DHS getting small firms ready for IT commodity recompete
By
Ross Wilkers
The Homeland Security Department will soon give industry a first glimpse at what the next version of the FirstSource commodity IT product and service contract will look like.
The Homeland Security Department is getting small businesses ready for the next iteration of a large commercial IT commodity product and services contract, albeit with some exact dates yet to be determined.
In a Beta.Sam.Gov notice posted Tuesday, DHS said it will issue a draft requirements document and evaluation factors for the multiple-award FirstSource III contract on or before June 29. An industry day is scheduled for late July and the due date for comments is slated for early August.
DHS previously told industry in late August of last year that it planned to release a final solicitation in January of this year, but the agency apparently needed more time to develop its acquisition strategy.
FirstSource is for DHS components and offices to acquire IT products and services in three areas. First are IT commodities along with related operations and maintenance services. Area two includes IT services for delivery, configuration, installation, and training directly tied to the IT commodities acquired through the vehicle . DHS also acquires managed services for IT commodities through the FirstSource vehicle.
The current FirstSource II contract was awarded in 2012 at a $3 billion ceiling value and is slated to expire Sept. 15, according to Deltek data.
In a similar structure, DHS will make FirstSource III awards in four set-aside categories based on socio-economic designations: 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned and woman-owned. A fifth track will be open for all small businesses.
DHS designed FirstSource to connect the agency to value-added reseller services and access to IT solutions from original equipment manufacturers that will be available through delivery order competitions.