Hughes Awarded Order by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service

Dec. 6, 2011

Hughes Network Systems, LLC has been awarded a task order by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to deliver managed broadband services to 300 offices and inspection sites. The order is for a one year period under a Blanket Purchase Agreement of Hughes' GSA Schedule 70 contract (GS-35F-0907P).

"As the public health agency charged with ensuring the safety of the nation's supply chain for meat, poultry and egg products, much of the mission-critical work of FSIS is conducted in field offices across the country," said Tony Bardo, assistant vice president for government solutions at Hughes. "Hughes is honored to be selected for this award and will leverage our national managed broadband network as a cost-effective solution at all sites replacing FSIS's existing telecommunications infrastructure."

FSIS inspection offices are currently connected using multiple technologies, including Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable, Cellular (EVDO), T-1, and satellite. Using its Converged Broadband Architecture, Hughes will provide multiple-access technologies under one nationally managed broadband network for all 300 sites. As a result, FSIS will save significant taxpayer dollars by eliminating the need to purchase special access lines and MPLS ports in remote locations.

In addition, with the increased bandwidth available using broadband technologies, FSIS will be able to quickly communicate Humane Activity Tracking information and utilize applications to ensure the adequate treatment of livestock, as well as access eGovernment resources, such as AgLearn for training.

"Ensuring the safety of America's meat and poultry supply demands reliable communications among field offices and headquarters to quickly identify and respond to potential risks. Hughes looks forward to helping FSIS strengthen its ability to meet its mission with high quality connectivity and increased bandwidth via our nationally managed broadband network service," added Bardo.