News Releases
Eighty Federal Agencies Finish Move to FTS2001GSA #9732 Washington, DC -- Eighty Federal agencies have moved their telecommunications services to GSA's new FTS2001 contract from FTS2000. The Federal Reserve Board, U.S. Supreme Court, Export-Import Bank, and the Executive Office of the President are among those that have successfully transitioned. Unique requirements, technical sophistication and diverse locations often complicated the moves. These agencies are already reaping the benefits of the new contract, an extensive suite of services and significant cost savings. Sandra Bates, Federal Technology Service (FTS) Commissioner, is proud of the agencies' accomplishment. "At our Network Services Conference last April, I challenged them to transition before September 30 of this year. They met that goal," Bates reported. "It is gratifying to know that so many people worked so well together to overcome the many challenges transition offered. Now taxpayers and these agencies are enjoying the benefits of the new contract." To date, the U.S. Courts is the largest agency to complete transition, well ahead of the December 6 expiration of the old FTS2000 contract. They surveyed over 1,000 sites and carefully considered contract and service options before ordering services. Carl A. Tucker of the U.S. Courts' led their transition efforts. Although the largest agencies of government are not completely finished with the transition to Yet to transition are several large data networks, a number of remote sites, and certain agency mission critical requirements that prevented earlier transition. Frank Lalley, Assistant Commissioner of FTS Office of Service Delivery, who keeps his finger on the pulse of day-to-day transition operations, recognizes the effort required. "Agencies had to juggle schedules, shore up resources, and respond to the uncertain nature of today's highly competitive telecommunications industry. Teamwork between agencies and their new suppliers, MCI Worldcom and Sprint, was essential to success." He acknowledges that certain services at some agencies may not complete the transition before the December 6 deadline. GSA is working with AT&T, Sprint and MCI to ensure that existing FTS2000 services will continue without interruption until transition is complete.
Last Reviewed 5/18/2006
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