The US Department of Defense has given HP a US$548m contract to support mission-critical hardware and software for data systems that hold and sever information about the department's 42m personnel members located around the world.

HP will be prime contractor for hardware support services, software, maintenance and integration services for the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) for five years. The data center primarily serves the DoD's human resources function.

The hardware part of the contract includes everything from servers and laptops to biometric devices and cameras. On the software side, HP will support DMDC's biometric identification systems, real-time automated personnel identification system, noncombatant tracking and emergency tracking accountability system and other mission-critical solutions.

The deal is a continuation of HP's long relationship with DMDC, to which the vendor has been providing applications and IT solutions for about 30 years. The company says it has served the public sector in the US for more than 45 years.

In September 2013, the company announced another deal with DMDC – a $56m contract to support and enhance personnel security and assurance systems and to help develop an information security system.

Marilyn Crouther, senior VP and general manager of US public sector for HP's Enterprise Services division, said, “Over the years, we have demonstrated service delivery excellence that we will apply to help DMDC be able to count on their technology to enable rather than disrupt daily business.”