Following a report originally published by The Washington Post and which subsequently appeared on SecurityInfoWatch.com (see story), that TSA security integrator Unisys Corporation had overbilled the government heavily, the company has responded with a public statement. The company contends that billing of that contract was being reviewed and that efforts were being made to meet TSA's requirements. Unisys also stated that the overcharges were only a "small percentage" of the entire value.
The company's full statement amid the criticism is published below:
"Following the urgent situation created by the events following Sept. 11, Unisys was proud to respond quickly to help the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) meet its congressionally mandated deadlines for securing the safe transport of passengers and cargo. This was a competitively awarded contract. The men and women of Unisys performed extraordinary well, working with TSA to establish a secure information technology environment and to equip the assigned airports within a short time frame, among other mission-critical tasks.
"The nation was in crisis and there were enormous time pressures in meeting tight deadlines. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), at the request of TSA, subsequently reviewed contract performance over that time period and raised some government contracting issues. It is not unusual in complex government contracts for the government and the contractor to have issues arise regarding contract obligations. Working collaboratively over the past few months, Unisys believes most of the issues are being addressed - to the initial satisfaction of our customer, TSA - and with the DCAA's review of the action plans. It should be noted that issues raised in the Washington Post article questioned a very small percentage of the total contract value. Unisys is working to resolve the remaining few issues, as well.
"Unisys has not been provided with a copy of the full DCAA audit report referenced in the Washington Post. Therefore, the company can't comment on that document. Unisys will work to take the necessary actions to resolve any identified issues."
