Business Opportunities in DOT’s Fiscal 2015 IT Budget
Published: March 19, 2014
The Department of Transportation’s information technology (IT) budget request for fiscal year 2015 is $3.3 billion, an amount almost identical to that enacted in FY 2014. Of this total 51%, or $1.7 billion, is slated to be development, modernization, and enhancement (DME) funding. Compare this to $1.6 billion in operations and maintenance (O&M) funding for FY 2015 and what appears is yet another year that DME spending on IT surpasses spending on legacy IT assets at the DOT.
This remarkable situation (remarkable because IT budgets have stagnated everywhere) makes the DOT one of the more attractive business development targets in FY 2015. This post takes a look at a few of the programs receiving the highest percentage of DME funding at the DOT and examines the competitive environment surrounding some those programs.
- National Pipeline Information Exchange (NIPX) – A program planned by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the NIPX is an integrated database of state and non-PHMSA data sources tracking “unregulated miles, inspection results, enforcements, SRCR and incident investigation on operators” that will enable information sharing between the PHMSA and state partners. No incumbent contract could be found, suggesting this may be a new requirement.
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse – A program planned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to create a controlled substances and alcohol test results database for Commercial Driver's License holders, the D&A Clearinghouse is part of MAP-21 legislation requirements intended to improve safety by ensuring the effectiveness of testing programs. No incumbent contract could be found.
- MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF) Support – Automation capabilities provided by the Nautical System 5 (NS5) and Ready Reserve Force Management System (RMS) for the Maritime Administration’s RRF program. The current support contract (#DTMA91C20120008) held by Management Systems and Consultants expires in December 2016.
- DOT Departmental Procurement Platform – A program for which the DOT last carried out market research in 2010, the DPP consolidates departmental procurement systems that integrate with DOT's Delphi financial system. An incumbent contract for DPP support couldn’t be found.