning this problem which merely
confuse the issues.
(a) Historical information should not be available on-
line in a remote access system.
(b) What constitutes historical information in one file
may be different than that used in another file.
(c) Historical information has been defined. as that
information which: is used. less than X%%, of the time; is seldom used.; has
been superceded. by more current or accurate information. All of the fore-
going statement-, are probably true to some extent.
(2) A historical file may consist of any one or combination
of the following type.; of historical records.
(a) Records which have been actually superceded.by more
current and. up-to-date records.
(b) Records which have not been updated. for some excessive
l(ngt;h o:1' t .ine (e.g., :i'our year,-,). A.:. r,ume s that each record. in the file
has the date the i-ec or. d. was last updated..
D
lntevals; not aaalewIR44
OutomaticaUY
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
L 3j A3 %,A-d 1_
(c) Records which have not been recently reconfirmed.
as still. being valid or current. Assumes that each record in the file has
a date information in record. wa last observed or reported.
(3) There are those files in which historical records axe
recuired to detect trends, abnormal situations, etc.
(fit) A cur rent file is a file which contains the latest known,
reported or observed information.
c. Centralization of Files
`-Phis concept envisions the establishment of a central data
base remotely accessible to many organizations. The central file on any
given subject would. be located. in the computer system of that organization
designated as being responsible for maintaining the file. This concept
as su.mae s that :
(1) Similar or duplicate files will be merged. to establish a
single central file maintained, by one organization.
(2) Central file will be:
(a) Expanded. to meet the informational requirements of
all participating agencies.
(b) Updated, frequently, thereby insuring interrogators
access to the latest information. Initial goal. is to update at least once
every twenty-four hours. Ultimate objective is to provide capability to up-
date minute by minute.
(c) Accessible to all participating agencies twenty-four
hours per day, seven days per week.
2. Type of Duplication in COIN. I. Following is a list of the several
types of duplication that have been identified in COINS I.
a. File Duplication
(1) There are currently four files
maintained. in the COINS I Community. Each or these'i es is s __L ghtly
different than the other files either in content, date level (i.e., currency)
and data elements. These files arc being maintained, by DIA, NSA, NPIC and.
CIA.
(2) Why are there so many files on the same subject? Can a
single file be established. in COINS I which will satisfy the informational
requirements of all the participating Agencies? If a central file is estab-
lished. will all. participating agencies support it, use it, and. stop
maintaining their similar or duplicate files?
SECRET
1
25X1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
-,.l3.JaAi%.i _ML
(3) The mss or reasons for establishing duplicate or similar
file:. is that an organization cannot rely upon a file maintained. by another
organization, as they are either not available, current or detailed enough.
lberefore, if a central file is established the file manager must assure
other participating Agencies that the central file:
(a) Is current enough to satisfy the informational
requirements of all participating agencies.
(b) Contains all of the data elements of information
required by all participating agencies. This means that the information
content of the centra3_ file must be expanded. to satisfy these informational
requirements.
(c) Available for interrogation by all participating
agencies with answers being displayed. in a format suitable to the users
needs.
(4) Establishment of a central file and, identifying the
organization responsible for managing and. maintaining the file will not
be an easy task. The whole subject is clouded. by excessive parochialism
and. inter-organizational jealousies. Establishing such a file will require
the merging of existing files, elimination of duplicate entries and. adoption
of common data standards.
(5) It is not expected. that all Agencies having a duplicate
or similar l i.le will. immediately stop maintaining such a file. Instead.
there will he a transition period. during which all organizations will
maintain their own files in addition to the central file. However, gradually,
these organizations will realize that the central file contains the necessary
inform tion and. that this information is available, current and. reliable.
The duplicate or similar files will gradually disappear as participating
Agencies develop confidence in the central file.
(6) There are still some problems which must be considered.
'4h3,t happens when the organization managing the central file unilaterally
re-ides to change the content, format, data standards, updating; procedures,
etc." Z~ho will stop participatin; organizations from establishing; or
maintaining duplicate or similar files? What happens if the organization
responsible for a central file doesn't keep it current? at are the
enforcement procedures?
b. Source Duplication
(1) '1-'he same sources are generally being exploited, to feed.
in7t1`o r-1TJA.on 1111A) these drripli c_a tc or similar files. Organizations sponsoring;
th< r t f'i.:les are entering, only the information or interest to them and. they
are entering it in accordance with their own data standards. Consequently
even though the same sources may be u.sed. in establishing and. maintaining
a file, it is not always an easy task to merge and. dedupe such files.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BOl139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
-JL' u 1~.1'I x.
(2) Following is the general procedure that should. be employed.
to minimize entry or record. duplication.
(a) Establish data standards and. convert each file to
(b) Establish file format (i.e., content) and, convert
each .Zile to this format.
(c)
Merge files and. de dupe records on key fields.
(d.) Analysts in each participating Agency review central
file ded.uped. record. file to (1) verify and. update record, in central file
and (2) insure that no unique records were extracted. in the d.ed.uping process.
3. Central File Concept
a. Concept: COINS I in
certain selected. areas and one of the 25X3
participating organizations (i.e., DIA) will be charged. with the responsibility
of establishing and. maintaining the file in accordance with agreed. upon
specifications.
b. Delegation of Responsibilities for Central Files: The following
central files will be established. and. maintained. by Agencies indicated.
MANAGING AGENCY
c. Central File Standards: Organizations responsible for establishing
and. maintaining a central file will abide by the following standards. The
central file will be:
(1) Expanded. to meet the informational requirements of all
participating Agencies.
(2) Kept current and if any update information is available
the central file will be uppdated. once a day at a minimum. However, immediate
updating of the central file through remote consoles is a desirable goal.
(3) Provided with source material used. by other participating
Agencies to currently maintain their duplicate or similar files.
(4) Utilize standard. data elements and. items agreed. upon by the
participating Agencies.
(5) Available to all participating Agencies twenty-four hours
per day, seven days a week.
4
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
AJ iJ t/' i i/ .s
(5) Altered. in content and. format only with the consent of the
other participating Agencies. Requests for changes in content, format, sources,
standards, etc., may be initiated. by any participating Agencies.
d.. Elimination of duplicate or Similar Files
(1) One year after a centrai.file has been in operation in
:. L;:, it will be conside.ed as the authoritative source for the U. S
,f t llige nce Con nini ty.
(2) All duplicate or similar files other than the central.
file will be eliminated. within one year after the central file has been in
operation in COINS.
e. Enforcement Procedures
41ha,t are the enforcement procedures to insure that a file is
maintained. properly?
1}.
Intelligence Reporting by Exception
25X1
25X1 a. How often do different Agencies within the Intelligence Community
with hard, copy reports (including messages, machine listing) etc.) containing
essentially the same information? How often do these reports conflict with
one another?
b. "Intelligence Reporting by Exception" is a concept which if
implemented. would. (1) reduce duplicate reporting, and. (2) insure that only
new or significant changes in known information is reported. to intelligence
consumers or exchanged. within the Intelligence Community.
c. The C orununity On-Line Intelligence System (COINS) provides
the learning mechanism for the initial exploitation of this concept. However,
it is recognized. that full exploitation of this concept must await implementation of
COL'S II or even CONS III when there are more files in the system.
d.. For example, before an Intelligence Analyst in one of the
paxt;icipptt.ixg Agencle issues an Intelligence Report he would, interrogate
the .zppr , (C S determine what is alread known about
25X1 the topic Several.
courses of action wo >e open to e n e gen nd.ing upon
the answers to his interrogations of the files in COINS.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
V "L% A J.. tapes. Via, courier
Tre, a. ~ ..1. .t. -.~, a e2'elaT es:1s~k
^ :.r (:.z.. .a ~'
?f-:.71x4, f.. E:: i.i ti.
eL. WC)' t ar : the M1i eai~.e ~Yj:, th i~ _ 9ra i , tion in the file?
a5t~ie y voiuxrie ,u fl' ae ;fjencty fo each .AOU n3)
a ? 41,ow w.1u'rent mu'.-'t t.'-.c in the file be to satisfy
alI the part c ij atia ?,~, ' ' reft ?~ T?~m ;na iR
p. the . W ,,i a(Mitic,uat must be added. to the file to
o-,,'atisf t>kA arJ.C.~~1. rp:i ing us ?r `s
*(1)'w Ulaz'y users axe and hfrw ao t'. ey acces 0 r : f er Ti. c ~
^ow, , a,,ad . how do they ex ae .t to a ? e ss the files La CoDis 1?
eon Fund pi a
1 . +,;a ,", ether :C` 1o.-, in C, .>1NS are uq(' in
i. HOW is the Iaa (;ar tion~ in the files; used.?
8. The CIA Ropre eaat?~t cue,
four files for COINS I:
nominate t aria fc ace- x
A eGesc;ripti~a Of the fir t two files are ?~ :aced as xis o Ure,5 alla 4.
i
De? p--ription?5 of the last two files were not provdcd.
f D A/wSA -aer on mmle:ssage for ttinC, ande cc un ~:a 1on,3
t
o
1O. A draf
procedures was distributed.. A& iticral work is required before this paper
is finished for publication. C oma ittee members were encouraged to read
this paper and. forward questions to DNA. A problem exists
out of sync:.
with respect to key sets getting
SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80B01139A000100150001-6
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP80BO1139A000100150001-6
SECRET
u. SIC, . ; notffied. that the TIPS software
requested by XC would be sipped early xt week.
12. The Cbairanam. requested ne fibers to investigate the possibility of:
13. Minb um sta. !
z
^
w
z
<
R?
wl
w
s
a
<
r
<
f
?
u
>
l
w
~I
Ui
o
>
o
z o
I
z m(r
I w <
,I~f
?, z
a <

v.
o z
J
L?
,
z m ll