IT Spending For Border Control Could Top $2 Billion: Input

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) plan to secure nearly 6,000 miles of the U.S. international border will represent a bonanza of more than $2 billion in IT spending, according to Input, a market research firm that specializes in government business.

While the DHS hasn't specified solutions, it has focused on the problems and requirements of the Secure Border Initiative (SBInet,) Input noted.

"The specifics of SBInet are intentionally vague, allowing wide latitude for vendors who can help DHS develop effective solutions," said Input's John Slye, in a statement Tuesday discussing a report on the SBInet. "It is worth noting that although DHS is designating this as a performance-based acquisition it is unclear how they will apply this standard as they also ask for labor rates to be included as part of a contractor's task proposal."

Slye, who is senior analyst, federal opportunities, at Input, said key products will range from systems engineering and integration services to geospatial technologies and surveillance technologies as well as engineering and construction services and software applications.

Input said tens if not hundreds of companies could have a role in the project and several companies are already preparing to bid as prime contractors on the contract. "Considering the expanse of the problem, it is unlikely that the winning team will remain unchanged for long," said Slye.