FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/08/09 -- Nortel Government Solutions (NGS), a U.S. company wholly owned by Nortel(1) (TSX: NT)(OTCBB: NRTLQ) and operating independently as the United States federal government vertical supplier, has been awarded the General Services Administration's (GSA) Alliant contract. The announcement was made by GSA on March 27, 2009.
Alliant is GSA's flagship Government Wide Acquisition Contract vehicle (GWAC). This solutions-based contract enables Federal customers to purchase IT services, hardware, software, new technologies and other components necessary for a complete IT solution through task order competition. The Alliant contract is significant because it replaces two former GSA GWACs - Answer and Millennia. The statutory periods of performance for both those vehicles conclude in 2009. Of the more than 7,000 U.S. companies categorized as IT integrators and integrated systems contractors, 66 were deemed qualified to initially compete for Alliant awards with 59 awarded final Alliant prime contracts.
A Welcome Recognition
"The Alliant award comes as a welcome recognition of Nortel Government Solutions' continued solid position in the U.S. Federal marketplace. We are very pleased to be among the awardees of this strategic contract," said Chuck Saffell, chief executive officer, Nortel Government Solutions.
All prospective Alliant IT solution providers were subjected to an intensive screening and evaluation process during the competition and review period. GSA examined and closely re-examined each candidate's past performances, systems capabilities and financial integrity.
"This award confirms our solid position in the Federal market and recognizes the strength of our business practices, our technical excellence and financial soundness - all traits demanded by the Alliant vetting process itself. This GWAC also gives NGS another very attractive way to continue providing innovative, comprehensive and cost effective support and solutions to our present and future government clients," Saffell said.
The Alliant GWAC is available for use by all U.S. Government agencies, departments and entities. It is supported by GSA in all regions of the country and around the world. It may also be administered directly by individual agency contracting organizations by way of a GSA provided delegation of authority. The Alliant contract has an overall 10 year period of performance consisting of one initial five year base period and one five year option period. It has a US$50 billion ceiling and supports firm fixed price, cost plus, time and materials and labor hour task order types.
About Nortel Government Solutions
Nortel Government Solutions is a network-centric integrator, converging IT services and communications to help government ensure the security, livelihood, and well being of its citizens.
