DIA re-ups GTSI for Microsoft enterprise support

GTSI, an enterprise solutions and services provider to federal agencies, has won a three-year, $16.5 million Microsoft Enterprise Agreement contract renewal from the Defense Intelligence Agency.

The new contract covers desktop and laptop computers and accessory software for much of the Defense Department's Intelligence Information Systems community, including the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Reserve Intelligence Program, Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center, Missile and Space Intelligence Center and J2 Intelligence Directorate at eight of the nine Combatant Commands.

Microsoft enterprise agreements include training credits and discounted home-use licenses for agency employees, said Scott Keough, director of enterprise software solutions at GTSI.

As a result, GTSI project managers will continue to coordinate administrative and logistical tasks, including worldwide coordination of Microsoft certified training and help provide upgrades and purchases of Microsoft technical support and tools. "We assigned a [project manager] at GTSI's cost to ensure a consistent delivery of services" and to advise DIA on the use of the software it purchases, Keough said.

In addition, the integrator's Microsoft certified systems engineers will advise the DOD intelligence group on how to make best use of its current information technology and Microsoft advances in IT, such as the new Vista operating system and Office 2007.

The enterprise agreement is the government's most cost-effective method to acquire new Microsoft products and solutions and to take advantage of what agencies already own, said Tony Colangelo, special programs manager at GTSI, who is the account executive for DIA.

"A big part of our job is going around the world and educating the people that these benefits exist and making sure they are taking full advantage of them," he said. "Sometimes it's a simply matter of, 'Hey, did you know that you already own this, and that it can do this, this and this?" Colangelo said.

"By consolidating multiple contracts, DIA is doing its part to optimize the technology available to our intelligence community while minimizing costs to the government," Keough said.

Under the leadership of Jim Leto, who succeeded Dendy Young as president and chief executive officer in 2006, GTSI has shifted from a reseller to a full-services IT provider.

GTSI of Chantilly, Va., has more than 700 employees worldwide. The company ranks No. 27 on Washington Technology's 2006 Top 100 list of the largest federal IT contractors.