GSA Releases Networx Program RFPs

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released the request for proposals (RFP) on www.fedbizopps.gov for the Networx program acquisitions on May 6, 2005.

GSA has worked closely with our stakeholders during the development of these RFPs to ensure that these acquisitions are well-defined and provide federal agenciesat low costthe best telecommunications services and solutions that industry has to offer, said GSA Administrator Stephen A. Perry. I am confident that the Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise acquisitions will be attractive to customers for the breadth of services and solutions offered and the flexibility the contracts provide agencies to secure leading edge services.

These acquisitions will serve as the primary replacement for expiring governmentwide telecommunications contracts.

Networx Universal service providers will provide service to all government locations currently served under existing programs, as well as all commercial locations served by the offeror. Networx Enterprise offerors will bid a core set of Internet Protocol or wireless services to a specified geographic profile. The services provided by Networx will help the government move towards greater security, seamlessness, and interoperability, said Acting Federal Technology Service Commissioner Barbara Shelton. This added measure of value is essential for this day and time.

Industry responses to the Networx Universal RFP are due August 3, 2005. Responses to the Networx Enterprise RFP are due on August 5, 2005. A link to a portal providing secure, electronic access to traffic data (e.g., location, type, and quantity of services) is available at http://www.fedbizopps.gov

. The Networx program goals described below were developed by GSA in consultation with federal agencies via the Interagency Management Council (IMC).

* Service continuity. All services to all locations that are currently provided on the FTS2001 and Crossover contracts must be included in the Networx program.

* Highly competitive prices. Prices on the Networx program must continue to be better than prices available elsewhere in the telecommunications marketplace.

* High quality service. Service on the Networx contracts must be provided by high quality telecommunications providers. The contracts must include enforceable agreements that will ensure high quality service is delivered throughout the term of the contracts.

* Full service providers. Service providers who are awarded contracts on Networx must be capable of providing a broad array of services.

* Alternative sources. Networx must provide access to a broad spectrum of industry service providers.

* Operations support. Improve ordering, billing, and inventory management.

* Transition assistance and support. The contracts must include provisions that facilitate transition coordination and support.

GSA is a centralized, federal procurement, property management and policy agency, created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. GSA acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. It also plays a key role in developing and implementing governmentwide policies. GSAs 13,000 associates provide services and solutions for the office operations of more than one million federal workers in more than 8,000 buildings the government owns and leases in 2,000 U.S. communities.