Group-purchasing organization for government-education markets renews deal with Verizon
State and local government agencies, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, libraries and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. will continue to have access to an array of communications and information technology products under a renewed agreement between Verizon and MiCTA, a nationwide group-purchasing organization.
Under the agreement with MiCTA (previously known as Michigan Collegiate Telecommunications Association), Verizon is expanding its scope of solutions by adding services such as international availability of the company’s Private IP networking service, interoperable video conferencing, mobility and managed mobility services, and a cloud-based unified communications and collaboration platform. In addition, certain purchases made by schools and libraries may qualify for Universal Service Fund e-rate funding.
The new offerings join the options already offered by Verizon: advanced networking (broadband and satellite); voice (local, long-distance and Internet protocol); managed and professional services; security services; data center colocation; business continuity consulting services; and a suite of audio, video and Web conferencing solutions.
MiCTA offers its thousands of member organizations a common master services agreement for the purchase of an array of communications and information technology solutions to help reduce the costs, complexity and risks of traditional contracting.
“The expanded and extended master service agreement with Verizon will deliver significant benefits to our members,” said Tim von Hoff, chief operating officer, MiCTA. “Verizon delivers an exceptional range of communications and information technology services that enables our members to improve service levels and meet mandates despite the challenging budgetary environment many organizations continue to face.”
The original agreement between MiCTA and Verizon was signed in October 2010, and the renewed one runs through August 2015. More than 600 customers across the U.S. have used the agreement to make purchases.
”The agreement forged with MiCTA is delivering tangible value to government and education customers across the country,” said Troy Cromwell, group vice president – state and local government, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “MiCTA members already have access to an efficient and flexible procurement process, and now they have access to a more comprehensive portfolio of advanced communications and IT solutions from Verizon to enable the delivery of essential services to constituents.”
Verizon is a provider of IT and communications services to governments worldwide. The Verizon Public Sector website is here.
Saginaw, Mich.-based MiCTA represents higher education, K-12, healthcare, library, governmental and charitable entities. Nationally, MiCTA works to resolve common voice, video and data issues; provide information; participate in legislative and regulatory telecommunications advocacy; and negotiate discounted purchase contracts for telecommunications and technology services for its members.
