About a month and a half ago HP created a Scalable Computing and Infrastructure Organization (SCIO) out of a stealth Web 2.0 group that it’s had under the covers for the last year, year-and-a-half and its HPC unit along with its cloud intentions.

SCIO has now turned up with a contract to supply the DOD with the hardware and software so the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) can deploy a cloud called RACE, or Rapid Access Computing Environment. Terms weren’t disclosed but HP Financial Services is supplying the financing and asset management services.

DISA, which provides the DOD with processing capability, systems management, communications and storage, is supposed to use the cloud to remotely provision its test and development systems through a single secure interface.

The utility-style RACE is supposed to reduce costs, consolidate applications, shorten delivery time and simplify the user experience.

The widgetry is heavy of blades with software like HP Operations Orchestration, Server Automation, Service Manager, Operations Manager and Systems Insight Manager.