Input predicts AF solutions focus

The upcoming re-compete for the U.S. Air Force's Network Centric Solutions [NETCENTS2] contract will likely focus on complete solutions, according to a report from the Input Executive Program, a business development peer group connected to research firm Input.

Contractors who can develop solutions to support enterprise-wide technology needs will have a competitive edge, the report found.

Using the Army's Information Technology Enterprise Solutions [ITES] 2 contract vehicle as an example of where NETCENTS 2 may be headed, the report predicts NETCENTS will have a goal of information technology standardization and consolidation.

However, "Unlike ITES, NETCENTS has not been popular for solution buying," said Deniece Peterson, senior analyst for the Input Executive Program. "Only 10 percent of task order spending to date has been spent on product and service solutions. We expect this to change with NETCENTS 2 because the Air Force is moving towards a more strategic and integrated IT approach."

The new NETCENTS 2 contract will have three separate components: Products, services and services-small business. The Air Force may be looking to ITES 2 as a success model for how to structure NETCENTS 2 to increase spending on IT solutions, according to Input's forecast.

Input is based in Reston, Va.