Empowering FRTIB to Deliver Resilient, Secure and Scalable Retirement Services

Ensuring secure, uninterrupted service for millions of Thrift Savings Plan participants and beneficiaries

Mission Need

Facing critical challenges across its IT infrastructure, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) recognized the need for a bold, enterprise-wide transformation to better serve millions of federal employees and retirees. The agency contended with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data processing inconsistencies, audit noncompliance and limited disaster recovery capabilities, all of which threatened the integrity of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the federal government’s version of a 401(k) plan.

FRTIB also sought to improve end-user support, modernize legacy systems and enable resilient operations that could withstand major shifts like remote work and cloud migration. To realize this vision, the agency engaged SAIC as a strategic partner to help architect and implement a secure, scalable and mission-aligned modernization journey.

Solution

Over the course of a decade-long partnership, FRTIB led a comprehensive transformation effort with SAIC providing technical guidance and operational support at every step. Together, they delivered impactful outcomes across multiple fronts:

  • Cybersecurity Strengthening: FRTIB committed to hardening its cyber defenses. With SAIC’s help, the agency conducted a full cybersecurity assessment and implemented an accelerated improvement plan that overhauled its compliance posture and security defense architecture within 6 months. This effort positioned the agency to eliminate significant audit findings through 290 successful corrective action plans (CAPs). The outcome was a robust, multi-layered security framework, a policy-compliant infrastructure and historically low vulnerabilities and attack vectors.
  • End-User Support and Continuity: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, SAIC transitioned FRTIB’s workforce from on-prem to remote in just six weeks, utilizing recently implemented technology upgrades and innovations in access and communication. Technology and Enterprise Support Services (TESS) was responsible for shipping equipment and standing up infrastructure with zero disruption to end users, including millions of TSP participants and beneficiaries.
  • Record-Keeping Reform: FRTIB partnered with SAIC and subcontractors to overhaul record-keeping workflows and data validations. SAIC refined agency processes, reducing errors and restoring trust and transparency in account management.
  • Cloud Modernization: SAIC migrated FRTIB’s end-user systems from legacy on-prem to a modern, secure cloud environment, on time and with no user disruption.
  • Mainframe Resilience: The agency ensured high availability for core operations through resilient mainframe support, robust failover strategies and consistent data integrity, safeguarding mission-critical services. Under TESS, SAIC executed an actual mainframe disaster recovery exercise, demonstrating TESS’s contribution to FRTIB resilience.
  • Managed Services Model: FRTIB transitioned to a managed services approach, engaging SAIC and subcontractors to lead a smooth migration of all the systems. This ensured a stable, forward-looking operational model that supports continuous service delivery and agile performance.

Through these efforts, SAIC helped position FRTIB as a modern, mission-ready agency able to serve its participants with confidence, security and scalability.

Mission Impact

Through strong leadership and a commitment to modernization, FRTIB transformed into a resilient, secure and mission-aligned enterprise. With support from SAIC, the agency has achieved outcomes that ensure reliable, high-quality service for the Thrift Savings Plan participants:

  • Seamless continuity during national disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, with no interruption in service or support.
  • Complete rebuilding of high audit findings systems and policy gaps within the first six months of the modernization journey.
  • Significant reduction in system incidents and data processing errors, leading to improved transparency, trust and operational efficiency.
  • Deployment of a secure, flexible cloud environment that enhances scalability and performance across the enterprise.
  • Stabilized and modernized record-keeping infrastructure, restoring integrity and accuracy to critical participant data.

By embracing change and driving innovation, FRTIB operated with greater agility and confidence. The agency is well-prepared to scale with future demands and delivered secure, uninterrupted retirement services that federal employees can depend on throughout their careers.

Explore how SAIC supports federal civilian, state and local agencies with scalable, secure solutions that drive innovation, enhance mission integration and strengthen services for citizens nationwide.