American Systems upgrades USDA communications
Blanket purchase agreement is worth $20 million
- By David Hubler
- Sep 15, 2009
American Systems Corp. will modernize communications for the Agriculture Department under a blanket purchase agreement that has a potential value of $20 million.
Under the BPA, American Systems will be responsible for the installation of and end-user training on communications systems that will feature voice over Internet Protocol, facsimile and interconnectivity capabilities, among others, company officials said.
The telecommunications systems will allow USDA service center agencies nationwide to share common resources while improving administrative efficiency and the overall customer experience, they added.
Service center agencies act as the USDA’s points-of-contact for the nation’s farmers, ranchers and landowners, overseeing federal farm assistance programs and ensuring compliance with federal land and water conservation regulations, the officials said.
The department operates approximately 3,000 small- and midsize offices nationwide.
“With important responsibilities ranging from natural-resource oversight to protection of our food supply, the USDA — and ultimately the citizens the agency serves — cannot do without modern communications systems,” said William Hoover, president and chief executive officer of American Systems, of Chantilly, Va.
The award from USDA’s International Technology Services, which is expected to operate through January 2012, falls under the General Services Administration’s Connections Contract.
About the Author
David Hubler is the former print managing editor for GCN and senior editor for Washington Technology. He is freelance writer living in Annandale, Va.