News and Events...
Sprint Shutting Down IDEN (Nextel) Network
Sprint is shutting down the Nextel iDEN service effective June 30. VITA customers that use the service are strongly encouraged to migrate iDEN and PowerSource lines to devices on the Nationwide Sprint Network (Sprint/CDMA) immediately to obtain the best level of migration support and ensure no interruption of service. Also, Sprint no longer supports service and repair of iDEN/PowerSource devices in stores; therefore, moving to Sprint/CDMA immediately will provide assurance that new devices are supported. VITA no longer is accepting orders for Nextel service or devices. For answers to questions or for more information, please contact J. B. Edmonds or VITA supply chain management staff.
New Printer/Copier/Managed Print Services Contracts
VITA has awarded eight new printer/copier contracts and of those, seven were awarded the option to offer managed print services. These contracts offer users the choices of inkjets, b/w color lasers, multiple function devices, wide format and high speed production devices.
Awards were made by manufacturer and by category. Details surrounding each supplier’s award can be found by clicking on “What is the contract scope” once you have clicked on the contract number. All new contract numbers began with VA-130405. Authorized users are encouraged to request multiple quotes from suppliers when acquiring multiple units or seeking to engage in a managed print service agreement.
Until further notice, Executive Branch agencies are not to engage with suppliers regarding managed print services. You may still work with suppliers for non-networked devices and if you want to use a supplier for networked connected devices, you must first get permission from NG to proceed with an order for a connected device.
Contract related questions can be directed to Greg Scearce via email at: gregory.scearce@vita.virginia.gov
Year End Purchases for FY13
Click here for information regarding FY13 year end purchases
VITA Adds Unlimited Message at No Cost on AT&T Wireless
VITA is pleased to announce that effective with the January bill, all VITA customers with AT&T Wireless service will receive unlimited messaging, at no charge, on all COV Voice plans except the Basic (Pay-As-You-Go) plan. This change can result in savings of up to $23.00 per month, per phone, for users of AT&T plans under the state contract. This service will be automatically included for existing and new customers. No customer action is necessary.
AT&T has also agreed to offer Enhanced Push to Talk service to VITA customers at the existing contract rate.
iPhone Now Available on Most VITA Wireless Contracts VITA is pleased to announce that nTelos Wireless has joined AT&T, Sprint and Verizon in offering the Apple iPhone to customers utilizing VITA's statewide wireless contract. A broad range of both feature phones and Smartphones are available to customers at attractive pricing. Contact one of the State Account Team representatives or email VITA at scminfo@vita.virginia.gov for more information.
4g Data Services VITA has amended it wireless contracts to include 4g data service. 4g is not available in all customer service areas, but as it is rolled out to your area, you will be able to take advantage of the speed and reliability of these networks, provided you have compatible devices. Current providers of 4g service in Virginia include AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.
Verizon FUSF fee claim under Commonwealth contract rejected
Back in the spring, Verizon asserted that the commonwealth should be paying Federal Universal Service Fund (FUSF) fees and that it intended to start billing contract users for FUSF fees. VITA denied Verizon's claim because the state contract provides that the commonwealth will not be billed for FUSF fees. Under the Virginia Public Procurement Act, Verizon had six months from the date of the denial of its FUSF claim to appeal, but it has not done so. Accordingly, VITA recommends that all customers closely monitor invoices for FUSF fees and consult their legal counsel for specific guidance or advice.
APR changes do not impact procurement delegation - see link
Procurement Savings Opportunities
Click here for details regarding the purchase of incremental information technology (IT) items.
CIO Approval for Cooperative Procurements
Reminder: Agencies and institutions can not conduct cooperative procurements for IT goods and services without having such procurements approved by the Commonwealth CIO as required by §2.2-4304 of the Code of Virginia. Agencies and institutions cannot establish IT contracts for use by other public bodies without prior CIO approval. In addition, only VITA may establish IT contracts for statewide use.
Price Shopping for Cellular Services
Looking at ways to stretch your wireless budget? Check out VITA's current comparison of all contracted carriers. The chart provides details on pay as you go plans, individual plans, pool (shared minutes), voice and data and mobile data.
Click here for the comparison chart What is Supply Chain Management?
VITA's Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the Commonwealth of Virginia's Information Technology (IT) procurement and sourcing hub. If we were to overly simplify our mission, we would say we strive to consolidate and leverage the Commonwealth's buying power. And, if provided for in the solicitation or contract, all public bodies can utilize statewide contracts developed by VITA.
SCM's procurement professionals are committed to developing value-driven IT contracts that enable users of these contracts to benefit their organizations and the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our services include:
- Consolidating and leveraging the Commonwealth's buying power;
- Announcing, awarding, and maintaining statewide contracts for the purchase of information technology and telecommunications goods and services;
- Providing sourcing expertise and contracting assistance for state agencies and institutions procuring IT and telecommunications goods and services; and
- Providing market analysis, supplier analysis and sourcing consulting for state agencies and institutions;
- Inviting, promoting, and sustaining increased access, participation, and partnerships with small, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Who can use our contracts?
All public bodies can utilize statewide contracts developed by VITA, if provided for in the solicitation or contract.
What are the benefits of using VITA IT contracts? There are some very obvious advantages of using the VITA IT contracts.
- Your organization is able to get the best value for your purchases. And, as more and more organizations utilize these contracts, we are able to aggregate more and more demand. The result is we will be able to continually develop contracts with vendors that bring more value for you.
- Not having to bid your items will save valuable time and effort. All you have to do is order from the 300 IT and telecommunication contracts that are available for you.
- Use our database to research thousands of vendors if you are looking for something that is not on contract.
- Subscribe to our email service that routinely updates you as new contracts are made available for your use.
External Links
- eVA - Virginia's Total e-Procurement Solution
- DMBE - Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise
- NIGP - National Institute of Governmental Purchasing
- VAGP - Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing
Contact SCM at:
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