DHS agencies launch accounting system

A new back-office system has gone live for much of a trio of Homeland Security Department agencies.

The Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Air Marshal Service, which collectively have more than 100,000 employees, are now using the Core Accounting System, a suite of commercial off-the-shelf software for financial management, procurement and property management. It's the first federal finance and procurement suite to use Web-based architecture with real-time integration for those three functions.

The system went live about a week ago, said David Lucas, project manager for Global Computer Enterprises, the vendor which implemented the system. It cost $7 million for implementation and integration.

DHS officials plan to build a departmentwide financial and asset management system. Last year, DHS officials outlined plans and timelines to potential vendors for development of the Electronically Managing Enterprise Resources for Government Efficiency and Effectiveness program, or EMERGE2. It would include practically all financial operations, including budget management, funds control, general ledger, travel and procurement, accounts payable, cost management and acquisition.

Officials say the Core Accounting System will work with EMERGE2.