Secret Service doesn't keep IT needs secret

The normally hush-hush Secret Service recently went public with details about plans to modernize its aging information technology infrastructure, giving industry and analysts an early look at the service’s IT future.

Earlier this month, the Secret Service asked industry for a 10-page technical concept paper to help finalize procurement plans for the multiphased modernization program’s first phase. That first increment will primarily include IT infrastructure modernization, database architecture and maintenance, and cybersecurity. The service said the work will serve as a foundation for subsequent phases.

In a request for information, the Secret Service provided details about its outdated IT and how it hopes the modernization project will improve things. Meanwhile, the service plans to release a request for proposals that includes schedule and cost information for the first increment of the overall modernization program, named Information Integration and Transformation, by mid-January, officials said.

Karen Evans, former administrator of e-government and IT at the Office of Management and Budget, said the service should be commended for outlining its IT goals.

“I think this is great that this is out there because the whole purpose behind an RFI is to get what industry can do for you,” said Evans, now a partner at KE&T Partners. “As a project manager, this is very exciting that an agency would do this for a major IT infrastructure overhaul.”

The service’s needs and modernization plans are extensive, according to the RFI. “The existing IT infrastructure is outdated, beyond life cycle, and at risk of failing,” the service said.

Jonathan Eunice, founder of IT advisory firm Illuminata, said a phased approach to such a project is sound, especially when upgrading from old systems. He also approved of the service’s desire for virtualization and multivendor participation.

Meanwhile, Evans said the service’s IT needs are probably common across the government. She added that when making upgrades, agencies get better solutions when they make more information available.

“If you don’t tell people exactly what you have, then it’s real difficult for you to ascertain what the true cost is going to be to do the upgrades and do the migrations,” Evans said.