CGI wins large IT contracts in Government and Chemicals sectors

Technology services giant CGI has been awarded two large IT contracts in the Government and Chemicals sectors.

IT modernisation

Solvay, a Belgian chemical company founded in 1863, with revenues of over €12 billion one of the largest players in the industry, has tapped CGI to modernise its applications support operations. The services for its 30,900 employees in 53 countries are currently managed by Solvay Business Services (SBS), however, by transitioning to services and support to the Canadian-origin IT consulting firm, the chemicals giant expects to gain significant operational efficiencies. 

The deal with CGI consists of two pillars. The Canadian IT services company will modernise Solvay's IT landscape through the harmonisation and standardisation of processes and applications. The second part of the contract sees CGI deliver maintenance services from on shore in France, near shore from Portugal and from offshore delivery centres in, among others, India.

Commenting on the contract with CGI, Xavier Lancksweirt, General Manager of Solvay Business Services, says, "Having the right partner with the proper experience, insights and flexibility is crucial to support our business services strategy around the world. CGI's expertise and international scope will help us to drive the performance of our information technology and support services to enhance Solvay's efficiency and agility."

Jean-Michel Baticle, President of CGI's operations in France, Luxembourg and Morocco, says he is proud of collaboration with Solvay, adding, "Our global footprint was a definite plus in our selection, as was our proven know-how in transformational application services and the strong similarities of our two corporate cultures."

$824 million contract with US Department of Agriculture

Across the Atlantic, CGI has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), a shared services provider for administrative systems and functions for US Federal Government organisations. The USDA provides US agencies with the hardware, software and services for their budget, financial, and acquisition management. Through leveraging a shared services environment, agencies can, according to the USDA, eliminate redundancy and operate more effectively.

The deal sees CGI – already a premier partner under USDA's shared services programme* – continue its support to the USDA for cloud hosting, operations, maintenance and reporting services for Financial Management and Related Administrative Shared Services. The contract begins with a two-month base period valued at $3.3 million, followed by 10 additional option years. If all goes according to plan, then by 2026 the contract value will have risen to a staggering $824 million.

"Working side by side with USDA, CGI has developed an intimate knowledge of the US Government's distinct business practices and demonstrated the ability to scale services to support the Department's mission as a shared services provider," reflects CGI Senior Vice President Stephanie Mango. "We look forward to partnering with USDA on this transformational work as the US Federal Government continues its move to cloud-based shared services."

* Under the partnership with the USDA, CGI services 85+ government agencies, including the US Departments of Justice and the Federal Judiciary.