About GSA
Networx Networx Overview

The Networx program will provide comprehensive, best-value telecommunications and networking services and technical solutions to all federal agencies.  The Networx program will serve as the primary replacement for the expiring FTS2001 and FTS 2001 Crossover contracts and Federal Wireless contracts. 

Networx Approach

Networx is designed to support a governmentwide Enterprise Architecture.  It will provide a framework that supports cross-agency collaboration, transformation, and governmentwide technology improvement.  Networx will maximize the use of government resources by providing a common procurement infrastructure and a performance based approach that will embrace commercial technical and interface standards.  Networx will require that service providers offer the most current security features and services to ensure a secure government operating environment. 

Networx will introduce new technology, new industry partners, and new ways to achieve a more efficient and effective government.  It will allow agencies to focus their valuable resources on building a seamless and interoperable operating environment while GSA ensures agency access to the best technology that industry has to offer. 
Networx leverages GSA acquisition knowledge and experience to provide proven acquisition processes and methodologies, and innovative thinking that will lead to an exceptional useful and cost effective government technology acquisition program. 

Small Business

Small business will have opportunities to participate in the Networx program.  All prime contractors on Networx will be required to meet tough small business goals that will ensure significant subcontracting opportunities.  GSA will monitor small business content and ensure that small business goals are met. 

IMC Coordination and Goals

The Interagency Management Council (IMC) and the four primary IMC working groups are vital members of the Networx program team.  Together, FTS and Agency representatives have agreed on the following program goals.

  • Service continuity.  All services to all locations that are currently provided on the FTS2001 and Crossover contracts must be included in the Networx program.
  • Highly competitive prices.  Prices on the Networx program must continue to be better than prices available elsewhere in the telecommunications marketplace. 
  • High quality service.  Service on the Networx contracts must be provided by high quality telecommunications providers.  The contracts must include enforceable agreements that will ensure high quality service is delivered throughout the term of the contracts.
  • Full service providers.  Service providers who are awarded contracts on Networx be capable of providing a broad array of services.
  • Alternative sources.  Networx must provide access to a broad spectrum of industry service providers.
  • Operations support.  Improve ordering, billing, and inventory management.
  • Transition assistance and support.  The contracts must include provisions that facilitate transition coordination and support.
  • Performance based contracts.  The contracts must be performance based with Service Level Agreements to the extent possible.

FTS Networx Acquisitions

The Networx program consists of two simultaneous acquisitions:  FTS Networx Universal and FTS Networx Enterprise.  Both Networx Universal and Enterprise are broadly scoped acquisitions with a comprehensive suite of services.  Using the FTS2001 program as a baseline, Networx includes current services as well as those that anticipate the future needs of our customers.  These new services are based on detailed market research and technical analysis, have been reviewed by customers to ensure an adequate market exists, and have been adjusted based on industry Request for Information (RFI) feedback.  In addition, Networx will maintain a robust and timely service enhancement activity to ensure that our customers have access to the newest technologies and services available within our industry. 

FTS Networx Universal

Networx Universal will be competed among providers, or teams of providers, who can offer a comprehensive range of domestic and international services.  Service providers will be required to provide service to all government locations currently served under existing programs, as well as all commercial locations served by the offeror.  This acquisition is structured to provide government agencies with uninterrupted service to all locations currently served and ensure continuity for mission essential activities. 

FTS Networx Enterprise

Enterprise is constructed around a minimum service profile that will provide attractive value to our agencies without demanding that offerors meet the tougher Universal requirements for continuity and full service.  Enterprise offerors must bid a core set of Internet Protocol (IP) or wireless services to a specified geographic profile.  Using the above entry criteria, service providers meet the program goal for alternative providers.  It also fulfills the need to open Networx to relatively smaller, non-traditional IP or wireless technology providers that can offer innovative solutions to meet the government’s increasingly complex needs. 

Transition

Together with members of the IMC Transition Working Group the Networx Program has begun planning for the transition to the Networx contracts.  GSA has collected lessons learned on the problems and successes experienced during the FTS2001 transition and have made progress in developing a transition management plan.  While transition is always difficult, GSA has started early to plan for a smooth transition to Networx from FTS2001. 

Schedule

The Networx Draft Request for Proposals (RFPs) will be released on November 1, 2004.  Following receipt of draft RFP comments, changes and comments will be incorporated into the draft documents and the final RFP will be issued on April 1, 2005.  Awards are planned for April of 2006. 

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Last Modified 9/27/2004