GSA releases RFI in search of mid-sized businesses for Alliant

Aiming to attract vendors of all sizes to participate in its long-awaited, massive Alliant government IT services procurement vehicle, the General Services Administration is seeking industry input on whether specific aspects of the multibillion-dollar solicitation could be tailored for medium-sized businesses.

In a recent request for information, GSA also said it is seeking comment on its definition of medium-sized businesses?defining them as firms that have annual revenues between $21 million and $500 million.

GSA noted that businesses on its Millenia Lite contract?one of the GWACs Alliant will replace?generate between $21 million and $200 million in annual IT revenues.

Commentors should focus in particular on whether other definitions of medium-sized businesses are needed and whether there is public interest in restricting portions of Alliant solely for mid-sized companies.

Responses are due March 23.

The RFI comes on the heels of GSA's virtual industry day for the two-pronged Alliant contracts? the $50 billion Alliant full and open procurement, which is geared toward large IT companies and systems integrators and its $15 billion Alliant Small Business procurement.

During the industry day, GSA said it plans on issuing revised draft versions of the Alliant solicitations this summer, with final awards coming in summer 2007.

In the RFI, GSA reiterated its intention that Alliant will represent "the full spectrum of industry partners with 'best-in-class' solutions." This means opening up the bidding to as many firms as possible, the RFI said.

"GSA wants to provide adequate opportunity for medium-sized businesses on Alliant, aside from the opportunities through teaming and joint ventures that can be undertaken by both small and medium-sized businesses," the document added.

Rob Thormeyer is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.