It's an excellent question: why does the government need a new procurement vehicle for telecommunications?
I will answer in part and then pass it on to my colleague at Public Works.
Fundamentally, telecommunications is a key component of the IM/IT operation of government, supporting program delivery in just about all agencies and ministries. It has been there and in use for many years, and like any technology and any asset, its current generation has a useful life. In the case of HRSD and Immigration Canada, they are really at the end of the useful life of their telecommunications services, have requirements that they are unable to meet with their current facilities, and in consultation with Public Works have concluded that there are better alternatives available to them. The genesis is really maintaining infrastructure in the most cost-effective, efficient way.
John, you might want to add to that.