NASA picks financial system backbone

NASA will replace its core financial management system with software from

SAP Public Sector and Education Inc., the agency announced Friday.

The initial award for the software and first year of maintenance is

$6.67 million, according to a NASA statement.

SAP's commercial off-the-shelf accounting system will replace 10 systems

used by NASA's field centers as part of its Integrated Financial Management

Program. The replacement of core financial software is the backbone of the

IFMP and is the first project awarded under the program, according to NASA.

The software will provide the following capabilities:

* Standard general ledger.

* Accounts receivable.

* Accounts payable.

* Budget execution.

* Purchasing.

* Fixed assets.

* Project accounting.

* Cost allocation.

The IFMP was restructured after NASA ended its contract with KPMG LLC

earlier this year. The new program will use a more gradual, phased implementation,

starting with the core financial component.