The State of New York Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) announced that it awarded a $78 million contract to General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) on May 8 to modernize the state’s financial aid services platform.
The Financial Aid Services Modernization and Technology Platform contract was awarded to GDIT in March, but announced only this week, and has a five-year base period with two five-year options.
Under this digital modernization contract, GDIT will build a new grants and scholarships management solution to replace HESC’s current systems.
The solution will include the implementation of grants management software, automation, and data analytics to enhance user experience and streamline application processes with colleges and universities.
“This contract enables GDIT to further advance HESC’s commitment to ensure that its students have easy access to a college education and an understanding of their financial aid options,” said Scott Mack, GDIT vice president and general manager for State and Local Government. “The new system will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall student and parent experience.”
As New York’s higher education student financial aid agency, HESC administers the state’s grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness, college savings, and financial aid programs to support hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually.
In the 2020-2021 school year, HESC provided more than $890 million in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits to more than 300,000 college students.
The new contract continues GDIT’s long history of supporting HESC, the company said. For the last two decades, GDIT has supported HESC’s Tuition Assistance Program – New York’s largest grant program.
The company also supports similar digital modernization programs in other states, including California.
