The Sentinel project will be run by a dedicated team that will include its own redundant management and will be delivered in four phases, said Azmi. The bulk of the work is expected to be completed by 2009. The first phase, due in about a year's time, will include a Web portal for users that will enable access to legacy systems in a modern interface using Web services.

Lockheed is no stranger to the FBI's IT systems and has been involved in other projects for the bureau. Although the Sentinel contract is performance-based, Linda Gooden, president of Lockheed Martin's IT Division, said the company is motivated to ensure that it works as expected.

"We are committed to making sure that this is successful because it's important to all of us as citizens of the United States," Gooden said.