GCN award winners announced, and State issues cell phone and IT solicitations

10 projects take top honors in GCN Awards

Ten public-sector IT systems were named winners of the 2015 GCN Awards for IT excellence, including federal projects to expand digital services to users on a global scale and local government apps that streamline citizens' online experiences.

The winning projects range from a cloud-based system that enables Utah's financial managers to turn around fiscal analytics at warp speed to a Department of Homeland Security program that uses the cloud to provide forensics data on the fly to investigators of child sexual abuse.

Go here for the full list of winners.

State Department needs help getting a handle on cell phones

Only those with "the most contemporary [mobile device] models available" need apply.

In a request for information, State Department officials said they are seeking help managing a sprawling cell phone situation.

The department pays $16 million annually on devices and services for 36,000 users of BlackBerry, Android, iOS and Windows platforms, and relies on four service providers (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile) and myriad fulfillment models (including faxes).

In a May report, the Government Accountability Office criticized the department for failing to inventory its mobile devices and services.

Responses to the RFI are due by Aug. 24.

$700M State IT contract hits the streets

The State Department has issued the final solicitation for its $700 million Hybrid IT and Telecommunications Services for State contract, Washington Technology reports.

The multiple-award contract will cover a wide range of services and is open to all small companies, including those located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones or owned by service-disabled veterans or women.

Bids are due by Sept. 30.