MicroBee Systems and FreeWave's GSA Contract Program Showing Early Momentum in First Half of 2011
Interest and increasing contracts bode well for both companies for second half of the year and beyond
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2011- AUVSI, Booth #738, -- FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, and MicroBee Systems, Inc. (http://www.microbee-systems.com) of Huntsville, Alabama, today said early interest and orders placed through MicroBee's GSA contract for FreeWave wireless data radios are demonstrating positive signs of success and growing momentum.
MicroBee was awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Information Technology (IT) Schedule 70 Contract in late January of this year allowing it to sell FreeWave products and solutions directly to federal customers through long-term contracts that include discounted, pre-negotiated pricing, terms and conditions. State and municipal governments also may participate in this program under a "cooperative purchasing" clause in the contract.
The Schedule 70 contract is part of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program that the GSA created to provide a centralized delivery system of products and services to the federal government, leveraging its enormous buying power to get the best value for taxpayers. Founded in 1949, GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government's total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets.
"We have seen an unexpected level of interest and orders from government customers for FreeWave radios through the GSA program," said Dave Thomas, president of MicroBee Systems. "The typical sales cycle for government orders can extend for months and even years. However, FreeWave's reputation for well-built, proven and reliable wireless data radio products is helping drive early demand for GSA contract customers and also assists MicroBee in its sales efforts."
"Through MicroBee, FreeWave essentially is establishing a new channel for its products, which opens up avenues for further expansion and sales," said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. "We are very optimistic about our reseller partnership and the ongoing enthusiastic response from the market."
FreeWave sells a variety of wireless data radios for government and defense use. As with all FreeWave radios, these families of products are proven to withstand the harsh elements of temperature, terrain and weather that usually accompanies government, defense and government applications. "These are the reasons why we have been a FreeWave reseller for nine years," said Thomas. "We know when we recommend and sell FreeWave radios, our customers are getting the very best and most reliable solution available."
About MicroBee Systems
MicroBee Systems was founded in 2001 as a supplier of FreeWave wireless data radio technology, PC/104 embedded computing products and engineering services. MicroBee has developed products for military and industry worldwide involving monitoring, test, data acquisition and transmission of data in complex and harsh environments (flight test, UAV/Robotics, target tracking). For more information, visit www.microbee-systems.com
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success - where failure and down-time are not an option - trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company's website at www.freewave.com.
