Telecommunications

Networx
General Services Administration

Estimated value: Approximately $20 billion over 10 years
Expected award date: July 2006 (Networx Universal), September 2006 (Networx Enterprise)

The largest pending network contract in the world, Networx will provide telecommunications and network services to all agencies. The replacement for FTS2001 and FTS2001 Crossover, it actually consists of two contracts. Networx Universal will provide national telecommunications services, while Networx Enterprise will provide more localized service. Note that while all agencies can use Networx, some in Defense might prefer to use the upcoming Global Information Grid-Bandwidth Expansion (GIG-BE) contract, the DISA-sponsored counterpart geared toward military communications.

Integrated Wireless Network
Justice Department

Estimated value: $2.5 billion
Expected award date: Unknown

Although IWN is being managed by the Justice Department, it's actually a combined effort of Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury to create a consolidated wireless communications service for law enforcement officers at all three departments, as well as at state and local levels. This far-reaching contract, which will result in awards of two IDIQ contracts with the possibility of a third, would greatly improve the interoperability of federal agencies during disasters, but its course could now be altered, thanks to hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other natural disasters that have shifted priorities and pointed up communications problems.

Treasury Communications Enterprise
Treasury Department

Estimated value: Previously awarded for $1 billion
Expected award date: Unknown

Although Networx is viewed as the primary federal telecommunications contract, the Treasury Department has reversed an earlier decision to scrap its own in favor of Networx and revived TCE, a telecommunications services contract. The award, made to AT&T earlier this year, was originally withdrawn due to a Government Accountability Office ruling siding with protests from other vendors. The department has decided to reopen bidding, giving vendors that previously had submitted proposals the opportunity to deliver revised offers. Some believe the contract's future is uncertain and could result in another protest. Bids were due in November.