U.S. suspends IBM from seeking new federal contracts

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSWNAS644620080401 ^ | 4-1-08 | edcoil

[edcoil]

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM is under investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over an $80 million bid it made in 2006 to modernize EPA financial systems and has been suspended from seeking new contracts with all U.S. agencies, the company said on Monday.

[edcoil]

IBM spokesman Fred McNeese said the company had been blindsided by the government suspension. IBM plans to cooperate in the investigation but will fight to limit the scope of its suspension from bidding on new contracts, he said.

[CodeToad]

That’s going to sting. Facts is, it should. If one part of the company is acting badly the chief executives turn a blind eye. They might not turn a blind eye if they are required to mediate bad conduct in one division to save another division from punishment.

[RC2]

I would agree more if San Francisco was not involved. IBM is one of Americas best companies. They have long been a target for those that are against this country.

[driftdiver]

“IBM is one of Americas best companies. They have long been a target for those that are against this country.”

IBM used to be one of America’s best companies. They are a horrible company now. Both to work for and to actually execute what they sell. Certainly certain divisions are better than others. The consulting one is notorious for screwing up major projects.

[diogenes ghost]

The total disaster IBM laid on FAA's 1982 modernization plan should have disqualified them from ever bidding on another gov't contract.

They wasted over 10 years and over $1.5 BILLION without ever providing ONE piece of equipment that was ever used.

Then just threw up their hands, said "we can't make it work", and walked away, leaving Congress & FAA wearing omelet masks.

[Rummyfan]

The total disaster IBM laid on FAA's 1982 modernization plan should have disqualified them from ever bidding on another gov't contract. They wasted over 10 years and over $1.5 BILLION without ever providing ONE piece of equipment that was ever used. Then just threw up their hands, said "we can't make it work", and walked away, leaving Congress & FAA wearing omelet masks.

In IBM's defense I simply say, have you ever tried working with the FAA? Washington wants one thing, the Tech Center another, and the controllers yet another. Just trying to get a spec defined can be well nigh impossible. Add to that the Agency's aggressive AA and promotion practices, where secretaries become Program Managers and retain a 'they're all out to get me' attitude, it's no cake walk!

[diogenes ghost]

"In IBM's defense...."

Oh Bushwa!!!

No matter WHAT obstacles were placed in their way, it is indefensible that they spent 10 years and $1.5B, then just gave up & walked away.

"...ever tried working with the FAA?"

Well yeah, I have. They CAN be screwed up, but that in NO way excuses IBM's behavior.