The need for a robust, multi-user, integrated design environment for electronic systems is the result of the phenomenal growth in integrated circuit fabrication technology over the last decade. Attempts to develop “integrated” design environments highlight the current lack in design tool interoperability. The Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) program recognizes the importance of integrated design environments for the design of future defense electronic systems and for the insertion of new technologies into existing electronic systems, and is attempting to ease the task of integrating disparate electronic system design aids by addressing the design tool interoperability problem through the Engineering Information System (EIS) program. This paper describes the rationale for the EIS program, highlights its goals, and outlines the program's structure.