Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced today the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded it a $22 million task order to provide network support services to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Information Technology (CIT), Division of Network Systems and Telecommunications (DNST).
The DNST manages and operates a network and telecommunications infrastructures 24/7 for NIHNIH is the nation’s medical research agency and is the largest source of research funding in the world, according to the organization. It is responsible for looking into ways to improve health and save lives. When I was diagnosed with cancer, the NIH was one of the first places I consulted for information about diagnosis and treatment. The NIH provides data on everything from where to find a doctor for a specific disease to bioterrorism. users.
It also works with drug companies to find new treatments for diseases, awarding a $20 million grant to Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca and other companies to find new experimental drugs.
A task order is a contract that includes information on what is expected in the performance of it.
SAIC, which was the only company to be awarded the contract, has a one-year base period of performance and four one-year options, according to a press release. Work will be performed in the National Capital Region.
DNST is vital to the functioning of CIT and NIH as it provides high-speed network access network security, telecommunications, wireless, and cabling for NIH’s scientific and administrative communities.
According to the press release, the “CIT supports the NIH's research and management programs with high-speed scientific computing, software development, networking, and telecommunications services.”
"We are proud to continue to support the CIT DNST and its mission of protecting and improving human health across the nation through the development, operation and maintenance a state-of-the-art IT network for various NIH-wide systems," Steve Comber, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager, was quoted in the press release.
Edited by
Rich Steeves
