D -- EDNet Management Support Services

The Department of Education awarded the EDNet Management Support Services contract to Computer Sciences Corporation on April 26, 2005, with a total value of approximately $176.1 million. This contract supports the department’s IT network infrastructure, known as EDNet, and was awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulations Subpart 8.4 and the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule 70. The contract type is a hybrid of Firm Fixed Price and Time and Materials Indefinite Delivery, allowing flexibility in procurement based on specific service categories. The agreement divides work into three categories: Category A involves firm fixed-price payments per unit for items such as servers and messaging accounts; Category B services are handled via task orders or work requests and may be firm fixed price or time and materials; and Category C services, which include networking, security, clearinghouse functions, and roster management, are ordered on a time and materials basis. Computer Sciences Corporation’s role revolves around managing and supporting the Department of Education’s network infrastructure to ensure efficient operation and security of EDNet. Interested small businesses have opportunities for subcontracting, with information available through the contractor’s supplier diversity program. The contract is managed by the Department of Education’s Contracts and Acquisitions Management office based in Washington, DC, with James M. Hairfield serving as the contracting officer overseeing the agreement.