Small biz gets big Energy order

The Energy Department awarded a $409 million task order today for information technology support to RS Information Systems Inc., a small business based in McLean, Va.

"Small businesses are the heart of the American economy," Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said in a news release. "Making contract opportunities available to the small business community is one of my priorities at DOE."

It also reflects the goals of the President's Management Agenda, a strategy for making government more effective.

The five-year deal covers IT support services, cybersecurity, telecommunications support and enterprise architecture. It consolidates work that is being provided through task orders that will expire in March and May.

"[T]his task order will support DOE's continued leadership in expanding e-government to secure greater services at lower costs and to meet the public demand for a more efficient, effective government," Abraham said.

RSIS isn't a newcomer to the federal arena. Its recent wins include an $80 million telecom contract from the Federal Aviation Administration and a $10 million software contract from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Energy task order, one of the department's largest to go to a small business, was awarded through the Commerce Department's Commerce Information Technology Solutions contract vehicle.