After almost two years of legal battles, the Pentagon has scrapped its $10 billion contract with Microsoft.
What you need to know
- The Pentagon has canceled its JEDI contract with Microsoft.
- The contract has been part of a long legal battle since it was awarded in October 2019.
- Amazon argues that the contract was not awarded to Amazon due to President Trump's feelings towards Jeff Bezos.
- The Pentagon will instead pursue a deal with Amazon and Microsoft.
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, the Pentagon announced its cancelation of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud contract with Microsoft. The contract was valued at up to $10 billion. In its place, the Pentagon will seek a deal with Microsoft and Amazon, according to a report by the Associated Press.
"With the shifting technology environment, it has become clear that the JEDI Cloud contract, which has long been delayed, no longer meets the requirements to fill the DoD's capability gaps," said the Pentagon.
First awarded in October 2019, the JEDI contract has been part of a lengthy legal battle. Amazon claimed that the Trump administration interfered in the awarding process and has been fighting the verdict for years.
The legal battle was not mentioned specifically by the Pentagon today.
Amazon Web Services was considered a favorite to win the bid, so Microsoft being awarded the contract came as somewhat of a surprise in the industry. Amazon was unhappy with that outcome and claimed foul play.
At one point during the legal saga, Microsoft Communications CVP Frank X. Shaw issued a statement about Microsoft's work to be ready to meet the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD).
In May of this year, reports emerged that the Pentagon was considering scrapping its deal with Microsoft.
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