Accenture Wins Nod As Prime Contractor For US-Visit

Informationweek.com ^ | 6/1/2004 | Eric Chabrow

[NormalGuy]

could be worth as much as $10 billion.

The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it has picked Accenture as the prime contractor for US-Visit, an IT-based system that will control entry of foreigners into the country. The five-year contract, which could be lengthened to 10 years, could be worth up to $10 billion. Some people questioned whether the U.S. government would award Accenture the contract because it's incorporated in Hamilton, Bermuda. But only a handful of employees are situated there; 25,000 of Accenture's 90,000 workers are based in the United States. Accenture, with operations in 48 countries, says it maintains no corporate headquarters.

The government began to solicit bids in November, with contractors submitting them in January. The US-Visit Program Office led the source selection process, supported closely by department's border-management unit, representatives from other Homeland Security offices, as well as the State and Justice departments.

According to Homeland Security, each proposal was evaluated on four key factors: the business and technical solutions suggested to achieve the vision of US-Visit as an end-to-end management system; the management approach and proven capability to deliver a complex set of solutions; and the development and implementation strategy to deploy US-Visit entry and exit capabilities at the 50 busiest land ports of entry. Cost was also a major factor considered in the award decision.

Asa Hutchinson, Homeland Security's undersecretary of border and transportation security, said in a statement announcing Accenture's selection that the award marks an important milestone in the history of homeland security. "By harnessing the power of the best minds in the private sector, we have taken a major step toward accomplishing our goals of enhancing the security of our country while increasing efficiency at our borders," he said.

Accenture will provide a range of professional services, including strategic support, design and integration activities, technical solutions, deployment activities, training, and organizational change management.

The government's vision of US-Visit is to deploy end-to-end management and sharing of data on foreign nationals covering their interactions with federal officials before they enter the United States, when they enter, while they are here, and when they exit. Hutchinson contends that this comprehensive view of border management will lead to the creation of a virtual border and will set a course for improved processes to manage and share data on foreign nationals.

Since deploying US-Visit entry capabilities at 115 airports and 14 seaports on Jan. 5, more than 4.5 million foreign nationals have been processed without adversely impacting wait times, Homeland Security says, adding that since its launch, US-Visit has helped the government intercept more than 500 people with prior or suspected criminal or immigration violations. These include convicted rapists, drug traffickers, individuals convicted of credit-card fraud, a convicted armed robber, and numerous immigration violators and people using falsified documents.

US-Visit requires that most foreigners traveling to the United States on a visa and arriving at an airport or seaport have their two index fingers scanned and digital photographs taken to verify their identities at the port of entry. By Sept. 30, this process will also apply to visitors traveling under the visa waiver program at all airports and seaports of entry.

[1rudeboy]

Then you better not bother with my #320. You will cry.

[Joe Hadenuf]

OK, I won't.

[1rudeboy]

Have a nice evening, comrade.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Have a nice evening, comrade.

Thanks for that. I recall we called each other that while pulling guard duty in West Germany, right on the border, close to check point Charlie. It was a sign of respect. I appreciate it.

[1rudeboy]

Did you say West, or East?

[Joe Hadenuf]

Having trouble reading written words?

Try a little military lingo.

..-. ..-

[XBob]

269 - "Did you actually defend Stalin?"

Yes. Learn your history, and what free-traitors bring. There was a big drought in Russia, and millions, literally starved, and some of the Kulaks were hoarding food and grain, millions were starving, and these were charging something like $100 per pound for Russian black bread. In addition, they were mixing dirt with flour, literally, about 60% dirt and 40% wheat flower, and selling it for flour, at exhorbitant prices. Stalin and many others, got pissed, and hung/shot about 100 of these free-traitors, and solved the problem, and suddenly lots of food appeared, and the free-traitors were not so rich any more, and the people were not starving anymore. However, Stalin then made a mistake, and collectivized their farms, and screwed up the good he did.

Free-traitors should beware, it can happen to you.

[Poohbah]

You seem to really believe that China will not fall prey to the systemic failings of totalitarian governance. Then again, you seem to believe in the power of state control of the economy to bring about prosperity.

Again, it is amazing that the only true believers in Chinese communism are (a) university professors who are open communists, and (b) protectionists who loudly deny being communists, but use communist rhetoric and demand state control of the economy.

Are you a sputnik, Comrade neutrino?

[Poohbah]

Yes. Learn your history, and what free-traitors bring. There was a big drought in Russia, and millions, literally starved, and some of the Kulaks were hoarding food and grain, millions were starving, and these were charging something like $100 per pound for Russian black bread. In addition, they were mixing dirt with flour, literally, about 60% dirt and 40% wheat flower, and selling it for flour, at exhorbitant prices. Stalin and many others, got pissed, and hung/shot about 100 of these free-traitors, and solved the problem, and suddenly lots of food appeared, and the free-traitors were not so rich any more, and the people were not starving anymore. However, Stalin then made a mistake, and collectivized their farms, and screwed up the good he did.

Nice bit of historical revisionism there...

The collectivization came FIRST, followed by the famine (which was caused by agricultural output collapsing in the wake of said collectivization--amazing how, when you confiscate everyone's property, the folks who had their property confiscated don't want to work very hard after that).

For my freedom-loving brethren hchutch, 1rudeboy, Mad Dawg, and VaBthang4: you just can't make this stuff up!

Free-traitors should beware, it can happen to you.

XBob, don't let your mouth write checks your a$$ has no hope of cashing. Somebody who doesn't know you might take your threats at face value and execute the IAD for said threat.

[neutrino]

I went to your link. I found a pathetic little libertarian website that wheedles donations.

I wonder - what will happen to the wage structure of lawyers as the general level of wages declines? Do you suppose it will stand secure and unaffected?

As a night-school lawyer, you're going to face some real challenges and prejudices. You'd be better off joining us in the fight against free traitin'.

[neutrino]

XBob, don't let your mouth write checks your a$$ has no hope of cashing. Somebody who doesn't know you might take your threats at face value and execute the IAD for said threat.

This, from Poohbah, the fellow who speaks of leaving the country over tax issues? This, from Poohbah, who speaks of "leaderless resistance", a common code phrase for armed revolt against the established government?

You have made both of these statements on this very thread. Now, Poohbah, think carefully - do you really want to bluster about people making threats?

[Poohbah]

This, from Poohbah, the fellow who speaks of leaving the country over tax issues? This, from Poohbah, who speaks of "leaderless resistance", a common code phrase for armed revolt against the established government?

The difference is that I don't make threats. I make promises. They are very different.

You have made both of these statements on this very thread. Now, Poohbah, think carefully - do you really want to bluster about people making threats?

Neutrino, freedom is a point I will not compromise on. If you have a problem with that, then either give up your anti-freedom position, move to Beijing (which you seem to think is the wave of the future, anyway), or get comfortable with the idea that if you get your way, you're going to have a bunch of folks opposing you who have the means, abilities, and will to do so.

Tyrants should never feel optimistic about their chances of dying quietly in bed.

[neutrino]

You seem to really believe that China will not fall prey to the systemic failings of totalitarian governance.

In time, they may. Presently they are growing stronger militarily and economically. Our dying soldiers will gain little comfort from the thought that China's government may fail in 2050, should war break out.

Just think, Poohbah - the free traitors are helping arm and strengthen China. Some young Marine will catch a Chinese bullet that was bought and paid for by the free traitors. As he bleeds to death in the mud, I wonder what he'll think about those who value cheap trinkets at Great Wall Mart over America and Americans.

I shall not enquire whether the free traitors will care about the young Marine's death; it has become obvious that anyone and anything are to be sacrificed in the name of lower prices for consumers.

Behold thy god, Poohbah -

[Poohbah]

In time, they may. Presently they are growing stronger militarily and economically. Our dying soldiers will gain little comfort from the thought that China's government may fail in 2050, should war break out.

Like I said, you are extremely optimistic.

I don't think China will make it to 2015 in one piece.

Just think, Poohbah - the free traitors are helping arm and strengthen China. Some young Marine will catch a Chinese bullet that was bought and paid for by the free traitors. As he bleeds to death in the mud, I wonder what he'll think about those who value cheap trinkets at Great Wall Mart over America and Americans.

Aside from the false premise re: what's likely to happen...

You REALLY got your rocks off over the prospect of a Marine dying.--anyone could see your lip-smacking relish of the idea. You, buddy, are a real sicko.

[ninenot]

those who think that all managers need "sensitivity training."

Most people's mothers give them all the 'sensitivity training' they need by demanding respect and kindness to ALL from their children.

Did you have a mom?

[ninenot]

BTW, Harley-Davidson states in yesterday's JSOnline biz section that currently, PRC imposes import tariff of FIFTY PERCENT on HD bikes.

They kinda hope to bring it down to only THIRTY percent in the next couple of years.

[ninenot]

Too complex.

Simply do two things: Establish a uniform tariff on inbound goods of say 15%. No more, no less, no matter the product, (from countries which ACTUALLY live up to their PNTR treaty obligations..)

And eliminate the income tax, replacing it with a Consumption Tax (retail sales tax.)

[ninenot]

The law biz is ALREADY being outsourced--there were a few news items on that about 90 days ago. Seems West's research is now being done in India and some larger firms are now beginning to outsource research to the same place.

It's OK. Rudeboy can go to Community College and get re-trained. Maybe IT? He can work for Poohbah.

Finally: it's not a coincidence that the Libertarians are the loudest mouths for "Free Trade." Generally, that Party doesn't have a clue about moral imperatives.

[ninenot]

freedom is a point I will not compromise on.

Nor will any other right-thinking individual on this thread, I hope.

However, "freedom" is the liberty to do what is right, not whatever feels good.

Something the Libertarians simply ignore.

[ninenot]

I don't think China will make it to 2015 in one piece.

Kinda depends on what you mean by "one piece."

This AM's missive from Stratfor tells us that the banking crisis in PRC has brought in some investments from the West.

Stratfor's take: it is now imperative for Morgan Stanley, Newbridge, and Chase to prop up the PRC system.

They have a lot to lose if they don't.

Gee--the banks again. Those paragons of WWII virtue...