Unisys to build and manage CDC data center

Unisys Corp. will build and manage a data center at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials of Blue Bell, Pa., Unisys announced today.

The managed services agreement with Unisys is for one year, worth $1.8 million, and four one-year options. If the CDC exercises all options, the agreement could be worth up to $9 million.

The new data center will help ensure the availability and security of information that is critical to CDC's mission of promoting public health and safety. The CDC selected Unisys after evaluating its disaster recovery capabilities and continuity of operations subsequent to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to Unisys.

"Partnering with Unisys enables us to capitalize on [Unisys'] expertise so we can transform our business and streamline our IT operations to deliver maximum efficiency in serving and protecting our citizens," said Judy Kenny, acting associate director for technical operations at CDC's Information Resources Management Office.

Under the contract, Unisys teams will assess CDC data center operations, develop technology requirements, implement monitoring and reporting systems and move core CDC applications to the data center. Unisys will work under a performance-based contract that uses key performance indicators to measure how the improvements to CDC's IT infrastructure further the agency's business objectives.

Once the data center is running, Unisys will staff it with a systems management team. Center services will be coordinated by an onsite Unisys program management office, staffed by Unisys, which will facilitate ongoing application of performance standards and quality assurance programs.

"While Unisys manages crucial operations, the CDC staff has greater freedom to focus on the agency's strategic mission ? informing and safeguarding the public," said Ted Davies, managing partner, civilian agencies, Unisys U.S. Federal Government Group.