from the ACG Blog

Understanding Government Telecom Requirements: A Guide for Decision-Makers

What should government decision-makers know before launching telecom projects? Here’s a clear guide to federal telecom compliance, security, and sourcing.

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Telecom Projects in Federal Spaces Start with Understanding the Rules

Federal telecom projects are never just about cables or equipment—they’re about compliance, continuity, and national security. For contracting officers, project managers, and facilities personnel, understanding telecom-specific federal requirements is essential for planning, procurement, and execution.

This post breaks down the core telecom requirements every government decision-maker should know in 2025—from procurement law to cybersecurity standards—so your next project starts smart and stays secure.

Understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Every federal telecom project is governed by the FAR, which outlines rules for acquisition, contractor responsibilities, and accountability.

Key takeaways:

Telecom vendors must be SAM.gov registered and compliant with FAR Part 12 & 15
Contracts must include compliance clauses for quality, security, and delivery
Competitive bidding must follow transparent processes (unless using pre-approved vendors)

FAR ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability in government telecom procurement.

Follow the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements

If you’re installing routers, switches, cabling, or communication systems, you must comply with sourcing laws like:

Buy American Act (BAA)
Trade Agreements Act (TAA)
Telecommunications Ban under Section 889 (prohibiting specific manufacturers)

This affects material selection, vendor partnerships, and approval timelines—so contractors must provide compliant equipment with proper documentation.

Plan for Cybersecurity and Physical Security Compliance

Telecom systems touch sensitive federal data, so contractors must comply with:

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act)
NIST SP 800-171 for controlled unclassified information (CUI)

On-site work may also require:

Cleared or badged personnel
Escort protocols in restricted areas
Secured equipment storage and transport plans

Security starts before cables are laid and continues long after commissioning.

Understand Project Types: IDIQ, GSA Schedules, and More

Government telecom work isn’t always a one-time project. It’s often procured through:

IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contracts
GSA MAS Schedules
Task orders under larger master agreements

This impacts how bids are structured, how timelines are managed, and what compliance measures are built into each phase.

Working with a Contractor Who Already Understands Federal Telecom

At ACG, we support agencies and contractors across the U.S. with federal telecom planning, infrastructure installation, and compliance-ready documentation. We’re fluent in FAR, BAA, CMMC, and physical access protocols—so your team doesn’t waste time teaching vendors the rules.

✅ Have a telecom project on your radar?

Contact ACG to speak with a federal contracting specialist and build a plan aligned with your agency’s requirements.

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