Microsoft wins $927M contract from Pentagon
Update: This story was updated to reflect information from DISA that their contract language does not mean that the agency will have direct access to Microsoft’s source code, but employees who have access to such code.
Microsoft Corp. won a $927 million contract to provide technical support to the Pentagon, the Defense Information Systems Agency announced on Tuesday.
The contract was awarded on a noncompetitive basis, and the announcement notes that obtaining “highly-trained Microsoft Blue Badge Cardholder support,” will give them access to Microsoft workers (instead of contractors) who have access to the company’s source code.
“The core requirements are for the contractor to provide Microsoft consulting services that include software developers and product teams to leverage a variety of proprietary resources and source code, and Microsoft premier support services such as tools and knowledge bases, problem resolution assistance from product developers and access to Microsoft source code when applicable to support Department of Defense’s mission,” according to the announcement.
Though this language may make it look like the Defense Department is purchasing access to Microsoft’s source code, a DISA spokesperson told FedScoop that “The Department of Defense does not, and will not have access to Microsoft’s proprietary source codes.”
Services will be rendered mostly in the U.S. but may be required outside of the country as well, according to the announcement.
Microsoft’s contract is a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with one five-year base period.
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