The Defense Information Systems Agency/Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DISA/DITCO) has awarded Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) a multi-year task order for advanced data services valued at more than $100 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, Qwest Government Services will provide Internet Protocol Services (IPS) to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as it migrates to Networx, the largest government communications contract program ever developed by the U.S. General Services Administration.

When the task order is fully implemented, Qwest will be the sole provider of IPS, which is based on Qwest's iQ Internet Service, for the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy, as well as other DoD agencies.

"Qwest is a longtime communications partner of the DoD," said Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest Government Services in Arlington, Va. "We are pleased that through this task order Qwest will continue its relationship with DoD to provide advanced data services, which are crucial components of our nation's defense systems."

DISA is a DoD combat support agency that delivers information technology to enhance the capabilities of the nation's warfighters and all who support them in defense of the nation. DITCO's mission is to procure global net-centric capabilities to support its customers around the world through innovative contracting. The headquarters for DISA/DITCO is located at Fort Meade, Md.

About Qwest Government Services

Qwest Government Services offers a comprehensive suite of products and services for all agencies of the federal government. The Qwest network covers the entire continental United States and has one of the largest fiber footprints in the U.S., capable of supporting 40 Gbps data transmission rates now and 100 Gbps soon. Qwest participates in Networx, the largest government communications services contract in the world, and is #55 on the "Top 100 Government IT Contractors" by Washington Technology. For more information about Qwest's proven performance in the federal marketplace, go to Qwest.com/business.

The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

Qwest
Tom McMahon
202-429-3106
tom.mcmahon@qwest.com