GSA taps MetTel for its own EIS contract

The General Services Administration awarded two task orders potentially worth over $230 million under its next-generation, $50 billion telecommunications contract for its operations.

The orders, which went to MetTel under GSA's Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) contract, cover network and voice for the agency. The orders were awarded June 23 by GSA's Federal Acquisition Services Office of Integrated Technology Services, according to contract data gathered from the agency's Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).

GSA manages the governmentwide EIS contract so its adoption of the new vehicle for its own use is a signal that it doesn't intend to lag behind the rest of government.

A GSA spokeswoman declined to comment on the awards because of a 30-day period in which protests can be filed.

Industry sources said the task orders are a significant part of GSA's move to the EIS contract and off of legacy vehicles. GSA currently contracts with AT&T, CenturyLink and Verizon as incumbent carriers for many telecommunications services. The FPDS data shows GSA received four offers for both orders. The data doesn't identify the bidders, however.

GSA's Nationwide Data Task Order, which has a $169,096,932 ceiling over the next 12 years, covers all the agency's data services, managed security and managed network services, including Trusted Internet Compliance (TIC) Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services (MTIPS).

The agency's Nationwide Voice Task Order, which has a $64,105,669 ceiling over the next dozen years, covers the agency's voice services, such as VoIP, hard-line telephone service and toll free services.

Time is running out for agencies to adopt the new telecommunications contract. At the start of fiscal year 2021, GSA will freeze new orders on its old Networx, WITS 3, and Regional local service contracts, forcing agencies who have lagged behind in issuing their EIS task orders.