EDS to compete for World Bank services tasks

EDS Corp. has won a five-year, $150 million information technology services contract from the World Bank Group.EDS will now compete Satyam Computer Services Ltd., the incumbent contract holder, for task orders under the indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract. The three-year contract has two option years.Another contract will be issued probably within the next 45 days, said Peter Easley, senior contracting officer in corporate procurement at the World Bank. Washington Technology earlier reported that the third contract winner was Wipro Technologies Ltd., an IT services provider based in Bangalore, but that was incorrect, Easley said.The Plano, Texas-based contractor will support the World Bank's development of software applications, customer relationship management, and technology infrastructure and information management.The agreement also includes quality assurance, which will help reduce duplication of work, maintain highly motivated employees, and provide consistent and repeatable processes to improve productivity.As a part of the agreement, EDS will use its Best Shore service delivery model to support software application development and maintenance services. The company's off-shore MphasiS operations in Bangalore, India, also will participate, providing the option of EDS' worldwide integrated network of secure delivery facilities as the World Bank's needs evolve.The World Bank Group provides financial support and advice on economic development and eliminating poverty worldwide. The institution comprises the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, International Development Association, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.Satyam Computer Services Ltd. of Secunderabad, India, a consulting and IT services company, has almost 40,000 employees and reported revenue of $ 1.46 billion in fiscal 2007.Wipro Ltd., an IT services provider based in Bangalore, has 66,000 employees and reported revenue of $3.47 billion in fiscal 2007, ending March 31.EDS has 131,000 employees and had $21.3 billion in revenue in 2006. The company ranks on Washington Technology's 2007 of the largest federal government prime contractors.