AT&Ts Government Solutions business has just landed a big contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its worth $350 million.

AT&T will provide Managed Security services and deploy a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for USDA Data Services. The task order was awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Networx Universal contract vehicle.

AT&T will use its transition planning and network management capabilities to complete a department-wide, managed IP network architecture that enables shared services across a new, unified infrastructure. The new deal means AT&T will provide data services to more than 5,000 USDA locations across the country.

This news follows a deal struck in April between AT&T Government Solutions and the Environmental Protection Agency. That was for $29 million and lasts for up to seven years. AT&T is deploying a WAN network and securing the EPAs Internet traffic.

The federal government several years ago launched the Networx program to upgrade its various agencies technology. Companies including Sprint and Qwest are also carrying out projects under Networx deals.