The Social Security Administration (SSA) has selected Accenture as one of four contractors to vie for task orders under its Information Technology Support Services Contract (ITSSC), which will be used to acquire a wide range of IT systems development and modernization services.
The ITSSC includes a one-year base period plus six additional one-year options with an aggregate ceiling valued at $2.8 billion. The scope of the contract underscores SSA's increasing need for health information technology, officials say, as the data contained in electronic health records will enable disability claims and other entitlement program determinations.
Under the contract, Accenture will implement emerging technology applications designed to improve SSA's service delivery capabilities to current beneficiaries and future retirees. Task orders issued under the agreement may request services such as evaluating ways to integrate data from health records more seamlessly, expanding Web and social media to enhance user accessibility, and applying predictive models and analytics capabilities to SSA's business.
"The application and integration of emerging technologies is expected to help SSA reduce costs, increase end-user satisfaction with the agency's retirement and other core benefits programs and speed the delivery of benefits," said Steve Shane, managing director, Accenture's U.S. federal health programs. "SSA's ambition to introduce more advanced technologies requires innovative thinking and expertise in integrating new products," he said.
Accenture's federal health practice focuses on improving agencies' performance and outcomes for citizens. Accenture will draw heavily on its federal and health industry experience and capabilities in delivering services to the SSA, Shane said.
