MCI team set for Networx race

MCI Inc. has put together a team of large and small businesses to pursue the General Services Administration's 10-year, $20 billion Networx contract.

MCI Inc. has put together a team that includes large and small businesses to pursue the General Services Administration's 10-year, $20 billion Networx telecommunications and IT contract.

The long-distance carrier's team includes Anteon International Corp., Computer Sciences Corp., G2 Satellite Solutions Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., TeleTech Government Solutions LLC, WilTel Communications Group Inc., Verizon Wireless, Comtech Telecommunications Corp., Protus IP Solutions Inc. and Proxim Wireless Networks.

MCI will place bids for both the Universal and Enterprise parts of Networx. Universal will provide government locations with a broad range of telecom services nationwide. Enterprise will offer a mix of specialized Internet protocol or wireless services in specific geographical areas. GSA will issue multiple awards for both parts in April 2006.

AT&T Government Solutions Inc., another major contender for both portions of Networx, announced its team last week. AT&T's team consists of Northrop Grumman Information Technology, EDS Corp., GTSI Corp., SRA International Inc., Cingular Wireless LLC and Global Crossing Ltd. and other small and midsized government communications and IT companies.

Based in Ashburn, Va., MCI has provided voice and data services to the federal government for more than 15 years. It employs approximately 40,000 workers and had 2004 revenue of $20.7 billion. The company is No. 18 on Washington Technology's 2005 Top 100 list.