Aquilent Deploys Web-Based Acquisition System for Department of Labor.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LAUREL, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2003

Solution Provides Model for Agencies Striving to Support the Office of Management and Budget's Integrated Acquisition Environment Requirements

Aquilent, a leading provider of E-Government and IT consulting services for government clients, is piloting a web-based acquisition system for the United States Department of Labor. Aquilent provided the professional information technology services and project management to integrate the complete web-based solution for requisition processing, simplified acquisitions, and complex contracting.

Aquilent's web-based acquisition solution will streamline product and services procurement processes for Department of Labor agencies and offices:

-- Addresses the end-to-end procurement process, including:

automation of the entire procurement cycle for small

purchases, interfacing with the Department's financial system,

solicitation development, contract award, FPDS reporting,

contract administration processes, and reporting.

-- Replaces existing procurement systems with an integrated

system that provides access to information across different

business processes, sites, and programs, from a single point

of entry.

-- Improves internal efficiencies and supports the Office of

Management and Budget's (OMB) E-Government Integrated

Acquisition Environment (IAE) initiative.

The solution enables users to electronically submit requisitions, route them through an electronic approval process (including funds approval), and transmit requisitions to procurement offices for electronically preparing purchase orders, solicitations, and contracts.

Aquilent partnered with Distributed Solutions, Inc. (DSI) and Commerce One to provide the web-based acquisition system. Distributed Solutions, Inc. provided complex contracting management software, and Commerce One provided enterprise E-Procurement and sourcing applications. These technologies will improve Labor's internal acquisition effectiveness, and enable more visibility over spending, by automating the exchange, tracking, and reporting of acquisition information for the full range of products and services purchased by the department.

About Aquilent

Aquilent is an award-winning small business with a 23-year history of providing rapid web development and IT services in the federal market. Headquartered in Laurel, Maryland, the company's key practice areas include automated acquisition management, web services and systems integration, scientific applications, knowledge and content management, and regulatory compliance solutions. Further information may be found through the Aquilent website at www.aquilent.com.