DHS extends current commodity IT contracts
By
Ross Wilkers
The Homeland Security Department will take more time to get to the finish line for the $10 billion recompete of its main small business IT commodity equipment and software contract vehicle.
The Homeland Security Department has told industry the agency needs more time to get all the way through its $10 billion small business IT commodity equipment and software contract vehicle.
Against that backdrop, DHS has also extended the incumbent contracts on the second current version of its FirstSource vehicle by one additional year to now expire March 31, 2022.
DHS said Friday in a Beta.Sam.Gov notice that the extension allows for continued services while it solicits and evaluates bids, then decides on awards for the new FirstSource III.
The department also on Friday issued a second version of the FirstSource III draft solicitation with questions and comments due on March 10.
DHS expects to post a final solicitation “on or about” April 6 and is planning a virtual presolicitation conference for mid-April.
Like its predecessors, FirstSource III is intended as DHS’ mechanism to establish contracts with experienced IT value-added resellers and software publishers so the agency and its 22 components can access commercial IT products.
FirstSource III will be mandatory for use across DHS and its components after awards.