Qwest to boost HUD networks

Qwest Communications International could earn up to $19 million through a new contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Working as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, Qwest will provide enhanced networking capability to HUD offices, improving the transfer of data between nearly 100 field locations and six regional offices.

The contract includes a five-month initial term for $1.1 million and nine one-year options. Qwest will use its iQ Networking product, which includes access to Qwest’s multiprotocol label switching-based private IP network.

“By working with this important cabinet-level department, Qwest is supporting the transfer of critical data between multiple HUD locations over Qwest’s secure, reliable nationwide infrastructure,” said James Payne, senior vice president of government services for Qwest. “This represents a new opportunity for us with an agency we’ve been providing service to for several years.”