CHEMISTRY

FALLS CHURCH, VA -- In an agreement that more than doubles global spending to combat cybercrime, Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC) has won a task-order contract to support the Department of Defense (DoD) Computer Investigations Training Program (DCITP). The eight-year contract, awarded by the General Services Administration's Federal Systems Integration and Management Center, is valued at more than $86 million if all options are exercised. "This is a milestone in cybercrime-fighting policy," said French Caldwell, research director for the project of technology and public policy at Gartner Inc. "An $86 million award is extraordinary. It represents at least a 50 percent increase in annual global spending. "Until now, the total worldwide budget across all nations for cybercrime investigations has not exceeded $20 million annually," he said. "Historically, there has been serious underfunding of cybercrime competencies in government." Approximately half of global law enforcement expenditures aimed at investigating computer crime is spent in the U.S., said Caldwell. "Most national governments spend negligible amounts preparing for the cybercrime threat," he added. Under the contract, CSC will assist the DoD in researching, developing and delivering state-of-the-art computer investigation training courses for military law enforcement professionals. Courses will cover computer search and seizure, computer intrusions and forensic computer media analysis to support the prosecution of criminal activities and execution of counter-intelligence actions. "This program is critical to homeland security and other law enforcement activities," said Jose Jimenez, vice president and general manager of CSC's Intelligence business unit. "We are proud to play an important role in this program and continue our long-standing relationship with the law enforcement community within the DoD." Under the contract, approximately 35 CSC computer investigators and forensics specialists, computer security specialists and information technology (IT) training professionals will work at the DCITP's state-of-the-art training facility located in Linthicum, Md. The DCITP provides computer investigation training to law enforcement individuals and DoD elements that must ensure information systems are secure from unauthorized use, counterintelligence, and criminal and fraudulent activities. For more information visit www.csc.com