US Army awards 1 billion deal to Booz Allen Hamilton
The threat from physical and cyber-breaches to both governments as well as private businesses and citizens has increased significantly in recent years, with the risk only expected to continue as more and more insecure devices come online. To ramp up its security frontier the US Department of Defense of late launched a mega programme, and to support its design and development, the DoD has brought Booz Allen Hamilton on board, in a five year deal worth nearly $1 billion.
In an attempt to stay ahead in the traditional and cybercrime battlefield, several US military commands a while ago launched a massive programme aimed at identifying and managing global threats to the US, the so-called the Global Threat Mitigation Program (GTMP). The aim of the programme is bolster the US security interests and protect US military forces from threats, both on the ground as well as in cyberspace. What these threats are exactly is not explicitly disclosed by the US Government, as the GTMP is shrouded in some secrecy. The potential threat avenues are likely to include those affecting the Army National Guard (ARNG), US Army Pacific (USARPAC), US Army Europe (USAREUR), US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
To support the development of the programme, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has hired Booz Allen Hamilton as the prime contractor, in a contract worth a staggering $937 million over five years. The contract was awarded by the US General Services Administration Federal Systems Integration and Management Centre (FEDSIM), a component of the US’s General Services Administration (GSA) which among others awards and manages contracts with external management and IT consulting firms, as well as system integrators*. The government agency was formed in 1972 and supports US Departments with a range of procurement and contract management services.
The deal will require Booz Allen to develop the GTMP to conduct regional strategic planning as well as threat and intelligence analyses and assessments. The firm will also provide and implement enterprise-wide methodologies and approaches for training management and curriculum development. The contract will see the firm further deliver Integrated Air and Missile programme support, Information Operations support and surge support for all partners. Booz Allen will also continue to provide simulations, using live, virtual, constructive and gaming training methods, in which Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training is provided to military personnel at US Army home stations.
Joe Logue, Executive Vice-President and leader of Booz Allen’s Defense business says his firm is honoured to expand its support of the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and its partners for this essential work to improve global security, and further protect the lives of men and women in uniform. “This ‘partnership’ between multiple clients will result in significant efficiencies, knowledge sharing and improved C-IED education that includes establishing training locations, preparing or executing instructional experiences for partner nations, planning and executing educational aids and providing logistical support.”
Brian McKeon, Executive Vice-President and leader of the firm’s Army business, adds, “Booz Allen has consistently collaborated with FORSCOM and other Army units to combat threats including those in cyberspace. The need to modernise and be more agile in identifying emerging or changing threats, and rapidly mitigate them is more important than ever before. We are proud to continue our work in keeping our nation and partners strong.”
The consulting firm recently also won a three year $82.9 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security to help Federal agencies stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats.
* In a statement, DoD said it chose FEDSIM because of their experience and track record of successful mission-centric work.
