The contract is part of an on-going multidimensional USCIS effort totransform its business processes and will serve as a key piece to enablethe Agency to speed benefits determination, combat identity fraud, andreduce processing time backlogs. Awarded in November 2008, the initialcontract value is $14.5 million with options up to $491.1 million over fiveyears.

The USCIS receives approximately 6 million - 8 million applicationsannually for immigration benefits, such as employment visas, legalpermanent residence and citizenship. The determination process iscurrently carried out through a paper intensive system that has sufferedfrom backlogs as the number of applications have increased, and securityrequirements have been strengthened. IBM will support USCIS' efforts tomodernize the agency's processing procedures using advanced informationtechnologies, and introduce new capabilities such as the use ofperson-centric customer accounts.

"IBM is pleased to support the USCIS mission. We believe this project willserve as an important model for other agencies seeking to transform thedelivery of important government services," said Charles L. Prow, ManagingPartner, IBM Global Business Services, Government. "Through this ambitiousinitiative USCIS will employ new tools to support benefits adjudication,and ultimately, improve their customers' experience navigating theimmigration process."

USCIS, part of the Department of Homeland Security, implements U.S.immigration policy through the processing and adjudication of immigrant andnon-immigrant benefits. USCIS consists of approximately 16,000 employeesand contractor personnel located in more than 250 offices worldwide.

To deliver the contract, IBM has assembled a team of partners that includesBlackstone Technology Group, Deloitte Consulting, EDS, Evolver, The LegacyNetwork, Sandler and Travis Trade Advisory Services (STTAS), SapientCorporation, SI International, Unisys, and Visionary IntegrationProfessionals, among others.

For more information on IBM visit www.ibm.com.

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Press Contacts:Lia P. DavisIBM Media Relations, Government202.515.5499lia.p.davis@us.ibm.comBill WrightDHS/USCIS Communications202.272.1299bill.wright@dhs.gov