FedScoop

State Department Makes Multiple Awards Under $10B IT Program

The Daily Scoop highlighted two concurrent federal developments – a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security that is stalling the $625 million FIFA World Cup Grant Program, and the State Department’s issuance of nearly 50 indefinite‑delivery‑indefinite‑quantity (IDIQ) contracts under its $10 billion Evolve IT modernization initiative. Testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee revealed that the grant, earmarked for security training, cyber‑defense and inter‑agency information sharing, has not been released, leaving host cities such as Kansas City scrambling for resources. Meanwhile, the State Department’s SAM.gov notice listed 28 awardees across five functional categories, with cloud‑and‑data‑center services and application development receiving the most contracts. Kansas City Deputy Police Chief Joseph Mabin warned, “We just don’t have enough officers within my own department to cover all the threats,” underscoring the staffing crunch. A State Department spokesperson praised the “true team effort” behind the Evolve awards, noting that the agency launched the solicitation in 2022 after deeming existing vehicles infeasible. The funding gap threatens the security of one of the nation’s largest sporting events, while the Evolve contracts aim to shore up diplomatic IT infrastructure, positioning the State Department to meet growing cyber demands and improve global mission support.