Nov, 2001 : EDS and SmartForce to Provide E-Learning For Marine Corps

📅 November 19, 2001 - As part of a landmark government outsourcing initiative, SmartForce (smartforce.com), an e-learning company, has announced that it has been selected by Plano, Texas-based EDS (eds.com) to provide e-learningfor the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) project. EDS, in partnership withWorldcom, Raytheon, Dell and others, is developing a comprehensive,enterprise-wide initiative that will make network-based information servicesavailable to 360,000+ sailors and Marines at more than 300 bases across theUnited States, Puerto Rico, Iceland and Cuba. SmartForce will be theexclusive e-learning provider for the project.

Valued at nearly $7 billion, the NMCI project will link more than 360,000desktops and give the Navy and Marine Corps secure, universal access tointegrated voice, video and data communications and connectivity to Navyvessels in port. Each NMCI desktop throughout the network will have accessto a comprehensive offering of SmartForce e-learning paths that coverdisciplines such as information technology, Internet security and customcontent on the NMCI orientation. The SmartForce solutions will incorporatefeatures of an effective e-learning solution including instructionalcontent, online seminars and workshops, real-time mentoring withsubject-matter experts, personalization tools and assessment.
EDS selected SmartForce from a group of 15 e-learning providers following ahighly competitive process conducted to ensure that the sailors and Marineswere provided with the most comprehensive e-learning solution to increaseproductivity and reduce training costs within the Navy and Marine Corps, aswell as provide valuable career skills to all personnel. Additional keyfactors in the selection of SmartForce were superior instructional designmethodology, commitment to established and emerging learning standards suchas SCORM, AICC, IMS, and LRN and SmartForce's proven leadership in thee-learning industry.
"As one of the government's most highly visible contracts, we are thrilledthat we have been selected by EDS to participate in this groundbreakinggovernment initiative, " said Greg Priest, chairman and CEO of SmartForce."SmartForce's selection for the NMCI project represents a significantupgrade to the programs that SmartForce previously provided to the Navy andMarine Corps. Furthermore, the announcement underscores SmartForce's abilityto nurture and grow its relationships with existing customers, which is akey component of the company's growth strategy."