In this paper, we provided an overview of some software and algorithmic issues in developing high-performance simulation tools for multicomponent systems. We described the data management, middleware services, and some computational tools, with focus on recent developments of surface propagation and high-level orchestration module. We presented examples of individual computational modules and the orchestration module to demonstrate the functionality and flexibility of the framework. Examples of coupled physical simulations can be found in companion papers.[1,2] While substantial progress has been made, many challenges remain, such as parallel mesh repair and adaptation.