Recently, we made a decision that will enable GSA to give the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until May 31, 2026 to complete their transitions to EIS. DOJ and DHS asked for more time to complete their transition, citing multiple factors, including global supply chain disruptions and pandemic challenges. GSA agreed to create the requested extensions so that DOJ and DHS can carry out their transition plans without the risk of serious disruptions to critical services.
A significant decision
Executing these extensions will be a major undertaking for GSA and the contract holders. GSA anticipates there are more than sixty contracts that will need extensions after May 31, 2024. GSA will execute modifications to extend each contract. The justification for these modifications will detail the current status, the delays and obstacles agencies have faced in their transitions, and the timeline in which they expect to have their transitions completed.
GSA is proceeding according to FAR 6.3, which prescribes policies and procedures, and identifies the statutory authorities, for contracting without providing for full and open competition. The specific authority is under FAR 6.302-1, “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”
No guarantees
The approach we are taking is not without risks. For instance, contractors may not agree to an extension. They can refuse to sign on to extend further and GSA cannot force them to continue providing these services. Further prolonging transition generates risks for agencies, too. The EIS contracts offer benefits to agencies such as cost savings opportunities, avenues for technology modernization, and access to modern cybersecurity capabilities.
GSA supports your transition
GSA remains committed to the successful completion of the EIS Transition program. We conduct weekly updates to the transition inventory to ensure agencies and contractors have the most accurate data at their fingertips. In addition to frequent meetings with individual agencies, we hold monthly EIS Transition Office Hours and Interagency EIS Transition Meetings, both of which serve as forums for agencies to share their knowledge and ask transition-related questions. GSA also meets monthly with the contractors for an all-agency progress check and conducts comprehensive quarterly reviews.
GSA is and will continue to actively monitor agency progress toward stated EIS deadlines. If you need assistance, have additional data to share on the speed of your transition to EIS, or would like to meet with us, please contact your assigned GSA Solutions Broker.
For more information, visit gsa.gov/eistransition.
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