Efficient communication and access to information are of high importance in order for government agencies to function effectively. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, which is tasked with auditing and investigating federal programs, is no exception. To fulfill its critical role of serving Congress and the American people, the GAO requires a robust and secure network infrastructure.
Therefore, in a move designed to enhance efficiency and transparency within the federal government, Lumen Technologies secured a $73.6 million contract to overhaul the network infrastructure of the GAO. This comprehensive upgrade will encompass data, voice and video connectivity to further allow the GAO to deliver critical information and analysis to Congress and the American public more effectively.
Lumen's advanced solutions will equip the GAO, the investigative and auditing arm of Congress, with a secure and reliable platform for communication and collaboration. The contract includes the provision of managed network services, virtual private networks, ethernet transport, internet protocol services, videoconferencing capabilities and robust voice and toll-free services. This multifaceted approach will facilitate the seamless exchange of timely, nonpartisan and fact-based information between the GAO, Congress, the executive branch and the citizenry.
The potential impact of this modernization project extends beyond improved communication channels. By transitioning to a contractor-owned and contractor-operated network model, the GAO stands to achieve significant cost savings. Lumen's expertise will enable the agency to reduce capital expenditures while simultaneously boosting operational efficiency and service delivery.
"Lumen's network strength is helping GAO transform how it connects and communicates using modern technology — an important move that will help the agency make timely recommendations to Congress that save taxpayer money and benefit the American people," said Jason Schulman, Lumen national vice president of federal government sales. "GAO chose Lumen to guide the agency as it adopts, manages and leads through technology evolutions and digital transformation.”
The initial contract term is set for one year, with the potential for eight additional one-year extensions. This extended timeframe underscores Lumen's commitment to supporting the GAO's long-term goals and ensuring the continued success of this vital government agency.
By leveraging Lumen's secure, scalable and reliable network infrastructure, the GAO can improve the performance and accountability within the federal government, serving the best interests of the American people.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
