The Networx Universal contract is an Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a potential value of $20 billion over the next 10 years and allows AT&T to provide a full range of network and communications services to federal government agencies.

"AT&T is ready to do what we do best: help agency leaders meet critical mission objectives and better serve their customers by maximizing their communications capabilities," said Don Herring, senior vice president, AT&T Government Solutions. "AT&T will be a partner to all agencies that want to transition today, or when they're ready, to the converged IP world of the future, by helping them enhance their network infrastructure through Networx. The GSA's award of Networx to AT&T is a reflection of our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations and our past performance record of delivering integrated life-cycle solutions that meet each agency's unique requirements."

Under the terms of the Networx Universal contract, AT&T can compete for task orders for telecommunications and networking services. The AT&T Networx team brings together industry-leading networking and IT capabilities, which include Northrop Grumman Information Technology of McLean, Va.; EDS of Herndon, Va.; GTSI Corp. of Chantilly, Va.; SRA International, Inc., of Fairfax, Va.; Bechtel National of Frederick, Md; and Global Crossing of Florham Park, N.J.

"In terms of network reach, bandwidth capabilities, and experience in transition programs, AT&T has a proven and experienced Networx team," said Herring. "With AT&T's new integrated network architecture, agencies can access the world's most flexible, scalable, secure and fully integrated global IP and wireless network. AT&T is using this world-class network and our expertise to build solutions to overcome agencies' communications and IT challenges."

AT&T provides telecommunications services to multiple federal defense and civilian agencies under the FTS2001 Crossover contract. The company has signed IP network contracts with the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. AT&T Government Solutions has more than 4,000 employees solely dedicated to serving the needs of the federal government, 85 percent of whom hold government-sponsored accesses and clearances, and 75 percent of whom are based in the D.C. area.

"Networx gives agencies a tremendous range of telecommunications solutions and services that are available at a low cost and will address everything from ensuring continuity of operations to securing data from cyber attacks," said Herring. "As a full-service provider, AT&T can help agencies address these challenges by delivering the best value through our broad portfolio of products and services, proven technologies and innovation from AT&T Labs and our Networx partners."

Networx consists of two contract vehicles to which AT&T has submitted bids: Networx Universal, which was awarded today, and Networx Enterprise, which is expected to be awarded in May. Networx will replace the expiring GSA Federal Technology Service 2001 (FTS2001) and FTS2001 Crossover contract vehicles. The IDIQ contract gives AT&T, its partners and others the right to compete for specific task orders within the scope of the Networx Universal contract - AT&T.