DHS taps General Dynamics for $325M emergency comms support contract
By
Ross Wilkers
The Homeland Security Department awards General Dynamics a $325 million contract to help maintain the U.S.' emergency telecommunications infrastructure.
The Homeland Security Department has awarded a potential five-year, $325.4 million contract to General Dynamics for services in support of the U.S.' emergency telecommunications infrastructure.
DHS technically selected CSRA’s proposal for the contract as indicated in a FedBizOpps notice posted Wednesday. General Dynamics acquired CSRA in April of last year, hence GD’s IT services division will perform the work.
CSRA was the lone bidder for the contract that has one initial base year worth $73.4 million, followed by four individual option years that would extend the award to its full ceiling value.
This contract supports the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Emergency Communications Division, which is responsible for working with other federal agencies and companies to ensure key stakeholders have access to priority telecommunications and restoration services in the event of a major disaster, terrorist attack or act of war.
That group of stakeholders can include public safety, national security and emergency preparedness entities.
Solicitation documents describing the work indicate GDIT will be responsible for providing and maintaining wireline and wireless voice services, and ensuring continued availability of communications under all levels of stress.
The company will be responsible for planning and implementing changes to existing telecom systems in keeping with new wireless technology developments including 5G.
GDIT’s tasks involve coordination with carriers like AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, plus other service providers and vendors to acquire and stand up priority telecom service so it is available at all times.
Other services include engineering, acquisition, program management, integration, coordination, operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning support.
The company is restricted to U.S-owned companies unless the federal government authorizes GDIT to work with others. Contracting for priority service with service providers that use telecommunications equipment manufactured in China is specifically prohibited without U.S. government approval.