Graybar (www.graybar.com) recently announced that it, along with Mitel Networks (www.mitel.com), has signed a Federal Supply Service (FSS) contractor teaming agreement that allows both companies to integrate their expertise as General Service Administration (GSA) contractors to compete for more federal business.

"This FSS contractor team agreement helps keep costs down for federal agencies working with Graybar and Mitel Networks and their combined capabilities," said Jeff Cook, vice president of government sales for Graybar. "The key advantage for the federal government is having the ability to buy an entire converged communications solution, rather than making separate buys from various contractors."

The agreement covers all agencies of the federal government, including Department of Defense facilities, military bases and posts, and federal courthouses, Graybar said in a statement announcing the agreement. It also allows Graybar and Mitel Networks to compete jointly for contracts they may not have been able to qualify for independently, Graybar added.

"Teaming with Graybar allows us to significantly reduce the total procurement cost to the federal government," said Sue Slate-Anders, sales director for government systems with Mitel.

Under a separate GSA contract, Graybar sells electrical supplies, as well as communications and data products. Besides the GSA, Graybar holds additional contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency and U.S. Communities, through which governemtn and public agency buyers can purchase products from Graybar, the company says.