The Secret Service is ready to begin a major IT overhaul that will include new servers, new storage systems, increased cybersecurity tools and expanded mobile and wireless capabilities. The disclosure came in a new request for information (RFI) posted on the federal government's procurement website, with the agency saying it wants proposals submitted in December and January, and that it is seeking to make an award to a prime contractor beginning in March.

The upgrades will increase capacity and improve the technology for the Washington headquarters and for the Secret Service's 175-plus field offices and temporary locations worldwide.

The needs of the Secret Service include increased network bandwidth and replacement of the server infrastructure, which now includes an unreliable 20-year-old IBM mainframe. The proposals add that the Secret Service is looking for a contractor to design, develop, integrate, test, deploy and sustain integrated IT solutions.

"The stark reality is that without a major infrastructure overhaul, Secret Service faces the prospect of near-term mission failure," the agency said in a budget request to Congress this earlier year. The RFI said the existing IT infrastructure is "outdated, beyond lifecycle and is at risk of failing."

"Currently, 42 mission-oriented applications run on a 1980s IBM mainframe with a 68 percent performance reliability rating," the RFI said. "Networks, data systems, applications, and IT security do not meet current operational requirements.  The IT systems lack appropriate bandwidth to run multiple applications to effectively support USSS offices and operational missions around the world."

InformationWeek reported that the proposals will be the first of several major improvements. Future plans call for IP communications, improving interoperability with White House systems, upgrading law enforcement capabilities such as threat management and electronic crimes investigation, upgrading HR and logistics applications, and adding access controls.

For more on the Energy Department:
 - see this RFI
- also read this article

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