F5 Joins DOD Enterprise Software Initiative BPA With Carahsoft

Carahsoft Technology has announced that F5 is now included as a vendor on the Department of Defense Enterprise Software Initiative blanket purchase agreement with the government information technology solutions provider.

The agreement, effective for four years, allows Carahsoft to provide F5’s cybersecurity software products to support IT operations across the DOD enterprise, Carahsoft said.

Through the BPA, customers will gain access to F5’s software licenses, subscriptions, maintenance, support and other services.

The DOD ESI, backed by the DOD Chief Information Officer, is designed to reduce ownership costs for commercial software, IT hardware and services for the department, the Coast Guard and intelligence communities.

Moreover, the agreement aligns with the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act and IT Category Management best practices, which are aimed at streamlining sourcing, contract negotiations and other processes.

Tim Clark, director of F5’s U.S. defense unit, said the BPA offers the Defense Department and other federal agencies better discounts and faster procurement cycles compared to GSA Schedule contracts.