What changes in IT infrastructure will the partnership bring to the Commonwealth?

The partnership will standardize and modernize the Commonwealth's IT infrastructure capabilities to better serve Commonwealth agencies, higher education institutions, private sector businesses and citizens. The partnership will continue to build upon VITA's current capabilities and will deploy a first-class IT infrastructure for the Commonwealth. Northrop Grumman will support VITA in its IT infrastructure transformation of 85 executive branch agencies.

The partnership has set a three-year transformation schedule during which it will complete the construction of the Chesterfield and Russell counties' state-of-the-art facilities. During this time, the Commonwealth's infrastructure will be transformed into a cohesive, efficient, up-to-date platform that will better meet needs of state government, making it possible for the agencies to enhance their services to citizens of the Commonwealth. Specific changes will be made to mainframes, servers, desktop and laptop computers, voice and data networks, operating systems, e-mail, security, help desk services, and data center facilities.

The overall benefits of the state's utility approach to IT, further leveraged by the advantages of the partnership, provides a "win/win" opportunity for state agencies, Virginia's taxpayers, and the state IT staff members.

The Commonwealth created this partnership to realize benefits for all involved including:

Agencies

• Improved 21st century technology services at today's cost
• Improved security of Commonwealth assets
• Consistent technology innovation
• Improved disaster recovery
• Lower reoccurring costs at the end of the project

Local Government and Higher Education

• Leveraged state services at lower costs
• Backup and security services that previously were unaffordable
• Expanded broadband access
• Enhanced emergency communications

The Public

• Improved security of information
• Expanded, improved and simpler services
• No additional taxpayer dollars
• Economic development and new jobs

Suppliers and Businesses

• Continued opportunity to compete for Commonwealth business
• Strong focus on small, woman- and minority-owned (SWAM) business opportunities
• Collaborative projects and services

State Employees

• Attractive benefits packages
• Advanced training
• Opportunities to pursue careers with a world-class technology firm

Agencies

The partnership will offer agencies the agility of a robust IT infrastructure. Additional services will be provided to best meet the needs of each agency, resulting in increased service delivery. All agencies will have equal access to top-quality technology, services, and solutions that are tailored to their individual their needs. The partnership will be responsive to those needs and meet them in timely fashion allowing agencies to dedicate more of their time and effort to delivering mission-critical services to their customers.

Local Government and Higher Education

Public agencies and higher education institutions throughout the Commonwealth will gain access to new technology that will help them deliver services more quickly and efficiently. The partnership is a viable procurement option, with governments and schools having access to the technology, services and solutions that are right-sized for them.

For local governments, there will be a standardization of data so local governments and state government can communicate and deliver services to customers and citizens more efficiently. New common platforms will result in better delivery of citizen services.

The Public

The partnership will increase government's accessibility to the citizens it serves resulting in increased electronic interaction between citizens and government, greater public awareness of services, and more information available that is easier to use.

At no additional cost, taxpayers will benefit from the Commonwealth's access to the latest technology solutions to the private sector can offer.

In addition, the partnership will result insubstantial economic development to Virginia including new facilities in the Richmond area and Southwest that will create hundreds of new jobs for Virginians.

Suppliers and Businesses

IT infrastructure supplier relationships and contracts are a critical component in providing services that are utilized by the Commonwealth either through a direct relationship or indirectly through Northrop Grumman. VITA will continue to build and sustain supplier relationships for the benefit of the Commonwealth. Specifically, VITA will provide statewide contracts and opportunities for many IT suppliers to do business with the Commonwealth. IT suppliers will continue to have the opportunity to market their IT products and services to the Commonwealth. These opportunities are expected to increase as the role of technology in government grows.

Working with its suppliers to achieve increased effectiveness and efficiency of IT infrastructure services, the Commonwealth can focus and expand on its mission of delivering core services to citizens. VITA desires cost-effective and innovative IT solutions to continue to expand the use of technology in government. VITA will continue to partner with suppliers to deliver such solutions.

Small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses

Small, women- and minority-owned (SWAM) businesses are critical to the success of the partnership, just as they are to the Commonwealth. The partnership will continue to rely on these business partners and ensure fair and open access to these businesses to keep them competitive.

Both Northrop Grumman and VITA have programs to encourage opportunities for SWAM businesses. The partnership will use the best aspects of both programs to create more business opportunities.

State Employees

Northrop Grumman Corporation is delighted to offer career opportunities in Virginia to VITA employees in support of the IT Infrastructure Partnership.

VITA employees were given the opportunity to join Northrop Grumman or remain with VITA, as best suited their individual situations and career objectives.

As Northrop Grumman employees, the VITA workforce will have broad opportunities for professional development and advancement within a cutting-edge technology company. Commitment to employees is a top priority at Northrop Grumman; employees are the company's most important asset. Employees are treated with respect and provided the education and development tools they need to succeed. Northrop Grumman takes pride in the significant contributions made from a diverse and expansive workforce.

For more detailed employee information please visit Northrop Grumman Benefits Online.

One of the cornerstone community projects of the partnership is its efforts to help stamp out hunger in Virginia. VITA and Northrop Grumman support Southwest Virginia's Second Harvest Food Bank and have helped them hold quarterly food drives.