The commonwealth of Virginia selected Northrup Grumman to upgrade the state's computer system, but it's been fraught with problems and has disrupted core computer services throughout the state.

The $2 billion Northrup Grumman outsourced contract has been riddled with problems, but canceling the contract could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars and leave no one to manage the computer system, according to a state report.

The report said that almost every state agency that uses a computer--and that's every one--has faced serious lapses of services. For example, a prison was left without inbound phone services for hours and the Virginia State Police in Newport News lost Internet access for more than three.

The report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission said the state thought Northrup Grumman would provide the best value even though the giant defense contractor had no experience managing state computer and communications systems, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Northrup Grumman believes it can make the changes needed to make the project a success. Sam Abbate, vice president and program manager for the company, said he was optimistic that changes in the project would lead to improvements in the "unique partnership."

"This is an investment in the Commonwealth of a very significant order," he told the Washington Post. "Throughout its life, it will improve services for the citizens of Virginia, without question."

For more on the Northrup Grumman contract:
- see this Washington Post article

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