Vendor has new channel to deliver its software to government agencies

Through the Schedule 70 award (No. GS-35F-0293U), Alexandria, Va.-based Previstar can offer its portfolio of software products to existing and prospective government clients – and that can include state and local clients, since those entities can purchase many information technology (IT) products and services from Schedule 70 through a cooperative purchasing arrangement with GSA.

GSA’s IT Schedule 70 contract provides a streamlined vehicle for federal customers to purchase IT and telecommunications hardware, software and professional services. To obtain an award, a company first must satisfy the criteria set by GSA, demonstrating both quality and competitive pricing. Receiving a GSA schedule contract award is the culmination of an extensive evaluation process conducted by GSA.

“We are committed to excellence and serving our clients in the best possible way,” said Jim Fetters, president and chief operating officer of Previstar. “GSA schedules are, in essence, a prerequisite for any technology provider wishing to serve the major agencies. With the help of our consultant, Federal Schedules Inc., Previstar was able to secure this award in record time and we have accelerated our ability to reach the public sector and offer agencies a way to obtain Previstar services at highly competitive prices, terms and conditions.”

The GSA schedule contract focuses on the company’s core software applications, including its Continual Preparedness System (CPS), an intelligent preparedness, resource and information management system built to automate National Incident Management System processes for preparedness, response and recovery.

Since originating out of the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratories in 2001, Previstar’s technology has served a wide range of federal, state and local government agencies. An example of the company’s work in the local-government arena is its initiative in upgrading the Emergency Operations Center in Montgomery County, Md. Previstar developed the following for the center:

• A tool for powering the Emergency Operations Center.
• Advanced programs for predictive modeling.
• A resource database for tracking county assets.
• Tools for tracking key resources, including an integrated GIS system and visual displays such as floor plans, blueprints and mapping programs.

“We selected Previstar after conducting a thorough analysis of all the leading emergency management packages,” said Bob Freeman, who is in the Office of the Fire Chief in Montgomery County, Md. “Determining factors were the advanced programs for the predictive modeling, and the resource database that allows us to organize, quantify and allocate in a real-time manner all of the county’s assets.”