IT company wins contract at army depot

Vista International Operations' Reno office won a five-year contract to provide information technology services to Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, Calif.

The proposal to land the job was two years in the making, says Bill Randolph, program manager. Vista submitted it in July and was awarded the contract in November. The project will employ 15.

The Herlong depot provides logistical and supply support for Army Material Command. Vista's contract for IT work includes Web site, database, logistics and test site for logistics and computers.

The challenge for Vista, says Randolph, is ensuing operations security.

All employees on the job must pass thorough background checks to gain security clearance.

But they're excited, he adds, over the chance to work with the military's advanced computer technology.

Vista's Reno office employs five. It's part of Bristol Bay Native Corp., founded by Alaska native peoples, with 12 locations in the U.S. and 15 internationally.

That native heritage garners it preferential treatment when bidding for government contracts, says Randolph.

The contact with Sierra Army Depot is called an MEO: Most Efficient

Organization. The government employees at the Herlong base must bid against the commercial world to defend their ability to do the job for the lowest cost. Vista will help the staff become sufficiently efficient to win that contract.