U.S. CUSTOMS FINDS $7 MILLION TO KEEP MOD OFFICE OPEN

U.S. CUSTOMS FINDS $7 MILLION TO KEEP MOD OFFICE OPEN    U.S. Customs has reallocated $7 million from its budget to keep its Modernization Office alive.
   The Modernization Office is responsible for developing the agency’s future computer system, the Automated Commercial Environment.
   Customs recently said it needed $12 million for its Modernization Office, which nearly closed down last week because of dwindling funds.
   The agency says the $7 million is needed to keep its contract going with Mitre Corp., a U.S. government systems consulting firm that’s helping Customs with systems development. Another $5 million is required to start the solicitation of bids from private sector developers to build ACE.
   Customs could release the bid within 60 days after receiving the rest of the money.