[dirtboy]

Here is where I believe you are being led astray:

* Collaboration and sharing over TCP/IP networks across agency boundaries
* Large, distributed repositories with dynamic schemas that can be changed interactively by users

I saw this section, and interpreted it to be high-level standards for systems WITHIN THE PROPOSED DEPARTMENT - not upon corporations.

I have to call you on this one. The "LEOs" used their own profilers to make that call. This was a prejudice which no system could anticipate or correct.

I have to call you in return. The bias of users is one of the greatest potential failure points for any system.

[antidisestablishment]

I am not sure about your assertions. As you know, they are not really discussing data systems but meta constructs/languages/protocols (SGML anyone?). And yes, I am aware that SGML is almost as old as me and hasn't become a true standard.

As to whether they could mandate compliance—extortion is the modus operandi of modern government. SSN#, direct deposit, contractor requirements, anyone? If the government forced the large players in any sector to standardize, even the smaller companies would follow suit pretty rapidly.