Accenture snares $840 million Texas outsourcing deal

Accenture Ltd. has won a five-year, $840 million contract from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to operate the state's eligibility and enrollment systems for Medicaid, food stamp services and other assistance programs, the company said.

Under the contract, Hamilton, Bermuda-based Accenture will lead a group of companies that will deliver improved technology and business operations services in support of state modernization plans.

The project will enable Texans to apply for Medicaid, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Families and other programs in person, through the Internet, over the phone and by fax or mail.

These applications currently are made in person at a state office during business hours. The new model will continue to offer in-person access through state offices, but will be supplemented by self-service access using mail, phone and Internet.

Accenture's project team, known as the Access Alliance, includes Maximus Inc., First Data Government Solutions LP, Dell Inc., SBC Communications Inc., Image API Inc. and a number of historically underutilized businesses.

The alliance will employ more than 55,000 workers throughout the state and operate three customer-care centers as well as a shared service center. All of the facilities will be located in Texas and all of the work will be performed in the state as well, Accenture said.

Accenture has more than 110,000 employees and annual sales of $13.5 billion. The company ranks No. 25 on Washington Technology's 2005 Top 100 list, which measures federal contracting revenue.