Others to Watch

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Energy Department,
National Nuclear Security Administration

Estimated value: $42 billion
Expected award date: December 2005

The contract to manage Los Alamos National Laboratory is worth watching not only because of its large dollar amount, but because Los Alamos operations haven't been competed in more than six decades. Under the terms of the solicitation, the lab now will be operated by a private contractor instead of by the University of California, which has run it since approximately 1942. Bidders represent consortiums including industry and academia.

Sentinel
Justice Department, FBI

Estimated value: At least $90 million; FBI refuses to divulge.
Expected award date: December 2005

This four-phase project will result in a virtual case file management system. It will replace the FBI's paper-based case management system. It will include electronic processes creating an index of people, organizations, things and events bureauwide. Sentinel is likely to receive increased scrutiny be-cause it is intended to replace the Virtual Case File system, which was dogged by problems and ultimately failed.