Network Services Conference

GSA U.S. General Services Administration

FAS/ITS 2008 Network Services Conference
Dallas, Texas
August 11 - 14, 2008

Training Sessions

Rope Into Transition: Transition Manager 101

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am

37th Floor, Majestic 4

Are you a new Transition Manager? Want a refresher? Don't be left in the dust. Sign up today, space is limited. Please click on the link below to register.

DAR Training
Monday August 11, 9:00am AND 1:00pm

AT&T Networx DAR Training
Qwest DAR Training
Level 3 DAR Training
Verizon Business DAR Training
Sprint DAR Training

Training Tracks
Tuesday, August 12 - Thursday, August 14

TRACK 1. ITS NETWORK SERVICES
TRACK 2. NETWORX PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
TRACK 3. NETWORX SERVICE PROVIDERS
TRACK 4. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES/SOLUTIONS
TRACK 5. ITS CONTRACTING & ASSISTED SERVICES
TRACK 6. NATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

*May be of interest to state & local governments
** May be of interest to contracting personnel

AT&T Networx DAR Training

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am	Lone Star A4
Mon. August 11, 1:00 pm	Lone Star A4

This course provides an introduction to AT&T Government Solutions Networx services and features, highlighting the benefits of each. This course is designed for executives and other government decision makers. Information will be provided on Network security, end-to-end ordering processes and features, transition activities and the roles and responsibilities of the AT&T CPO. Upon completion of this class, students shall be able to share information with others about: AT&T Government Solution Networx core capabilities, Transition events, Networx products and services, AT&T Business Portal, Network performance and management, Security offers, Government roles and responsibilities.

Qwest® Government Services - Networx DAR Training

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am	Lone Star A2
Mon. August 11, 1:00 pm	Lone Star A2

The Qwest Networx DAR training introduces our Networx services, features and benefits. This training includes processes and procedures designed to enhance the Networx customer service experience.

The Qwest DAR training includes:

Overview of Qwest Networx Services
Demonstration of Qwest Operational Support Systems (Qwest Control Networx Portal)
Overview of Qwest Service Delivery, Inventory, and Repair Processes and Procedures
Billing Inquiry and Reporting functions
Transition procedural overview
Roles and Responsibilities

Level 3 Networx DAR Training

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am	Lone Star C4
Mon. August 11, 1:00 pm	Lone Star C4

This DAR training session is an abbreviated version of the Level 3 DAR course that is accessible via the Level 3 Networx Training site. This session provides the Government DAR (Designated Agency Representative) with actionable information about the Level 3 Networx Enterprise contract. Students will learn about our services, support systems, processes and procedures as well as transition assistance. Focus will be on the entry and tracking of orders within the Level 3 Enterprise Portal, and the support provided by our Customer Support Office (CSO). There are four modules in this training.

Module 1: Overview of Networx Services
Module 2: Operational Overview
Module 3: Transition Planning
Module 4: Networx Portal – Order Placement and Tracking

Verizon Business Designated Agency Representative (DAR) Overview for Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am	Lone Star A3
Mon. August 11, 1:00 pm	Lone Star A3

This session will provide information on the following:

Operational Support Systems -- Includes an overview of the Networx Universal Customer Center (NUCC) / Networx Enterprise Customer Center (NECC) and demonstrations of the service order and tracking system, billing / dispute system, trouble reporting and trouble ticket tracking system, as well as network management and monitoring systems.
Processes and Procedures – Reviews how to place and track orders and report and track troubles and issues. Explains procedures for escalating problem resolution, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining credit adjustments. Discusses security and fraud prevention, including customer premises safeguards.

Attendees will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.

Sprint DAR Training

Mon. August 11, 9:00 am	Lone Star C3
Mon. August 11, 1:00 pm	Lone Star C3

Sprint will provide DAR overview training in two four hour sessions. DARs may register for one of two sessions in the morning or in the afternoon. Students will be introduced to the Networx contract; Sprint products and service offerings; and an overview of Sprint service order processes, billing dispute handling, trouble management, customer support and pricing. Students will also receive an overview and demonstration of the Sprint Government Web Portal and the Sprint Networx Billing Software tool.

Upon completion of the DAR training at the 2008 Network Services conference, students will be able to:

Enhance agency telecommunications effectiveness by gaining a better understanding of the selection of applicable service and applications
Understand Sprint Networx Enterprise services and products, security offerings, and Government roles and responsibilities
Describe Sprint Operational Support Systems including online billing, service ordering, trouble management, pricing, inventory, report snap-shot and ad hoc reporting
Understand Sprint Networx processes and procedures, including: placing and tracking orders, reporting and tracking troubles and complaints, escalation procedures for problem resolution, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining credit adjustments.
Describe the Sprint and Government Agency roles and responsibilities, expectations, timeframes and preparation activities as they apply to transition

Track 1: ITS NETWORK SERVICES

1.1 Connections: Federal Telecommunications Infrastructure - Equipment, Support, Solutions

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star A1
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star A1

Government agencies need unique procurement solutions that get new projects up and running quickly, provide flexibility in times of change or crises and capitalize on pre-qualified Industry Partners. GSA's Connections contracts provide a full range of telecommunications infrastructure equipment, support services and solutions whether to meet a specific on-premise requirement or to support an entire enterprise. Discover how agencies use Connections in their procurement strategies or as a complement to local and long distance telecommunications transport contracts like Networx.

1.2 Satellite Services

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star A1
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star A2

GSA’s Satellite Services-II (SATCOM-II) is a five-year program that will provide an expanded set of end-to-end worldwide satellite communication solutions for government agencies. SATCOM-II covers four types of satellite services: transport, applications, design, engineering and maintenance; and professional support as the small-business set-aside.

1.3 The new WITS3 – Enabler of your agency’s vision of business transformation

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star A2
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star A1

Continuing the successful legacy of the Washington Interagency Telecommunications System (WITS), the new WITS3 welcomes Level 3 Communications and Verizon Business Solutions as its new business transformation partners. You will hear from WITS program experts and our industry partners about the new WITS3 contract, its services, products and solutions. Participants will learn about the broad service portfolios that offer flexibility, latest network solutions and competitive prices to enable the vision of your agency for its next generation networks.

1.4 Regional Telecom Program – Services and Capabilities that Support Your Agency’s Telecommunications Needs in this Complex and Changing Environment

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm

Lone Star A2

A panel of Regional Network Services Program Directors will discuss the day-to-day telecommunications services provided to agencies across the nation. Whether you need to order a simple phone line, understand a sophisticated VOIP service, or recover from a natural disaster, these Program Directors will describe how the Regional Program can enable and support your telecommunications services. You will gain an understanding of the myriad contract vehicles and the technical expertise available to guide you through this period of rapid technological change.

1.5 Multiple Award Schedule 70 & Options for Network Services*

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star A3
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star A3

Information Technology products and services can streamline an agency, expedite processes and add capabilities. GSA’s IT Schedule 70 program is home to more than 5,000 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts made available to Federal, state and local Governments for IT procurement needs, including integrated IT solutions. The schedule contractors provide commercial IT products, including hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and services, as well as training and IT professional services. GSA contracting officers negotiate with contractors, the terms, conditions and prices based on most favored customer discounts for the contracts. Federal Agencies then deal directly with the contractors in satisfying their procurement needs. Small business needs are important to GSA. Seventy to seventy-five percent of all vendors that have an IT Schedule 70 contract are small businesses. GSA is always available to provide guidance and assistance to both industry and the Federal government customer. Please come to hear how the GSA IT Schedule 70 Program can help customers streamline acquisition, save time and money, while being in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and help you meet your agency's mission.

1.6 How to Achieve Small Business Goals using ITS

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star A1
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star A4

Revealing a new perspective on fulfilling your technology and socioeconomic goals – this seminar will spotlight GSA's Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) set aside for small technology firms: 8(a) STARS, VETS, COMMITS NextGen, and the upcoming Alliant Small Business contract. The Small Business GWACs offer integrated technology and network solutions to support federal agencies’ mission needs. Designed for Federal procurement, IT, and Network Management professionals, this seminar takes the buyer through the contract structure beginning with definition, authority, scope, and ordering procedures from the small business contract perspective. Also included are examples and sample task orders representing actual customer requirements and how these contracts were utilized to deliver integrated technology solutions.

1.7 Integrated Technology Solutions using Enterprise GWACs

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star A3
Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm	Lone Star A1

Learn about GSA’s Enterprise Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), and how they complement the Integrated Technology Services (ITS) Network Services and IT Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program. The Enterprise GWACs provide federal agencies comprehensive IT and network services worldwide enabling total solutions to be tailored relative to mission requirements. This course will highlight the latest IT and network service offerings from industry partners, along with the best practices and leading edge aspects of contract management (i.e., customer focus, partnership with industry, education and training, risk management and contract oversight) provided by GSA’s Enterprise GWACs: ANSWER, Millennia, Millennia Lite, and the upcoming Alliant contract.

1.8 Networx Overview

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am

Lone Star A4

Networx will provide the full range of communication services required to support and transform agency networks over the next 10 years. Networx Universal and Networx Enterprise will replace FTS2001 and the Crossover contracts. In this session you will learn about both procurements, the services available to your agency, how to order service, mandatory Service Level Agreement provisions and other key features of these acquisitions. This session is ideal for anyone new to this arena.

1.9 FSSI- Wireless Telecom Expense Management

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm	Lone Star A2
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star A2

Learn how cross-government collaboration and adoption of industry best practices has allowed the government to aggregate requirements, streamline processes and leverage buying power to provide best value and create repeatable processes that can be used in any acquisition environment to drive down the cost of commonly purchased commodities. During this course, you will learn why it was necessary to establish a common procurement vehicle through which government agencies may procure wireless TEM services; how to lower the total costs associated with wireless services while maintaining industry standard service levels; and how to use business intelligence to better support overall decision making and performance management related to the use and support of wireless telecommunications service and devices.

1.10 GSA Regional Meet and Greet

Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm

San Antonio

An open forum in which customers will be able to gather and meet their GSA regional representatives and learn about the various contracts and services offered.

1.11 Applications Today: Using Satellite for Distance Learning within the Federal Government

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm

Lone Star A3

Learn how 17 Federal agencies are partnering through the Government Alliance for Education & Training by Satellite (GATES) to leverage satellite technology to achieve their distance learning objectives through the use of interactive television and prerecorded video, reaching students in remote classrooms and at their desktops. Discover how GSA's SATCOM II contract has supported interagency cooperation through the Government Education & Training Network (GETN), and how this cooperation has resulted in decreasing costs and increasing the effectiveness of distance learning for the Federal Government. Decide whether there are benefits to your organization in using satellite for distance learning, and affiliating with those of us who do. This presentation is non-technical.

1.12 Why is Federal Relay so Important?

Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm

Lone Star A1

Did you know GSA manages the Federal Relay (FedRelay) program which enables federal employees who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech disabilities to have equivalent telecommunication access?? Calls are relayed using specially trained Communications Assistants or Video Interpreters who act as a transparent conduit for the transmittal of information. Federal Relay services are provided to hundreds of federal agencies and sub-agencies, as well as non-federal and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and 565 federally-recognized American Indian and Native Alaskan tribes, bands, groups and villages which are authorized to purchase goods and services from GSA.

Track 2: NETWORX PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

2.1 Transition to Networx is on Its Way!

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am

Lone Star A2

Find out what GSA is doing to help keep it moving along. You'll hear how GSA's Transition Coordination Center (TCC) is tracking transition progress, providing Agencies and contractors with tools to make transition easier, working to resolve issues, reimbursing Agencies for transition expenses, and managing risks to transition success.

2.2 Transition Working Group Update

Thur. August 14, 9:00 am

Lone Star C1

The Transition Working Group has been working since May 2003 to identify obstacles and impediments to transition. This activity has resulted in a series of tools available for you to use as you start your transition to Networx. Come hear about tools available to you and learn the roles and responsibilities of Agencies, GSA and Networx Industry Partners during transition.

2.3 Service Level Agreements on the Networx Contracts

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star C1
Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm	Lone Star A2

Service Level Agreements are designed to ensure performance on the Networx contracts. In this session, you will receive in-depth information about performance metrics and Service Level Agreements. Specific examples will be provided of how to calculate credits for incident-based events, substandard performance, service outages, and delayed provisioning.

2.4 Basics of Networx Pricing and Associated Tools

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star A4
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star C2

This session will give an overview of price structure basics; including examples of some popular traditional and enhanced services. Additionally, attendees will learn about the capabilities the Networx Price Tools that can assist in selecting the most cost effective contract vehicle, contractor, and service.

2.5 Networx Billing System (E-MORRIS)

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star C2
Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star A3

By attending the "live" training session, you will learn about the Networx Services Billing System called E-MORRIS. The Enhanced Monthly On-Line Records and Reports of Information-Technology Services (E-MORRIS) system is an internet-accessible application that supports GSA's management of the Networx telecommunications services program and provisions value-added services to its customer agencies. The training demonstration will include how to create accounts, manage inventory, track disputes, access web reports and download data for the more than 50 service offerings.

2.6 Networx Fair Opportunity**

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm	Lone Star A4
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star A3

Fair Opportunity requires that the Contracting Officer develop procedures to ensure all vendors within a specific acquisition have fair opportunity to be considered for each order, avoid methods such as allocation or designation of preferred awardees, tailor the process to the requirements, and include price or cost as one of the evaluation factors. After the Contracting Officer has executed a Fair Opportunity decision, agencies have authority to appoint Designated Agency Representatives (DARs) who are authorized to place orders under the Networx contracts. The DAR is responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of the contracts and with any rules, regulations, and conditions promulgated and enforced by their agency. This session will cover all this and more.

2.7 Internet Protocol (IP) Managed Services*

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm

Lone Star C1

This overview of IP managed services will cover products and services offered; application to scalability, security, mobility and green initiatives; and how the Networx program can fulfill your requirements.

2.8 Transforming Voice to IP

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm

Lone Star C2

The transformation of voice service to Voice over IP (VoIP) is a key element in the evolution of government communications to converged IP networking. This session will provide an overview of the tactical and strategic aspects of transforming from traditional voice to VoIP, including the technical and operational aspects of VoIP, benefits to be gained, alternative approaches to VoIP implementation, transition challenges, and a review of VoIP and VoIP-related services available through the Networx contracts. Management and operations aspects of VoIP will also be covered, including pricing, billing, performance management, etc.

Track 3: NETWORX SERVICE PROVIDERS

3.1 Qwest® and Networx: Transition 101

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star C3
Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm	Lone Star A3
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star C3

Meeting the stringent demands of Federal Agencies for communications services under the Networx program requires a proven leader like Qwest. Qwest has assembled a world-class team to transition and transform voice, data and video services, including managed and secure advanced data networks, while maintaining service continuity, high reliability and minimizing transition risks. Using examples from recent Networx transitions, Qwest will help you meet the challenges all agencies face planning and executing a transition project. Some of the key topics that will be covered include key transition success factors, best practices, anticipating and managing risks, and lessons learned. We invite you to learn more about Qwest and how Qwest can serve your Agency through our Networx contract.

3.2 Verizon Business -Your Partner for a Successful Transition and Beyond

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Lone Star C4
Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm	Lone Star A4
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Lone Star C4

As you navigate your services on to the Networx contracts, Verizon Business continues to assist in enabling a smooth, low-risk transition – allowing your agency to focus on its core mission. In this session, you will learn about the three critical phases of a successful transition – Preparation, Execution and Quality Assurance. Subject matter experts, experienced in the transition process, will share with you success tips and cautions; discussing practical elements to make your transition as smooth as possible. We’ll provide an overview of Verizon Business transition accomplishments to date and demonstrate how to transition across multiple contracts and programs on to Networx (i.e. MAAs, WITS, Schedules and non-GSA contracts). Regardless of your starting point – an incumbent customer using our Back Office Transition solution, or a customer new to Verizon Business utilizing our ISO Certified processes and procedures - we’re ready to take to you to Networx. Verizon Business has a long and established history of successful transitions, and, in this session, you will hear about all of the tools and resources available to help your agency succeed.

3.3 AT&T Networx - Fair Opportunity to Invoice

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star C1
Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star A4
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star A4

Bills, bills, bills. We sigh when we see them at home and think, "Oh no, not another one." With Networx, you can smile when you get your bill! An invoice means you have successfully completed Fair Opportunity. You have successfully transitioned your FTS2001/Crossover business and maybe even have qualified to receive transition credits from GSA. Come and learn how AT&T easily supports your Agency through the Fair Opportunity/Statement of Work process and helps you turn your Agency requirements into an order, leading to informative notices, a comprehensive inventory, and finally an accurate and exciting Networx invoice!

3.4 What’s New on Sprint’s Networx Enterprise Contract

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star C2
Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star C1
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star C1

How do federal government agencies navigate the changing technology landscape? Sprint’s roster of innovative services includes both IP and wireless solutions, enabling secure access to government resources from just about anywhere. Learn how to take advantage of Sprint’s position as a leader in convergence by combining your voice and data, wireless, and wireline networks, giving your agency the power to unify the functions and applications of desktop, voicemail and mobile devices. Come learn about the experience, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions Sprint can provide to your agency and discover how Sprint’s Enterprise Contract can support your agency’s mission now and in the future.

3.5 Level 3

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star C3
Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star C2
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star C2

Your agency can now choose Level 3 Communications® – a part of GSA’s Networx Program, WITS 3 and operator of one of the world’s largest and most scalable IP networks. Level 3 offers a vast Metro footprint, advanced data and Internet services, and the physical diversity enabling agencies to support critical applications. Level 3 is already trusted by more than 35 government agencies.

In this session you will learn how Level 3 can provide Government agencies an end to end service solution that includes a robust Content Delivery Network (CDN) service. With Level 3’s capability to provide long haul transport services, metro services and our own CDN network, you will learn how Level 3 can provide a seamless service experience for our customers. Level 3 customers have access to one of the most robust IP networks in the world and can enjoy a full portfolio of content services ranging from caching to download to streaming services. By connecting our streaming, cache/download, and storage services, Level 3 is able to offer customers communication services from cross country transport to delivery of content to end users.

Track 4: STRATEGIC INITIATIVES/SOLUTIONS

4.1 Improve Your Network Security Through Trusted
Internet Connections (TIC)*

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm

Lone Star C3

The TIC initiative was established by OMB (M-08-05) to provide a standard method of reducing external internet connections to in turn enhance security for all Government information systems and combat cyber crime. In this session you will learn about TIC objectives, the Networx architecture for TIC services, TIC services available to your agency on the Networx contracts, and other key features of Networx support for the TIC initiative. This session is ideal for anyone interested in protecting IP services or using the Networx contracts.

4.2 SmartBUY – The Future of Government-Wide Software Licensing

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Lone Star C4
Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm	Lone Star C1

Whether you are a Federal, State or Local government IT or contracting professional you will want to learn more about this government-wide enterprise software licensing program managed by GSA. Hear about SmartBUY’s award winning security initiative on Data-at-Rest encryption software which has already had over 20 State and Local government agencies make purchases saving millions of dollars. SmartBUY is currently aligned with several OMB-sponsored E-Gov initiatives – in the areas of Information System Security, Geospatial Information Systems, and IT Infrastructure - to provide future focused, leading edge, standards compliant software. In particular, come learn about how SmartBUY is working in support of the Federal Desktop Core Configuration mandate to make software tools available to help agencies fulfill their FISMA reporting requirements. The SmartBUY Program currently offers almost 30 different software agreements with a legacy of saving government organizations money while providing a seamless, secure and interoperable environment.

4.3 Enabling an IPv6 Transition

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star C3
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Austin 1

Are you up-to-date on what your agency needs to do to meet OMB’s goal of government-wide transition to IPv6? Hear about GSA’s IPv6 hardware and software products available for making your agency’s network IPv6-capable including: engineering and technical services for planning and testing an IPv6 deployment, integrating IPv6 into the IT infrastructure, operating selected applications over IPv6, and moving an IPv6 deployment to the agency’s production network. Get updated on what GSA is doing to ensure timely insertion of industry’s latest IPv6 capabilities in the GSA Portfolio so that agency transition requirements are successfully supported. Specifically useful for any Agency IPv6 Lead, Network Manager, Network Engineer, System Administrator, or Contracting Officer.

4.4 Transforming the .Gov Domain

Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm

Lone Star C2

Do you know about the .GOV Domain Registration program's scheduled transition to the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-Cert) in 2009 and the OMB mandated adoption of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC)? The .Gov Domain Registration program is the only vehicle through which Federal, State and Local Government agencies, as well as Native Sovereign Nations (NSNs), can obtain a .GOV domain name. Learn the process and costs associated with obtaining a .GOV domain name, the impact of the .Gov program’s transition to US-Cert and the objectives of the DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) deployment. If you are a network administrator, name server administrator, system developer, or a GSA industry partner offering software and equipment that provide the DNSSEC-aware tools and solutions, you will want to attend this session.

4.5 Expanding Identity Management Solutions

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Lone Star C4
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star C3

As an IT security professional or GSA industry partner offering identity management services, you will want to know about the full spectrum of identity management solutions being offered through GSA’s new Office of Identity Solutions. Bringing together the HSPD-12 Managed Services Offering (MSO) and US E-Authentication Identity Federation, the Office of Identity Solutions offers enterprise-wide identity management solutions that address both physical and logical access issues. Learn how HSPD-12 PIV card usage can be expanded to include access to online government applications, resulting in increased security of government applications as well as agency cost savings. Hear first-hand about the strategic direction of this new office and the specific identity management solutions it provides to Federal, State and Local agencies.

4.6 Secure Data Center Solutions that are Green

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm

Austin 1

Learn what it takes to provide secure telecom and IT to virtualization in an energy efficient way through planning and consolidation within a network architecture. GSA can assist customer agencies (including State and Local governments) acquire customized and outsourced solutions that reduce your overall cost of operations and support the mission at all security levels.

TRACK 5. ITS CONTRACTING & ASSISTED SERVICES

5.1 Building and Securing Your Network Through Existing Contracts **

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am

Austin 1

The Office of Integrated Technology Services (ITS) wants to make your job easier! From laptops to PDAs to complex communications infrastructures, we can help your agency acquire these products and services so you can focus on mission requirements. We'd like to tell you about our channels to the marketplace - IT Schedule 70, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and Network Services Programs - and how you can have access to the best in class from industry, products and services at great prices and the latest technology industry has to offer.

5.2 GSA Assisted Acquisition Services

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Austin 1
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Lone Star C4

Achieving acquisition excellence is a management and operational priority though government. GSA can be your acquisition partner through pre-award, award and post-award support services. From the development of the statement of work and acquisition strategy, to conducting the acquisition, to post-award management services, GSA will be there for you with professional support, service and advice. If you need a little help or a full turnkey service, GSA can now offer a variety of solutions from all multiple award schedules, GWACs and open market. Come learn how your agency can easily obtain support through any or every step of the acquisition process.

5.3 Cooperative Purchasing - Meeting the Information Technology Needs of State and Local Municipal Governments*

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm	Austin 1
Wed. August 13, 3:30 pm	Lone Star C3

GSA is a well-known Federal supply source, providing qualified, best-value vendors to Federal Government customer agencies for all their procurement needs. Under Cooperative Purchasing, passed through the E-government Act of 2002, state and local municipalities may purchase a variety of information technology (IT) from contracts awarded under GSA IT Schedule 70, Information Technology, as well as from contracts under the Consolidated Schedule, containing IT special item numbers (SINs). Cooperative purchasing offers a faster, better, and a more-efficient way to leverage your state or local governments’ buying power and save municipalities time and money, helping them to streamline acquisition. Cooperative Purchasing is a voluntary program both on the part of Industry (contractors) and Municipalities (state and local government purchasers). Schedule holders have modified their existing contract to participate in the Cooperative Purchasing Program and many state and local governments have found time and cost savings using the IT Schedule 70 contract vehicle.

5.4 Streamline Your Buying Online Through GSA Advantage*

Wed. August 13, 2:00 pm	Lone Star C4
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Austin 1

GSA Advantage! is the Federal government’s premier online e-commerce website.
Federal customers may purchase products and services from over 15, 000 vendors
With GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts. State and local customers can purchase products and services from GSA MAS contractors who participate in
the Cooperative Purchasing or Disaster Recovery Purchasing Programs. This course will explain the intricacies of the system that pertain to registering, searching products and services, creating and forwarding shopping carts and obtaining status and history reports.

TRACK 6. NATIONAL EMERGENCY/RESPONSE

6.1 Continuity Communications - Implementing NCSD 3-10
(Federal Gov Attendees Only)

Wed. August 13, 10:30 am	Austin 3
Thur. August 14, 10:30 am	Austin 3

The session will provide an overview of continuity communications requirements as defined in National Communications System Directive (NCSD) 3-10; address the unique physical space requirements for sensitive operations; discuss other operational consideration and alternatives and; provide detailed information for the acquisition of NCSD 3-10 products and services.

6.2 Priority Telecommunications Services*

Tue. August 12, 2:15 pm

Austin 3

The session will focus on the three priority services managed by the National Communications System which are the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS); Wireless Priority Service (WPS) and; Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP). We'll look at two case studies of network congestion during Hurricane Rita and the Tornadoes that struck Coffee County Alabama in March of 2007 and demonstrate how the priority services aided in the response efforts. The session will also give a detailed overview of each priority service and instructions for placing orders for the respective services.

6.3 How to Acquire What You Need to Prepare and Recover From a Disaster*

Tue. August 12, 10:30 am	Austin 3
Thur. August 14, 9:00 am	Austin 3

Section 833 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364 amends 40 U.S.C. 502) authorizes the Administrator of U. S. General Services Administration to provide to state and local municipal governments the use of Federal Supply Schedules of GSA for the purchase of products and services to be used to facilitate recovery from a major disaster, terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. This Disaster Recovery Purchasing authority is limited to GSA Schedule contracts and does not include any other GSA programs. State and local government entities may use GSA Schedule contracts to purchase products and services in advance of a major disaster declared by the president, as well as in the aftermath of an emergency event.

Please come to hear how the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program can help you procure vital equipment and services in a time of great need quickly.

*May be of interest to state & local governments

** May be of interest to contracting personnel