The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week awarded Verizon Communications [VZ] a potential $678.5 million contract to be the primary provider for a common secure global Internet Protocol network as department transitions to its OneNet program.
AT&T‘s [T] Government Solutions business received a potential $292 million award to be the back up provider in the Eastern and Western regions under OneNet.
The contracts run for 10 years and were awarded under the General Services Administration’s Networx Universal contract vehicle, which allows government agencies to purchase telecommunications and related network services.
Under OneNet DHS is consolidating seven legacy Wide Area Networks into a single IP network infrastructure. The existing WANs are a legacy from the formation of the DHS five years ago when 22 separate agencies were merged to create the department.
OneNet is expected to improve cyber security and improve data sharing throughout DHS.
“The advanced network that we deploy will serve as the vital springboard for the department’s evolving requirements going forward,” John Killian, president of Verizon Business, said in a statement. Verizon will manage and secure over 5,000 agency sites worldwide. The company will also implement a Security Operations Center for DHS. The company also said it will employ Emergency Management Communications Services to help DHS prepare for emergency responses. These services will help DHS to establish quick, mobile connectivity to any affected area within the United States and its territories for disaster response and recovery.
So far no task orders have been awarded under the new contracts.