Unisys Gets $1 Billion Transportation Security Deal

While a spokeswoman for the TSA noted it's not an official contract, they are permitted to start rolling out the new agency's data center and bill for it. Nevertheless, the $1 billion systems, infrastructure and applications rollout over 7 years, will cover TSA's key IT requirements, which include the installation of LANs, electronic surveillance, wireless systems and scanners at airports. Unisys and its partners will also oversee the deployment of a telecommunications network, hardware and software services, a help desk, network security operations and business process engineering.

In addition to Unisys, IBM and Dyncorp are key partners, along with 28 other subcontractors, said Patrick Schambach, speaking at a conference in Washington Wednesday. Among the subcontractors are KPMG, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, CSC, Veridian and SRA International. Technology providers include AT&T, Cisco, CompuCom, EMC, Dell, Inveraz, NCR's Teradata unit and Sprint, among others.

The size of the contract notwithstanding, the short time by which the RFP was put out and approved is also noteworthy. Given the urgency of implementing systems that will beef up security and information exchange at airports, the TSA concluded its requirements in late April, released an RFP in mid-June with a July 1 deadline for submitting bids. TSA selected the vendors last week and signed the contracts Tuesday.

Applications covered under ITMS include security equipment, access control systems, communications management, links to external agencies, analytical tools, reporting capabilities, e-procurement, financials, HR, and common infrastructure such as portals, e-mail, document and project management, wireless data collection, and CRM.