Should we bid goodbye to Alliant?

Even giving it the kindest benefit of the doubt, the General Services Administration's Alliant contract has been an exercise in frustration. The long run up to awards, then the protests and now a virtual "do-over."At FedSource's Outlook conference this morning, Ray Bjorklund presented information that the use of governmentwide task order contracts is declining.According to FedSources' analysis, the use of GWACs has dropped 15 percent since 2005. The GSA schedule is down, from 17 percent of spending in the IT market in 2005 to 14 percent in 2007.Meanwhile, the use of agency-specific, task order contracts is rising. Among these are contracts such as the Air Force's Netcents and Homeland Security Department's Eagle contract.The Defense Department, in particular, is increasing its use of home-grown contracts.The question is, should GSA cancel Alliant, despite the millions spent? How would such a move impact contractors? If they decide to cancel Alliant, what should GSA do to win back its customers?What do you think? Post a comment on this blog (registration is required) or send an e-mail to nwakeman_AT_1105govinfo.com and we'll post a comment for you. Put "Alliant" in the subject line.