Avaya renews GSA contract

Avaya Inc. has renewed its contract with the General Services Administration, extending its presence on the GSA schedule through 2007.

Avaya, which builds communications networks, is pleased that new cooperative purchasing rules could extend the GSA contract to state and local governments as well, said Bob Fortna, president of Avaya's government solutions business.

However, the company does not have specific plans to use the schedule at the state and local level, he said.

"What this gives our state and local customers is yet another contracting alternative. It's a convenience for them," he said. Not all local jurisdictions will use it, but some will find it a boon, he said.

Avaya has developed blanket purchase agreements with several agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Secret Service. The company also has several other contract vehicles, including a voice, video and data contract with the Navy.