VITA's Next Generation Telecommunications System
Overview
Empowering the Commonwealth to achieve more through innovative, efficient and secure technology
VITA is preparing to launch a new modern next generation telecommunications expense management system (NextGen TEMS). The NextGen TEMS will replace the existing telecommunications expense billing system (TEBS) and provide essential improvements to our telecommunications services. VITA plans for the new platform to be available May 1, 2026.
We have identified a more efficient, effective and innovative way to improve VITA's services while adding new functionality to enhance our customers’ experience. Project goals include:
- Next level of modern, efficient and effective delivery of managed telecommunications services
- Provide a level of consumption and cost transparency currently not available in TEBS
- Reporting system with customizable drill-down capabilities
- Information and processes that empower agencies to optimize telecommunications consumption and cost
- Improve customer experience
Enhancing the customer experience
Key Resources
Read more by clicking on the tabs for updates, training and presentations. Check back often for updates.
Update on TEBS ordering freeze
The telecommunications expense billing system (TEBS) ordering freeze is scheduled for April 16 - 30.
If you have any questions, please contact your Commonwealth technology strategic partner (CTSP).
Training and demonstration opportunities
Registration open - NextGen TEMS training
VITA and the new telecommunication expense management supplier, Calero, will host multiple virtual training sessions for each module. Customers only need to attend a single training for each module unless they choose to attend more. Modules include general navigation, wireline provisioning, mobility provisioning and rebill process overview. Visit the registration link for a complete listing of modules, dates and times.
Registration is required. A Teams meeting invitation will follow your registration.
Training modules will be recorded and shared on the VITA website. It is important for our customers to register and attend the training to ensure they are fully prepared for go‑live.
NextGen TEMS training modules
Available NextGen TEMS training modules
NextGen TEMS presentations
Meeting presentations and project overviews
The following are presentations and project overviews that have been shared with various customer outlets. Please check back for new materials.
Supporting agencies and customers
Key functionality for customers
Calero.com will provide NextGen TEMS customers with training in key functionalities:
- Reporting is significantly expanded through the use of PowerBI and standard reports
- Ordering services and devices from the catalog
- Rebilling is a custom function being built specifically for VITA and our customers
- Dispute resolution with vendors and carriers, supported by Calero.com
Contact information
Add our email to your contacts!
VITA is committed to ensuring our customers' success and helping everyone successfully transition to the NextGen TEMS. An essential resource for customers is using change agents to provide support, information and help facilitate feedback for the VITA project team. These change agents meet monthly and have a regular Teams chat where they provide feedback and share information immediately with the team. VITA's Commonwealth technology strategic partners (CTSPs) are among the change agents available to help customers get more information about the NextGen TEMS.
Please subscribe to our mailing list and add our NextGen TEMS project email to your contacts: NEXTGENTEMS@vita.virginia.gov, to receive future communications, meeting invitations, training information and for details as we approach the go-live date of the new Calero system.
FAQs
Telecommunications is a key service area for VITA, but the current system lacks the data and reporting capabilities VITA needs to manage its telecommunications business effectively and efficiently.
VITA is focused on the future, and thus the path for NextGen TEMS was born. With a more efficient, effective delivery of TEMS, VITA will enable its customers to achieve their respective missions in serving the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Groups identified that will be impacted:
- Agencies and localities: The new TEMS will offer our agency and locality customers improvements in procurement, billing management and the rebilling process. These changes will allow for a better interface, increased analytics and the ability to gain more insight into the customer’s telecom expenses.
- Vendors: The TEMS will allow for more streamlined and straightforward procurement and invoicing. The modern system will ensure vendors can continue providing services to the Commonwealth while enjoying increased efficiency.
- VITA staff: VITA leadership and department managers are working to define roles and responsibilities while implementing changes to ensure VITA staff is aligned with new systems and processes.
VITA partnered with KPMG over a year ago to begin the research, assessments and recommendations to upgrade the current telecommunications expense and billing system (TEBS) to better serve our customers.
The data clearly shows moving to the next generation TEMS, with managed services by Calero.com, was the best option for providing many upgrades and capabilities we do not currently have with TEBS.
VITA’s change management team is actively involved in this project and will ensure all groups affected by this upgrade will receive timely communications. They will evaluate changes to groups of customers, how changes may impact them and develop training programs and documentation that will help all affected navigate the upcoming workforce changes.
TEBS - Our current system, telecommunications expense and billing system (TEBS)
- Serves over 800 state and locality customers, including higher education institutions
- Has capability and reporting limitations
- Lacks the system capabilities to perform at the level VITA desires
- System nearing end of life
TEMS - Next generation, telecommunications expense management system (TEMS)
- Continue to serve over 800 state and locality customers, including higher education institutions
- Next level of modern, efficient and effective delivery of managed telecom services
- Provide a level of transparency currently not available in TEBS
- Reporting system with customizable drill-down capabilities
- Information that empowers agencies to optimize telecom consumption and cost
- Improve customer experience