GSA Awards Satellite Service Contract to AT&T

GSA # 9657

March 22, 2000
Contact: Eleni Martin (202) 501-1231

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. General Services Administration's Federal Technology Service (FTS) awarded the eighth and final contract in a series of satellite service contracts to AT&T on March 21. The AT&T contract provides broadband distance learning services and equipment.

The entire series of satellite service contracts, awarded to multiple satellite contractors, offers a wide variety of commercial fixed, mobile and broadcast satellite services and equipment. The contracts are fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) and are available for use by all Federal agencies. Each contract has a base period of one-year, plus an additional five, one-year options.

Over the past year, FTS had awarded four similar contracts for commercial satellite services and equipment. However, agency requirements prompted a need to expand the breadth and length of offerings. First, the Government Alliance for Training and Education (GATE) needed broadband distance learning service and equipment that were not available from the previous contracts. Second, the previous contracts had short periods of performance, but customers wanted longer term contracts to satisfy current and future needs. Finally, with a rapidly changing and growing wireless market, customers wanted access to services from new entrants.

Dennis Fischer, Commissioner of FTS, said the final award "now gives gives our customers a full array of satellite services to meet their mission needs."

Previous contracts were awarded to: COLSA Corporation of Huntsville, AL: COMSAT of Bethesda, MD; Electronic Data Systems (EDS) of Herndon, VA; Hughes Global Services (HGS) of El Segundo, CA; John Tidrow and Associates (JTA) of Fayetteville, NC; Marshall Associates, Inc (MAI) of Sterling, VA; and Motorola Worldwide Information Network Services (M-WINS) of Chandler, AZ. Each contract is unique in the commercial offerings they provide.

For additional information, contact April Ramey, GSA FTS at 703-306-6300.