AT&T Government Solutions Wins $350 Million Task Order From the U.S. Department of Agriculture

OAKTON, Va., July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Government Solutions* business unit announced it has won a task order worth up to $350 million to provide Managed Security Services and deploy a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Data Services.

The task order was awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Networx Universal contract vehicle. Under the terms of the task order, AT&T will utilize its transition planning and network management capabilities to complete a Department-wide managed IP network architecture that enables shared services across a new, unified infrastructure. AT&T will provide data services to over 5,000 USDA locations across the country.

The USDA has a geographically dispersed network, encompassing over 29 agencies and offices with a diverse set of objectives. The Cabinet-level agency is charged with serving our nation's farmers, conserving natural resources, protecting the food supply, and serving millions of constituents who rely on the agency's services.

"A growing demand to provide information in a secure fashion and on a global scale are key challenges that many federal agencies face today and tomorrow," said Christopher L. Smith, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture. "USDA Data Services is not only designed to meet these challenges via the deployment of a corporate data network, but also through close collaboration between USDA and its agencies. USDA will use the Networx program to transform our operations through new technologies so we can provide our customers with more advanced network services while also meeting the needs of our citizens."

"The migration to a VPN architecture for USDA is not only a significant evolution of their network but an example of how the agency has been able to successfully execute its network vision," said Jeff Mohan, Executive Director, Networx Program Office, AT&T Government Solutions. "Given our long-standing network engagement with USDA, and AT&T's expertise in providing cybersecurity solutions to the federal government, AT&T can help the agency achieve the next-generation of its network so it can provide additional capabilities to not only its workforce but the citizens it serves in a highly secure manner."

The foundation for the AT&T Data Services VPN solution is the state-of-the-art AT&T Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-enabled network, a fully managed, highly secure, scalable data network, which enables customers to incorporate leading edge applications on the network. This powerful foundation provides the secure, reliable VPN network best suited to support USDA needs for an IP-converged network connecting USDA's sites nationwide.

As a recognized leader in network security, AT&T will also provide Managed Security services for USDA such as Managed Firewall, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Managed e-Authentication Service, Vulnerability Scanning, Anti-Virus Management, Incident Response, Secure Managed e-mail, and Managed Tiered Security Services.

"USDA needs an approach to security that not only safeguards their data and other assets, but also identifies and stops cyber threats before they reach their network perimeter," said Ed Amoroso, Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President, AT&T Services, Inc. "AT&T's cloud-based approach, coupled with our industry-leading Managed Security Services, provides USDA with a highly advanced cyber security solution ready to respond to the ever-changing threat environment."

With the new architecture, the USDA will improve its ability to securely share information between its many nationwide offices and stakeholders, including businesses, state and local government partners, and public citizens.

AT&T, the incumbent data carrier for USDA, has been engaged with the Cabinet-level agency for several years. AT&T has deployed sites for the USDA Universal Telecommunications Network (UTN) VPN under the Federal Telecommunications Service 2001 (FTS2001) Crossover contract.

The USDA task order has a one-year base with six one-year options.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T Government Solutions

AT&T Government Solutions is a long-standing, trusted source of network-enabled solutions for the federal government, integrating unmatched network resources and IT and software engineering expertise with innovative technologies from AT&T Labs and industry-leading partners. With headquarters in Oakton, Va., AT&T Government Solutions is best known for network leadership in voice, data, video and managed services. AT&T Government Solutions is a proven solutions integrator, with expertise in areas such as Information Assurance, Network Solutions, Application Solutions and Mission Support.

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