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GSA’s Startup Springboard Speeds Access for Small Businesses to Government

By Kay Ely, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category

Just a few years ago you’d be hard pressed to find a tech startup with a GSA contract.  But that’s a thing of the past, thanks in part to GSA’s innovative IT Schedule 70 Startup Springboard, which offers new and smaller IT businesses an easier and faster way to get a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract.

What is the Startup Springboard?

An integral part of GSA’s Making It Easier initiative, the IT Schedule 70 Startup Springboard offers tech startups and young companies an alternative to the two-year professional experience requirement traditionally required of a company trying to get on a GSA Schedule.

With Springboard, prospective industry partners can use their executives’ professional backgrounds, key personnel’s project experience, and related financial documents to complete their IT Schedule 70 proposals.

Making It Easier

For years we heard from industry that the unique government requirement of two-years of corporate experience before becoming a schedule contractor caused problems for small businesses, and were particularly challenging for startups. Vendors had previously found it very difficult to navigate the complex path to getting on the schedule while customer agencies were not able to access the emerging technologies available in the market particularly from startups.

The Startup Springboard addresses our customers’ emerging technology needs by getting companies and their innovative solutions onto IT Schedule 70 and into the hands of customer agencies faster, increasing acquisition and operational efficiencies, providing greater opportunities for small businesses, and saving taxpayers money.

Success Stories

As of September 2017, 14 companies, 13 of them small businesses, have been awarded IT Schedule 70 contracts under the Startup Springboard initiative. Among them is Vricon, a provider of imagery solutions to the intelligence and military communities. Vricon had its first deal within a week of getting on IT Schedule 70: a $2 million contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). And with $5 million in sales to the government to date, the young company quickly helped us prove the Springboard really does what it was designed to do: make it easier for new and innovative companies to start working with government.

Security Solutions Technology (SST) had only been in business eight months before joining IT Schedule 70 through the Springboard program. SST provides IT and cybersecurity services and solutions to federal, state, and local government agencies and has more than $1.8 million in sales so far.

Springboard has also helped HUBZone and certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) and woman-owned small businesses (WOSB) get on IT Schedule 70. See the complete list of businesses now on IT Schedule 70 that went through the Springboard process at the end of this blog post.

Bringing it All Together

The success of the IT Schedule 70 Startup Springboard and our other tools is a direct result of our commitment to addressing longstanding concerns of industry partners and government agencies. We’re addressing our customers’ emerging technology needs by getting companies — and their innovative solutions — onto IT Schedule 70 faster.

For general information about the program, visit the IT Schedule 70 Startup Springboard page.

The following companies have been added to IT Schedule 70 via the Startup Springboard since the program began in April 2016:

  • Alpine Consulting Partners, LLC — providing computer systems design services
  • Cambridge Federal, LLC — a HUBZone VOSB providing IT and Investigations and Security (I&S) Security: providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Coffmatech — an economically disadvantaged minority woman owned small business (EDWOSB) providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Concept to Integration Technologies,LLC — a service disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • The Crevalle Group, LLC — providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Nala Digital Solutions, Inc. — a SDVOSB providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Planet Defense, LLC — a woman owned business providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Resilient Solutions 21 LLC — providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Security Solutions Technology ,LLC — a veteran owned a VIP-certified SDVOSB providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Spathe Systems, LLC — an 8(A), small business, and SDVOSB-certified business providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Tangent Technologies, Inc. — a woman owned SDVOSB providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • TrussWorks, Inc. — providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services
  • Vricon, Inc. — providing commercial IT equipment, software, and services

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

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Art of the Possible in Innovative Acquisition Solutions

(Note: This is a guest blog post by Keith Nakasone, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Acquisition Operations within ITC in GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). In this capacity, he oversees ITC’s acquisitions workforce.)

Over the past 25 years, I’ve learned that textbook or classroom education alone won’t do the job. Staying on top of the IT acquisition curve also requires staff to regularly use IT innovation labs, environments where bleeding-edge technology has been successfully used to solve day-to-day business challenges.

As we explore the Art of the Possible by using artificial intelligence (AI) within acquisition solutions, I took a small team to visit a company that develops and delivers AI capabilities. Exposing government acquisition professionals directly to new technologies helps our staff to more fully understand what AI can do. In turn, they can help program managers develop even better contracts to more effectively help deliver mission requirements and desired outcomes in government.

As we continue to build IT procurement vehicles, we recognize how important it is to understand the technology, what it can do, and how we can inject new and innovative solutions into our acquisition vehicles not only for now, but for the future.

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

GSA’s Jasmine Alexander, Brendan Mahoney, Brian Whitaker, Giovanni Onwuchekwa, and Keith Nakasone visiting IPsoft in New York City.

 

Our staff was greeted by Amelia, IPsoft’s cognitive agent. According to our industry partner, Amelia can take on a wide variety of service desk roles and transform customer experience.

 

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Veterans Technology Services 2 (VETS 2) GWAC Awarded

If small businesses are the backbone to our economy, then veterans of the armed forces are the backbone of our country. Even after their sacrifices through military service, many veterans continue to serve our great nation by providing innovative information technology (IT) solutions to government.

GSA prides itself on delivering mission critical IT solutions that make a meaningful difference to the agencies we support and the citizens that count on them. This philosophy is at the center of our development of new IT contract vehicles and I’m proud that it played a vital role as GSA created our new Veterans Technology Services 2 (VETS 2) Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC).

VETS 2 – a unique acquisition vehicle

The new VETS 2 GWAC is a unique contribution to the federal acquisition community — the only GWAC set-aside exclusively for Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). VETS 2 is designed to be flexible enough to meet diverse agency IT requirements, including new and emerging technologies. VETS 2 also enables GSA to continue its support of the SDVOSB Procurement Program, while helping federal agencies achieve their socio-economic goals.

Contract development at its best

Lessons learned from our original VETS contract played a big role in building VETS 2, as did extensive market research. In conjunction with issuing a request for information (RFI) and draft request for proposal (RFP), we also surveyed hundreds of past and current GWAC ordering contracting officers, created a government customer working group, and utilized a GSA Interact page to collaborate with more than 1,000 members from industry and government to design VETS 2. The result is a multiple award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a best-in-class designation and 70 of the world’s premier SDVOSB IT service providers.

What’s new with VETS 2

All of the team’s research and due diligence, coupled with VETS success resulted in a VETS 2 contract that is even better than its predecessor. New key features include:

  • The ability for cost-type contracts
  • An expanded scope for virtually any IT services-based solution – including cybersecurity and new, emerging technologies
  • An overall simplified contract through the elimination of functional areas – a simplified scope covering all IT services
  • A larger pool of suppliers — an even greater proportion of which now hold International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) certifications, facility clearances levels, audited/approved cost accounting systems, and experience working with multiple agencies.

We couldn’t be more thrilled about the launch of VETS 2 as we continue our commitment to providing IT solutions with the ongoing help of the veteran community.

For more information, please visit www.gsa.gov/VETS2 or contact VETS2@gsa.gov.

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

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OMB Marks More GSA Tech Solutions as “Best in Class”

GSA’s Office of Information Technology Category (ITC) received some exciting news at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017: five more of GSA’s Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and one Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) based on IT Schedule 70 SIN 132-53 have been designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as “Best-in-Class” (BIC).

BIC designations signal to the acquisition community that these vehicles meet rigorous category management performance criteria and confirm that we’re offering solutions and processes necessary to meet government’s IT requirements not just today, but well into the future.

The six new additions to ITC’s BIC offerings are all pre-vetted, governmentwide contract solutions supporting the governmentwide move to mature, market-proven solutions:

With these additions, GSA has a total of eight BIC IT offerings—our Government-wide Strategic Solution (GSS) Laptop/Desktop and IT Schedule 70’s Hardware & Software SINs were part of the first group OMB recognized in the IT category.

We see these new BIC designations, as proof that GSA is developing the programs and contracts that will shape and lead future IT category management efforts. What’s more, they’re evidence that we use taxpayer funds efficiently and productively, enabling our customers to better fulfill their missions.

BIC Benefits

How does BIC benefit government agencies?

BIC contracts are recognized as being “good-for-government” purchasing solutions which should be used by all agencies. To be named BIC, contract vehicles must satisfy five key criteria defined by OMB:

  1. Rigorous requirements definitions and planning processes
  2. Appropriate pricing strategies
  3. Data-driven strategies to change buying and consumption behavior (i.e., demand management)
  4. Category and performance management strategies
  5. Independently validated reviews

BIC GWACs

Alliant, Alliant SB, and VETS 2 GWACs offer fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, labor-hour, and time-and-materials task order types, providing greater flexibility in procuring a broad range of IT services. These solutions provide access to new and emerging technologies designed to help government agencies meet their mission requirements. Our BIC GWACS can also help agencies save between 4 percent and 19 percent on average. Again, GSA expects to award the second iteration of Alliant and Alliant SB (Alliant 2 and Alliant 2 SB, respectively), by the end of the calendar year.

BIC BPA

Our FSSI Wireless BPAs are based in GSA’s IT Schedule 70 SIN 132-53, which improves the procurement and management of wireless services across government. And the good news is that the market opportunity for government wireless services is currently estimated to be $945 million annually.

Going Forward

These BIC designations let agencies and industry know we are meeting our own high standards of customer service and acquisition expertise. Whether they are using contracts officially recognized as “Best-in-Class” or another solution, our customers and partners can expect the same quality and excellence in all of our products and services. As I wrote in an earlier blog, “We believe a BIC designation is not the end state, but rather an important milestone on a journey to help agencies improve their buying strategies.”

Learn more about GSA’s BIC designations on Acquisition Gateway.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to join the conversation.

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Reducing Cybersecurity Risks in Supply Chain Risk Management

Shon Lyublanovits, IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Security Services Division

[Editorial note: This blog is the last of a three part series by Shon Lyublanovits, GSA’s IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Office of IT Security Services for Office of Information Technology Category (ITC). Designed to help build awareness of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) annual October National Cyber Security Awareness Month, this blog series describes a suite of cybersecurity products, services and solutions provided by GSA, outlining the unique benefits each provides to government].

Federal Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems rely on a complex, globally distributed, and interconnected supply chain ecosystem encompassing geographically diverse routes and multiple tiers of outsourcing. Managing ICT systems is a difficult and complex task for government agencies — especially when these system are affected by various laws, trust models, interests, and national/international supply chains. It becomes even more difficult when criminals constantly introduce proprietary counterfeits and malware, conduct data tampering, and access sensitive information.

To protect ICT systems from criminals, we are working with government agencies to reduce cybersecurity risks through the acquisition of IT hardware and software. We’re also helping government leaders, chief information officers, and IT experts develop and implement sound policy guidance to deploy Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) activities throughout the entire acquisition lifecycle.

Challenges for government and industry

The federal government is facing significant cybersecurity challenges when procuring IT products or services resulting from inadequate in-built cybersecurity controls in the supply chain. An increase in the use of ready made, off-the shelf products, plus a rise in outsourced computer and communications operations make it more difficult to manage the supply chain.

Our industry partners are facing challenges as well. Companies require agile, elastic business models to remain competitive and keep pace with emerging technologies, but they also need to protect themselves against volatile cybersecurity threats, especially in the supply chain. From a national security perspective, when large components of these business models become vulnerable to cyber threats, the private sector becomes a target of nation states.

Enhancement of IT procurement through sound policy drives

Within the global marketplace, particularly the supply networks, criminals have more opportunities to penetrate and potentially manipulate information and technology. In order to mitigate these threats, GSA supports various statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements that address the current challenges of the global marketplace.

We are currently developing a Business Due Diligence Information Service that will give agencies a common government-wide capability for identifying, assessing, and managing cyber and supply chain risk throughout the acquisition process.

GSA is also leading the implementation of an IT policy that enhances IT acquisition vehicles, resulting in increased security of customers systems and networks. We are working with federal agencies to address supply chain risks by:

  • Reviewing base ITC acquisition vehicle contract language
  • Developing an acquisition assurance baseline by identifying provisions and clauses that are related to IT security and SCRM to use in IT product and service solicitations
  • Creating a repeatable, scalable SCRM response process for ICT to effectively respond to SCRM incidents and issues of public interest. This includes a description of various roles, responsibilities, and definitions for six phases of the ICT Supply Chain Threat Event (SCTE) Incident
  • Using Response Life Cycle — i.e., notification, escalation, evaluation and validation, reporting, response, and closure activities
  • Establishing a Vendor Risk Assessment Program to provide a well-defined process and robust capability to evaluate known or potential risks related to suppliers of products and services using open source information

Comprehensive SCRM cybersecurity regulations and requirements

ICT systems need the best IT solutions to protect against proprietary counterfeits and malware, data tampering, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. We ensure that our IT products and services in the supply chain are deemed cyber low-risk by complying with cybersecurity regulations and requirements specific to SCRM. This will establish sound policy safeguards, so that when government agencies purchase IT products and develop systems, they do so knowing that we worked with suppliers to determine if SCRM capabilities have been applied to acquired products and services.

We’re also establishing a comprehensive SCRM capability that will ensure government agencies procure IT hardware and software from original equipment manufacturers, including authorized resellers or other trusted sources. Furthermore, GSA is:

  • Managing incidents within IT contracts
  • Establishing and maintaining contact with both internal GSA stakeholders and external agencies on cyber incidents
  • Maintaining awareness of government-wide supply chain policy/trends

GSA remains committed to helping government leaders, chief information officers, and IT experts improve cybersecurity through SCRM. Read the first and second blogs in this series to learn more about our cybersecurity products, services and solutions and how they can help you focus on your mission, while maintaining quality, reducing costs, and minimizing duplications and redundancies.

Follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC to join the conversation.

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Helping Agencies Strengthen Cyber Networks through Strategically Sourced Tools and Services

Shon Lyublanovits, IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Security Services Division

[Editorial note: This blog is the second of a three part series by Shon Lyublanovits, GSA’s IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Office of IT Security Services for Office of Information Technology Category (ITC). Designed to raise awareness of the Department of Homeland Security’s annual October National Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign, this blog series highlights a suite of cybersecurity enhancing products, services and solutions provided by GSA, outlining the unique benefits each provides to government].

In today’s cyber ecosystem many, if not all, government mission requirements depend upon IT systems. Government agencies need to go beyond simply knowing who and what is on their networks. Senior leaders, chief information officers, and IT experts across government must be ready to face all potential cyber threats and it is critical that all information be secure. The latest IT tools and associated services are essential if agencies are to effectively and proactively identify, manage, and respond to new vulnerabilities and evolving threats. Agencies must also be able to keep up with and anticipate constant change in the enterprise architecture and operational environment.

GSA remains committed to helping agencies meet these ever-evolving challenges by offering a suite of pre-vetted cybersecurity products, services, and solutions that help agencies comply with mandates and IT requirements, while also addressing cyberattacks. This includes working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a new Special Item Number (SIN) for IT Schedule 70: Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Tools. With CDM tools, we’re able to meet the government’s need for stronger cyber networks with strategically sourced tools and associated services.

New SIN offers agencies improved flexibility in IT procurement and cybersecurity

Our IT products on the CDM Tools SIN are prequalified and approved by DHS. And by leveraging the buying power of the government and streamlining the procurement process, we’ve made it easier and less expensive for our government partners to get the flexible solutions they need to effectively mitigate ever-changing cybersecurity threats.

Furthermore, these flexibilities on the CDM Tools SIN give government customers — federal, state, local, regional, tribal and territorial government entities — even easier access to a governmentwide set of information security continuous monitoring (ISCM) tools. The new CDM SIN also:

  • Enhances and automates existing continuous network monitoring capabilities
  • Strengthens the security posture of government networks
  • Improves risk-based decision making at the agency and federal enterprise level

CDM Tools SIN enhances existing continuous network monitoring capabilities

The CDM Tools SIN gives government agencies the ability to identify cybersecurity risks, prioritize them based upon potential impacts, and enable cybersecurity personnel to mitigate the most significant problems first.

We’ve organized the capabilities and tools into five subcategories:

  1. Manage “What is on the network?” — Identifies the existence of hardware, software, configuration characteristics, and known security vulnerabilities.
  2. Manage “Who is on the network?” — Identifies and determines the users or systems with access authorization, authenticated permissions, and granted resource rights.
  3. Manage “How is the network protected?” — Determines the user/system actions and behavior at the network boundaries and within the computing infrastructure.
  4. Manage “What is happening on the network?” — Prepares for events/incidents, gathers data from appropriate sources, and identifies incidents through analysis of data.
  5. Emerging tools and technology — Includes CDM cybersecurity tools and technology not in any other subcategory.

CDM strengthens government networks

We want to help government fight cyberattacks by providing tools to help detect vulnerabilities and protect agencies from threats. These tools enhance government network security through automated control testing and progress tracking. This approach:

  • Provides services to implement sensors and dashboards
  • Delivers near-real time results
  • Prioritizes the worst problems within minutes (not quarterly or annually)
  • Enables defenders to identify and mitigate flaws at network speed
  • Lowers operational risk and exploitation of government IT systems and networks

Easy Ordering

Purchasing officers can buy from the CDM Tools SIN through eBuy and GSA Advantage!®. Issue a request for information (RFI) or request for quotation (RFQ), and let vendors respond to your requirements. Likewise, government agencies can purchase products, services, and solutions through IT Schedule 70’s Cooperative Purchasing Program.

For more information

If you have questions about the CDM Tools SIN, contact the IT Customer Service Center at (855) ITaid4U/(855) 482-4348 or schedule70cdmsin@gsa.gov. Representatives are available Sunday at 8:00 p.m. through Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Learn more about GSA’s CDM Program.

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

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HACS SIN Helps Agencies Protect High-Value Assets (HVAs)

Shon Lyublanovits, IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Security Services Division

[Editorial note: This blog is the first of a three-part series by Shon Lyublanovits, GSA’s IT Security Subcategory Manager and Director of the Office of IT Security Services for Office of Information Technology Category (ITC). Designed to help build awareness of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) annual October National Cyber Security Awareness Month, this blog series describes a suite of cybersecurity products, services and solutions provided by GSA, outlining the unique benefits each provides to government].

It’s no secret that risk management is critical to the way government protects its information, assets and systems.

Federal agencies use large complex network and data systems to maintain and manage varying types of data and information, including High Value Assets (HVAs) that hold sensitive information critical to national and economic security. Some of this information is so critical that disclosing it could cause significant harm to government operations, law enforcement agents, men and women in uniform, and even private citizens. Knowing that, you may wonder if it’s still possible to provide easily accessible information and data sharing as well as other programs that increase citizen and organizational participation in government.

The answer is yes.

GSA stands ready to support government leaders, chief information officers, and IT experts by providing Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) SINs to identify, prioritize, and protect HVAs from criminal hackers. GSA’s HACS SINs provide government agencies with comprehensive protection against the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks by offering access not just more, but better IT cyber services and expertise.

Government agencies have more access to HACS SIN services and expertise

GSA has awarded more than 70 suppliers with HACS SINs to date. These industry partners give government agencies more access to services so they can test high-priority IT systems, rapidly address potential vulnerabilities, and stop adversaries before they impact HVAs. And to ensure that we have top notch expertise in cybersecurity, we’re always looking for more partners and more options to expand, enhance, and integrate these services with the national security community.

In addition, by using our HACS SINs on IT Schedule 70, government agencies can access the expertise needed to shorten procurement cycles, ensure compliance with mandates and IT requirements, and obtain the best value for innovative technology products, services, and solutions.

Improved protection to deter the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks

Our IT Schedule 70 HACS SINs offer a suite of cybersecurity services that help government agencies face and deter the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks. Agencies can deter these threats by protecting HVAs and critical enterprise-wide network infrastructures from our adversaries, enhancing data security on smart devices, and fortifying legacy systems by reducing their accessibility risks.

Improved protection of HVAs and critical enterprise-wide network infrastructures from our adversaries

  • Our 132-45D Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) SIN was developed with the methodology DHS uses to conduct assessments of agency HVAs. All vendors awarded this SIN have been screened through an oral technical evaluation process that follows the DHS methodology.

Enhancement of data security on smart devices

  • Our HACS Penetration Testing, Incident Response, Cyber Hunt and RVA SINs provide customers with access to vendors that are capable of providing these services across the network. Services include, but are not limited to, network mapping, vulnerability scanning, and wireless assessments. Employing the full HACS suite of services will address many of the threats to agencies’ data and improve the security of all devices connected to their networks.

Fortification of legacy systems

  • Our IT procurement specialists are committed to helping federal, state, local, and tribal governments protect their HVAs by enhancing or replacing their legacy systems with advanced emerging technologies.

HACS SINs Information Session for State and Local Government

Cybersecurity implementation can be challenging our customers, especially those unfamiliar with our IT Schedule program. We’re hosting an information session this month for state and local government so that all eligible entities, including tribal governments, can take advantage of the HAC SINs’ benefits.

  • When: Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT.
  • Where: Join us virtually, in Adobe Meeting Space!

We hope to see you there – register today!

For more information, please contact the following:

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

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8(a) STARS II GWAC Continues Win-Win for Government Customers and Small Businesses

(Editorial note: This blog is written by Kay Ely, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category)

Moving government IT capabilities forward to meet the operational challenges of the 21st century is not a one person job – it requires a balance of government and industry, especially small businesses, all collaborating and working together. Our small business Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) vendors have years of experience in finding that balance and the numbers to show for it. With more than 3,200 task order awards valued at $5.3 billion since 2011, the 8(a) STARS II GWAC delivers on its promises to federal agencies and provides abundant opportunity for small businesses.

During a recent open season, we added approximately 500 industry partners to GSA’s 8(a) STARS II GWAC. This increase in qualified vendors enhances opportunities to small businesses while moving the federal government forward with more competitive and innovative sources of IT services.

The open season awards, announced on June 13, 2017, help GSA continue our support of the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program while assisting agencies in meeting their small business goals, operational requirements, and mission needs.

Helping promote small business growth

Conducting an open season solicitation on the existing 8(a) STARS II contract allowed hundreds of new 8(a) IT firms to join the GWAC, giving them access to federal procurement opportunities that may have previously been closed to them. It increases competition and allows GSA to offer an even stronger pool of diverse and capable vendors to our customer agencies.

Providing federal agencies flexible IT solutions

Like all of our GWACs, the 8(a) STARS II GWAC is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract designed to provide federal agencies cutting-edge technology solutions.

It includes four functional areas, derived from the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS):

  • Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511)
  • Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512)
  • Computer Facilities Management Services (NAICS 541513)
  • Other Computer Related Services (NAICS 541519)

I welcome our newest industry partners and wish them much success working with us. I encourage acquisition professionals to learn more about 8(a)STARS II and use it for their next IT acquisition.

Learn how the 8(a) STARS II GWAC can help you with your IT requirements.

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OMB: GSA Tech Solutions Are “Best in Class,” Driving Smarter Government Buying

(Editorial note: This blog is written by Kay Ely, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category)

For more than six decades, GSA has led the way in developing government-wide acquisition solutions, leveraging the power of government’s economies of scale and driving efficiencies across federal, state, local, and tribal governments.

We’re extremely proud that our Governmentwide Strategic Solution (GSS) Laptop/Desktop, along with Hardware and Software for IT Schedule 70, have been designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as “Best-in-Class” (BIC) – part of the first group that OMB recognized in the IT Category.

BIC designations signal to the acquisition community that these solutions meet rigorous category management performance criteria and confirm that we offer the necessary solutions and processes to meet government’s current and future IT requirements. Great news…but we’re only getting started. What’s next?

Buying Smarter

These newly BIC-designated IT contracts represent preferred government-wide purchasing solutions and provide a unique opportunity to leverage the government’s buying power. The BIC designation allows acquisition experts to take advantage of pre-vetted, government-wide contract solutions and supports a government-wide migration to solutions that are mature and market-proven. They also help optimize spend within the government-wide category management framework and increase the transactional data available for agency level and government-wide analysis of buying behavior.

BIC designations are just the latest of several initiatives around customer-centric tools, templates, and best practices that government-wide category management is using to enable government IT to:

  • Improve requirements development, procurement and management
  • Partner strategically with industry
  • Reduce contract duplication
  • Foster cross-agency collaboration

Next Steps

But we’re not resting. We will continue to aim high and strive for higher quality and efficiency in order to provide value to government agencies. We will constantly review and improve our IT acquisition vehicles to maximize value for agencies’ mission requirements. And, we plan to offer other IT solutions for BIC designation review.

We believe a BIC designation is not the end state, but rather an important milestone on a journey to help agencies improve their buying strategies.

Another way we’re making it easier for government to buy smarter: we’ve updated the Acquisition Gateway and GSA.gov pages below to display the BIC designations

See which contracts are raising the bar:

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.

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Hybrid Cloud: A Key to Phasing in New Technologies

Like any newer technology, cloud computing has faced adoption challenges. IT managers understand the huge potential efficiency improvements and savings that cloud computing can bring to their agencies, but also have questions about security, compatibility, and funding. With these concerns and without a clear path to cloud computing, many agencies continue to maintain on-premises solutions. However, the costs of legacy systems are expensive, and this is a particularly important issue in a budget-constrained environment.

So what can IT managers do?

Many IT managers are turning to a hybrid cloud solution. Hybrid allows an agency to phase in new technologies without making wholesale adoptions agency-wide. For example, an agency could identify all public-facing websites and move them to a public cloud in order to eliminate costly, on-premises servers and maintenance costs.

With the hybrid cloud, that same agency can also continue to operate sensitive systems on-premises to meet proper security requirements, while reducing costs in other areas. As the agency grows more comfortable with cloud solutions, they can transition other services, and employ private or community clouds depending on their requirements.

Agencies can also benefit from pay-for-use services that expand and contract according to usage and need. Reducing the need for large investments in less flexible and more costly infrastructure. It also gives government agencies a flexible and efficient alternative to replace costly, outdated legacy systems.

More agencies are moving to the cloud, and hybrid is a nice transition that allows for the most flexibility, enabling fully customizable and highly efficient solutions. And agencies can use the best available solutions provided by the best available suppliers.

Moving to the Cloud—Hand in Hand

Although embracing hybrid cloud solutions is a little different from traditional IT procurements, agencies don’t have to transition alone—we are here to help. We have experts in cloud technologies with useful resources including requirements and needs analysis, scope reviews, and can advise you on how to structure the procurement and which “pre-competed” contract best fits your needs.

If you are considering moving to cloud, visit www.gsa.gov/cloud or the Acquisition Gateway for industry leading white papers, checklists, and templates that will make your implementation successful. You can also reach out directly to our cloud experts who are on hand to support agencies through transitions at cesdd@gsa.gov.

Please follow us on Twitter @GSA_ITC and LinkedIn to join our ongoing conversations about government IT.