DLA to outsource servers, databases

Defense Logistics Agency officials want a third party to operate its computer servers and databases.

DLA's contract for the Enterprise Data Center initiative covers five years with five, one-year options. Under the program, a vendor team will consolidate and manage DLA's servers, applications and storage systems. The program, whose value industry officials estimate at hundreds of millions of dollars, also asks vendors to streamline the agency's disparate, global system office structure to a coherent regional one with system hubs in the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

According to the DLA's request for quotations, the Enterprise Data Center will update DLA's information systems infrastructure. The agency believes the program will improve information technology efficiency and reduce vulnerability to computer network attacks, according to the document.

The agency will set aside 23 percent of program dollars for businesses that fit at least one of the following categories: small, disadvantaged or women-owned. Vendors must submit bids by April 16.

DLA will finish evaluating bids June 18 and award the contract July 19, the document states.

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Integrated Systems & Solutions division will head a team pursuing the work, said company spokesman Thad Madden.