Avnet Launches New Government Solutions Division

Avnet Technology Solutions introduced its newest division this week, Avnet Government Solutions, as a wholly owned subsidiary focused on the U.S. public sector. Avnet (AVT) said it launched the new business to help its ISV, systems integrator and VAR partners to capture IT market share within the U.S. government market.

Avne's latest division will provide focus on the federal, state, local and education space, while also providing a holistic approach to the pursuit of public sector market opportunities by combining business development, capture and compliance assistance with Avnet’s existing expertise, according to the company. IT veteran Ray Ramey has been tapped to lead as vice president and general manager of Avnet Government Solutions, where he will be responsible for increasing the division’s market growth and penetration, including business strategy and corporate governance.

“The U.S. government is the world’s largest and most lucrative IT market, and the federal, state, local and education sectors are expected to spend more than $148 billion in IT-related purchases in 2014,” said Ramey in a prepared statement. “We created Avnet Government Solutions to provide our partners with a single source for all of the resources they need to succeed in pursuing government IT business. Avnet Government Solutions will help our partners profitably increase their government business by distinguishing them as industry specialists who understand the intricacies of the market and have the expertise needed to deliver the specific solutions government customers require."

Ramey brings 30 years of experience in the tech industry to his leadership position at Avnet Government Solutions, including a tenure as CFO and facility security officer for Pepperweed Consulting, which was acquired by Avnet in 2012. Under Ramey, Avnet Government Solutions will offer services to partners specifically designed to provide a comprehensive approach to pursuing new federal, state, local and education contracts to drive their business in the public sector.

The division will work with top public sector technology suppliers and partners to help execute capture plans and initiatives to foster continued business deals, and assist in helping partners gain and maintain the necessary certification and compliance needed to work on government contracts. All of Avnet’s existing IT distribution services will be available to partners as well, including logistics support, finance, supply chain and technical capabilities, according to the release. The company is also introducing Avnet GovPath, a new portal that provides education and enablement to hone partner expertise in the U.S. government market—a complement to other SolutionsPath practices for the healthcare and financial market verticals.