Military Information Technology – October 2009

Merger gives satellite communication service providers an opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field.

The historic alliance between GSA and DISA signifies the end of a once exclusive playing field, and creates a diverse landscape in which commercial satellite companies can be competitive.

Adelaida V. Severson, president of Bushtex, a minority woman-owned small business that provides end-to end satellite communication solutions worldwide, views this coalition as an equalizer in the commercial satellite industry, which serves to create improved relations with the military entities. “The merging of GSA and DISA opens up the marketplace and offers increased opportunities for innovative technology and partnerships,” Severson said. “This extraordinary merger gives satellite communication service providers an opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field, while opening up the doors for us to engage in a variety of government and military contracts.”

Severson speaks from experience on her work with a number of government contracts, including facilitating Bushtex’s groundbreaking role in the data transmission from an airplane to various federal agencies on behalf of the Coast Guard—the first-ever UAV flight transmission in history. “The relationship between the commercial satellite industry and the military will continue to evolve with the state of the economy,” noted Severson. “I see the merging of GSA and DISA as a win-win for both sides. As we move toward working more with government entities, we are proud to excel outside of the beltway in an extremely competitive industry.”

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