USPS awards $186m communications deal to Verizon

The US Postal Service has awarded contracts supporting its internal IT communications network and website, including a $186m deal for telecoms giant Verizon. Verizon said its six-year deal will see it continuing its work running the Postal Service’s internal IT communications network.

It said its activities would include planning, designing and installing network capabilities to help USPS can more efficiently manage its data and co-ordinate staff and operations.

Prime

One of the largest providers of IT services to the US government, Verizon said it has been selected as prime contractor for USPS to continue work on the Postal Service Internet protocol communications network.

The telecoms firm has previously provided network services through the Postal Service Managed Network Services contract, providing USPS with one of the world’s largest private network under the contract that began in 1997.

Under the new deal, Verizon will continue to manage the existing network from its dedicated network operations centre in Cary, North Carolina, connecting up more than 31,000 postal locations.

Susan Zeleniak, group president for Verizon Federal, said: “The Postal Service’s operations are among the most far-reaching and complex in the world, and Verizon is helping them keep the mailing public connected every step of the way.

“Whether it’s tracking Express Mail, selling stamps on usps.com or linking more than 31,000 postal facilities, we’re delivering the communications backbone that helps keep the mail on time in a modern world.”

Support

Meanwhile, Maryland-based Aquilent, a specialist in IT contracting for the government sector, said it has won a deal extending its 10-year day-to-day support role for the usps.com website.

The USPS website was upgraded last year to become more consumer-friendly as the Postal Service seeks to build on increasing customer demand to access postal services online.

Aquilent said it would continue work to develop the website while supporting its use by 30m visitors per month, with activities ranging from usability testing and measurement to website performance measurement, analysis and reporting.

David Fout, Aquilent’s CEO, said: Aquilent has supported USPS since 2000, helping early on to develop, define and implement the processes necessary to support and continuously improve the rapidly expanding online presence for the US Postal Service. We are excited to have the opportunity to continue this role as the site evolves.”