Black Box Network Services Chosen To Provide Telecommunications Infrastructure Upgrade By The USMC

Herndon, VA - Black Box Network Services recently announced their selection by the Marine Corps Systems Command as the Prime Contractor to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. The contract for this mission-critical upgrade was awarded under Nortel's(a) GSA Schedule 70 Contract after it was determined that Black Box offered the best value to the Government.

In an effort to improve intra-base telecommunication capabilities, Black Box, over an 8-month period, will upgrade the communications infrastructure at MCB Quantico with a robust and resilient transmission solution and advanced Voice over IP capabilities. Black Box will install over 10 miles of single mode fiber optic cable throughout the base; a Nortel Optera Metro 3500 next-generation SONET platform to support OC-192 transmission rates; and a Nortel Media Gateway 9000 to provide integrated voice and data access for an existing Nortel Communication Server 2100.

"Black Box is very excited to assist the Marine Corps in improving their ability to communicate through this advanced technology infrastructure project," said Jeff Murray, Vice President of Black Box Network Services. "Black Box has been a long-time partner with the Marines and it is an honor to be able to continue this tradition."

Major partners with Black Box on this project include Nortel Government Solutions(a) and Northeast Networking Systems, Inc. The project is estimated to be completed in the December 2007 timeframe.

The stated mission of MARCORSYSCOM is "to serve as the Commandant's principal agent for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment used by the Operating Forces to accomplish their warfighting mission."

SOURCE: Black Box