Hewlett-Packard tapped for VA deal

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently awarded a task order worth more than $225 million to Hewlett-Packard Co. to deploy and manage Microsoft Corp. software for all desktop systems at the agency.

The task order — one year with five one-year options — was made under the Procurement of Computer Hardware and Software-2 contracting vehicle that the VA awarded to Compaq Computer Corp. shortly before it merged with HP. The VA is one of HP's largest customers. The contract, which HP announced Aug. 29, is expected to go into effect in October.

Chuck Kinzel, HP's director for the VA, said the contract would help the VA standardize its systems in facilities in Washington, D.C., to as far away as the Philippines. The agency is working to standardize its systems and implement an enterprise architecture plan.

"Providing these software licenses as part of our integrated approach to working with VA ensures the best end-to-end solution for their needs," Kinzel said.

In April, the VA awarded a $1.3 billion hardware, software and enterprise solutions contract to four prime contractors, including Compaq, in a move to standardize equipment and drive down prices for the biggest civilian agency in government.