AT&T Selected for $725 Million/12-Year Agreement to Modernize U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Data Network

Rhea-AI Summary

AT&T has been awarded a $725 million contract over 12 years by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to modernize its data communications platform. This advancement aims to support the VA's mission of providing healthcare and benefits to around 18 million veterans and their families. AT&T will enhance the network's speed and capacity, enabling near-real-time access to medical records, which is expected to improve health outcomes. The project is already underway with planning in collaboration with the VA.

Positive

• Awarded a $725 million contract from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Improvements in data network expected to enhance healthcare access for 18 million veterans.
• Contract supports long-term infrastructure for advanced network capabilities.

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• None.

OAKTON, Va., June 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

What's the news? AT&T* was selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver a modernized data communications platform that will serve as a foundation for innovative VA technology capabilities to drive mission outcomes. AT&T was awarded the $725 million-over-12 years Task Order by VA under the General Services Administration's Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract for federal agencies.

Why is this important? The VA requires a high speed, high capacity and resilient urban and rural data network to support its missions. Those include offering health care and benefits to approximately 18 million veterans and their families; responsibility for 142 national cemeteries and shrines; and supporting national preparedness for war, terrorism, national emergencies and natural disasters. VA manages America's largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) and serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.

What is the scope of the network modernization? We will work with the VA to continuously transform its IP-based data network to exceed its goals of a highly secure, scalable, highly available, and resilient technology infrastructure that can enable rapid cloud adoption. Some of the advanced capabilities we are providing include Wide Area Networking, Virtual Private Networking and Managed Network  services.

How will AT&T's capabilities support VA's mission? Our advanced technologies will help VA transform a broad array of data-based and data intensive processes. As just one example, our Wide Area Network capabilities can allow VA care providers to access a Veteran's health care records in near-real time on their connected device: replacing paper and fax-based health record sharing and helping to ensure timely delivery of care to improve health outcomes.

When does the work begin? We are already working with VA on planning.

Daniel Mesimer, Director, WAN/LAN Infrastructure Engineering & Provisioning
Solution Delivery, Office of Information and Technology, IT Operations and Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
"VA is continuing to explore and innovate with advancing technologies to help us provide exceptional customer service to our nations Veterans."

Chris Smith, Vice President-Civilian and Shared Services, AT&T Public Sector and FirstNet
"It is a special honor to win the opportunity to help VA modernize its mission in the service of our many heroes. We're thrilled to complement our broad array of AT&T programs that benefit veterans with an advanced data communications platform and capabilities that will power VA's mission for years to come."

Where can I find more information? Go here for more information about AT&T's work in the public sector or visit VA here.

*About AT&T Communications
We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives.

AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.

 

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SOURCE AT&T Communications

FAQ

What is the value of AT&T's contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

AT&T was awarded a $725 million contract.

How long is the contract awarded to AT&T by the VA?

The contract spans 12 years.

What is the purpose of the contract awarded to AT&T by the VA?

The contract aims to modernize the VA's data communications platform.

How many veterans benefit from the services provided under the AT&T contract?

The services will benefit approximately 18 million veterans.

What technologies will AT&T provide under its contract with the VA?

AT&T will provide Wide Area Networking, Virtual Private Networking, and Managed Network services.