AT&T (News - Alert) Government Solutions is a long-standing, trusted source of network-enabled solutions for the federal government. Several government agencies have benefited from the organization’s efforts at integrating unmatched network resources and IT and software engineering expertise with innovative technologies from AT&T Labs and industry-leading partners.

The company that has proved its mantle as a solutions integrator, in the areas such as Information Assurance, Network Solutions (News - Alert), Application Solutions and Mission Support, has recently announced it has won a task order worth up to $350 million to provide Managed Security Services and deploy a Virtual Private Network for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Data Services.

The USDA is has a geographically dispersed network, encompassing over 29 agencies and offices with a diverse set of objectives. The Cabinet-level agency is charged with serving our nation's farmers, conserving natural resources, protecting the food supply, and serving millions of constituents who rely on the agency's services.

The task order was awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration Networx Universal contract vehicle. Under the terms of the task order, AT&T is required to utilize its transition planning and network management capabilities to implement a Department-wide managed IP network architecture. The architecture will enable shared services across a new, unified infrastructure. AT&T will provide data services to over 5,000 USDA locations across the country.

Under the agreement, AT&T will also provide Managed Security services for USDA such as Managed Firewall, Intrusion (News - Alert) Detection and Prevention, Managed e-Authentication Service, Vulnerability Scanning, Anti-Virus Management, Incident Response, Secure Managed e-mail, and Managed Tiered Security Services.

“A growing demand to provide information in a secure fashion and on a global scale are key challenges that many federal agencies face today and tomorrow. USDA Data Services is not only designed to meet these challenges via the deployment of a corporate data network, but also through close collaboration between USDA and its agencies. USDA will use the Networx program to transform our operations through new technologies so we can provide our customers with more advanced network services while also meeting the needs of our citizens,” Christopher L. Smith, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, said.

The newly installed VPN architecture will help USDA improve its ability to securely share information between its many nationwide offices and stakeholders, including businesses, state and local government partners, and public citizens.

“The migration to a VPN architecture for USDA is not only a significant evolution of their network but an example of how the agency has been able to successfully execute its network vision. Given our long-standing network engagement with USDA, and AT&T's expertise in providing cybersecurity solutions to the federal government, AT&T can help the agency achieve the next-generation of its network so it can provide additional capabilities to not only its workforce but the citizens it serves in a highly secure manner,” Jeff Mohan, executive director, Networx Program Office at AT&T Government Solutions, commented.

Madhubanti Rudra is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Juliana Kenny