ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 7, 2004) – As
he continues to show unprecedented support for the small and minority
business community, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced
Board of Public Works approval of $1.9 million Information Technology
(IT) services contract for the Maryland Department of General Services
(DGS). The contract was awarded to Silver Spring-based A&T Systems,
Inc., a minority-owned company, which will employ five certified
Maryland minority businesses. A&T Systems is a graduate of the
U. S. Small Business Administration’s “8(a)” program.
“With this contract, General Services is aggressively maximizing
business with small and minority companies,” said Governor
Ehrlich. “Under my Administration, the State’s minority
business program is re-emerging as a program designed to ensure that
minority and women-owned businesses continue to develop and thrive.”
The three-year contract, with two one-year options, will provide
support for hardware architecture, platforms, workstations, networks
and network configurations; e-mail systems support; information technology
security management; computer system training; help desk support;
inventory management and reporting services; and Internet/intranet
design.
“This contract is helping the State create an environment
that empowers minority-owned businesses by increasing their access
to State business opportunities,” said Lt. Governor Michael
S. Steele.
The contract includes a 25 percent MBE goal. The subcontracting
goal will be met by five certified Maryland MBEs, which will perform
up to 66% of the contract value.
“The new contract is also a benefit to the State’s bottom
line,” said DGS Secretary Boyd K. Rutherford. “By taking
this approach to meeting our IT requirements, we expect to improve
the operations and customer service while lowering costs over the
length of the contract.”
The DGS Information Technology Group, which will administer the
contract, is responsible for the automation of DGS' processes to
support departmental activities. Responsibilities include vendor
and product selection, systems development, systems installation
and integration, data center operations, system maintenance, and
end-user support.
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CONTACT:
Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
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