20 contracts to watch

Although price tags in the multiple billions of dollars are sure to get attention, this list of upcoming contracts is not just about the money.

In this special report, we profile the top contract partially because of its $50 billion ceiling — but also because of what it does.

The Criminal Justice Program Support contract from the State Department will help the department work with nations that are trying to rebuild after years of war. The idea is to form a group of contractors that can help rebuild the criminal justice and public safety systems that are crucial to a country’s long-term stability.

From our profile, you’ll see that some of the requirements are unique and not necessarily strictly related to information technology.

We will use this list compiled by market research firm Input as a guide for our coverage in future issues and online.

Look for more in-depth profiles and continuing coverage of emerging contracts during the rest of this year and throughout 2010.

We’ve started with the massive State contract here, and we also have stories on WashingtonTechnology.com that involve the Homeland Security Department’s Eagle II contract, the General Services Administration’s Future Commercial SatCom Acquistions, and the Justice Department’s Information Technology Support Services contract.

As always, let us know what you think.