Qwest scores $100M DOD Networx deal

Qwest Government Services scooped up a plum Networx telecommunications job with a $100 million-plus award by the Defense Information Systems Agency/Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization to provide IP services.

Awarded under Qwest’s Networx Universal contract, the task order for advanced data services initially will run for the six remaining years on the General Services Administration's Networx telecommunications vehicle. But if history is any judge, Networx — and the Qwest/DISA agreement — will be extended past 2017, a Qwest representative said.

Under the agreement, Qwest Government Services will provide IP services to the Defense Department as it migrates to Networx and will become the sole IP services provider for the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy, as well as other DOD agencies.

Qwest will provide the services via its iQ Internet Service, which supports 40 gigabits/sec data transmission rates.

“Qwest is a longtime communications partner of DOD,” said Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest Government Services. “We are pleased that through this task order Qwest will continue its relationship with DOD to provide advanced data services, which are crucial components of our nation’s defense systems.”

In September 2008, under Networx and as secondary contractor, Qwest won a $368 million, 10-year DISA award to provide voice services. At the same time, the agency tapped Verizon Business as primary contractor for a $752 million, 10-year award to provide data services.

Qwest Communications International Inc. ranks No. 56 in Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest government contractors.