DHS unveils $10B small biz vehicle's draft solicitation
By
Nick Wakeman
The Homeland Security Department has released the draft solicitation for FirstSource III, its $10 billion small business IT commodity contract vehicle. DHS also wants more industry feedback.
The Homeland Security Department has released the draft solicitation for the next iteration of its $10 billion small business IT commodity contract vehicle and is looking for more industry feedback.
This is version number three of FirstSource, which DHS uses for its IT equipment and software needs. This version will have set-aside categories for 8(a) companies; HUBzone businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned companies; woman-owned small businesses; and general small business.
Since this is a draft, DHS is still looking for industry feedback on the solicitation. Comments are due Nov. 20.
Through FirstSource III, DHS says it wants to establish contracts with experienced IT value-added resellers and software publishers so the agency and its 22 components can access commercial IT products.
DHS wants to lower costs and gain savings by using its buying power to get what it considers the best value for the government.
One specific area DHS wants comment on are the definitions of an IT value-added reseller and a software publisher.
After it is awarded, FirstSource III will be mandatory for use across DHS and its components.
To encourage more industry feedback, DHS plans to hold a virtual engagement event sometime between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4.