Social Security Administration Awards 10-Year $300 Million Network Contract

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has awarded a 10-year contract, valued up to $300 million, for the SSA's Telephone Systems Replacement Project (TSRP) to a team led by Nortel Government Solutions. The award calls for replacement of the SSA's existing worldwide telephone systems with IP technology to create a converged voice and data network. This network will enable a high-quality citizen service experience through service delivery points to accommodate an anticipated influx of new users, including retiring, largely Internet-savvy "baby boomers."

Expected to be among the world's largest enterprise VoIP implementations, the network will replace existing telephone systems in nearly 1,600 SSA field offices. It will include a 55,000-agent contact center with carrier-class unified messaging and comprehensive interactive voice response (IVR) capabilities. It will also provide extensive security capabilities to protect citizen information and support for disabled users in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. Section 794d).

Moving to a converged voice and data network will enable SSA to expand and improve service levels, consolidate monthly recurring public network service costs and decrease operating and maintenance costs while establishing a platform to support future applications and services.


The Nortel Government Solutions team will provide VoIP hardware, software, integration and deployment services for SSA regional offices, program service centers and field offices. Network operation services, user support and training are also included.

The Nortel Government Solutions team includes General Dynamics, Black Box Network Services, Shared Technologies, AT&T, York Telecom, High Wire Networks, NetIQ and Pal-Tech.