GTSI wins Agriculture BPAs

GTSI has been awarded two blanket purchase agreements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each valued at $25 million. Taken together, the BPAs represent GTSI’s largest win at USDA.

One BPA offers rugged notebook PCs to support USDA’s communications requirements for field, state, regional and headquarter offices. GTSI will supply Panasonic Computer Solutions’ Toughbook 18 products, which conform to MIL-STD-810F environmental testing specifications.

The Toughbook 18 features integrated wireless wide-area network and global positioning system capabilities. The product has a swiveling display that allows it to be used as a notebook or tablet computer.

The ruggedized technology is geared toward USDA’s field employees. Mark Wenners, GTSI sales manager for mobile technology, said USDA employs 10,000 inspectors. When used as a tablet, the Toughbook 18 will let a field worker use the device to fill out an inspection form, said Chris Pate, senior director with GTSI’s Panasonic and Mobile Solutions Enterprise Technology Practice.

Under the other BPA, GTSI will team with Cisco Systems to provide wireless infrastructure technology and ancillary services.

Mohamed Elrefai, senior director for GTSI’s Cisco Enterprise Technology Practice, said the BPA will support the wireless needs of USDA’s Service Center Agencies and field offices.