CGI contracts with multiple Michigan localities to deliver robust SaaS-based enterprise resource planning solution

State-sourced technology solution now available for localities through unique partnership

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FAIRFAX, VA, May 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) today announced that it is partnering with the Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA) to offer CGI Advantage360^®, a software as a service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, to multiple Michigan localities. Initial clients under the new agreement are the City of Grand Rapids, which signed a US$6.5M, five-year contract, and Kent County, which signed a US$6M, five-year contract. The State of Michigan contracted with CGI in June 2014 to utilize CGI Advantage^® for state-wide financial management.

CGI was selected by the MMSA through Michigan's MiDEAL initiative, an extended purchase program allowing local government entities to use state contracts for purchasing goods and services. In Michigan, CGI Advantage360 provides localities, large and small, budget constrained or not, with common access to a proven budget, financial, procurement and human resource management solution at increasingly reduced subscription rates.

"CGI's SaaS solution is unique in that it offers the mid-sized government market a truly secure, affordable, cloud-based, built-for-government ERP. We welcome these Michigan localities to our user community and look forward to their adoption of our proven ERP that delivers ease of use, transparency for citizens, and powerful features for managing government operations," said Daniel Keene, Senior Vice President, Advantage Program, CGI.

"One of the first landmark projects for the MMSA was to find a financial management solution, with top quality, off-the-shelf capabilities that could be utilized by multiple municipalities," said Department of Technology, Management and Budget Director and Michigan CIO David Behen. "CGI Advantage360 will allow standardized financial processing, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness at the local level. Local officials will have access to more accurate information, which will lead to better decision-making, and, as a result, to better financial outcomes state-wide."

MMSA Chief Executive Officer Robert Bruner agreed, adding, "CGI Advantage360 provides just what the Authority was looking for. This solution will help local governments reduce operational costs and achieve long-term cost predictability. Our partnership allows the MMSA to provide a full suite of built-for-government tools 'out of the box' to any local government in Michigan."

"Michigan-specific best practices will be realized through implementation for future MMSA members," said John Roggemann, Senior Vice President, CGI. "The state has shown great creativity in developing MiDEAL and the MMSA and it's an outstanding example of collaboration that others can model." 

Kent County Fiscal Service Director Stephen Duarte said, "We are thrilled to be part of such an innovative and collaborative program. This is a cost-effective, easily implemented solution that works for Kent County and will no doubt prove extremely attractive to other Michigan jurisdictions in the months to come."

Grand Rapids Chief Financial Officer Scott Buhrer said his city is pleased to partner with CGI, adding, "This collaborative effort will position local governments across the State of Michigan for success with standardized tools and processes. We are proud to be a charter member of this invaluable consortium."

About the Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA)
The Michigan Municipal Services Authority is a "Michigan public body corporate" created in 2012 through an Interlocal Agreement between the cities of Grand Rapids and Livonia. The Authority is a "virtual" city empowered to exercise the common powers, privileges, and authority of the cities across geographic boundaries. The purpose of the Authority is to engage in cooperative activities with local governments and other public agencies. Website:  www.michiganmsa.org.

About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 68,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management as well as a wide range of proprietary solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog of C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: www.cgi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements and this information represent CGI's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, of which many are beyond the control of the Company. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. These factors include but are not restricted to: the timing and size of new contracts; acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified members; market competition in the rapidly evolving IT industry; general economic and business conditions; foreign exchange and other risks identified in the press release, in CGI's annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), in CGI's Annual Report, in CGI's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov), and in the Company's Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities (filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com), as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "foresee," "plan," and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future performance are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or on this forward-looking information.

SOURCE CGI Group Inc.

Investors: Lorne Gorber, Senior Vice-President, Global Communications and Investor Relations, [email protected], [phone]; Media: Linda Odorisio, Vice-President, US, Communications, CGI, [email protected], [phone]