About CHESS

Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) is the Army's designated Primary Source for commercial IT. CHESS provides a no-fee flexible procurement strategy through which an Army user may procure commercial off the shelf (COTS) IT hardware, software and services via an e-commerce based process. CHESS offers simple, straightforward contract vehicles through its online Army e-commerce ordering system, the IT e-mart. These contracts provide continuous vendor competition for best value and consolidation of requirements to maximize cost avoidance and leverage the Army's buying power. In accordance with Army Regulation 25-1 , "Army Knowledge Management and Information Technology," CHESS is tasked as the organization responsible for implementing consolidated buys of desktop and notebook computers for the Army at the enterprise level. The Consolidated Buy (CB) process is the most cost effective approach to fulfilling user requirements for these products. The CB is also in direct support of the Army HQDA Chief Information Officer (CIO/G-6) strategy for acquiring products which are fully compliant with Federal Desktop Computing regulations as well as DOD and Army security and interoperability standards. CHESS is the Army’s Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) Software Product Manager (SPM). In this capacity, CHESS has the responsibility of managing the DOD and Army Enterprise Software Agreements (ESAs) whose use has been mandated by the Army HQDA CIO/G6. CHESS also has Statement of Non-Availability authority if an ESA cannot meet user requirements. Other responsibilities in this area include: consolidating software requirements, developing business cases, assisting contracting officers in negotiating best-value deals, and administering resulting agreements. In doing so, CHESS helps to reduce acquisition and support costs by leveraging DOD’s buying power. Mr. Douglas Haskin, Product Lead CHESS, was chartered by Acting Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS), Ms. Terry Watson.

Be the Primary Source to support the Warfighter's information dominance objectives by developing, implementing and managing commercial Information Technology contracts that provide enterprise-wide net-centric hardware, software and support services for the Army.

To be the Army's center of excellence for commercial IT acquisition through continuously competitive contracts that provide economical, value-added, Networthy IT products and superior, performance-based IT services based on Army and DOD policy and standards compliance.

The inherent Value Proposition CHESS provides is its relationship with the Army CIO/G-6, Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC), Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), and Army Contracting Command - Rock Island (ACC-RI). With these partners, CHESS provides architecturally sound, standards and policy compliant IT enterprise solutions to all Army activities and organizations.