U.S. Social Security Administration selects Accenture to implement emerging technology applications

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has selected Accenture (NYSE: ACN) as a prime contractor under the Information Technology Support Services Contract (ITSSC) that will be used to acquire a wide range of IT systems development and modernization services. The ITSSC includes a one-year base period plus six additional one-year options with an aggregate ceiling valued at $2.8 billion.

“SSA's ambition to introduce more advanced technologies requires innovative thinking and expertise in integrating new products”

Under the contract, Accenture will implement emerging technology applications designed to improve SSA's service delivery capabilities to current beneficiaries and future retirees. Task orders issued under the contract may request services such as evaluating ways to integrate data from health records more seamlessly, expanding Web and social media to enhance user accessibility, and applying predictive models and analytics capabilities to SSA's business.

"The application and integration of emerging technologies is expected to help SSA reduce costs, increase end-user satisfaction with the agency's retirement and other core benefits programs, and speed the delivery of benefits," said Steve Shane, managing director, Accenture's U.S. federal health programs. "We look forward to collaborating with SSA to make its service delivery vision a reality.

The scope of ITSSC underscores SSA's increasing need for health information technology, as the data contained in electronic health records will enable disability claims and other entitlement program determinations.

Accenture's federal health practice focuses on improving agencies' performance and outcomes for citizens. Accenture will draw heavily on its federal and health industry experience and capabilities in delivering against the ITSSC contract.

"SSA's ambition to introduce more advanced technologies requires innovative thinking and expertise in integrating new products," Shane said. "We are confident that our ability to develop new solutions in a complex, health-related systems environment will help SSA deliver benefits to citizens in a more timely, efficient and cost-effective manner."