8(a) STARS (GS-06F-0069Z)

The new 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) GWAC is a small business set-aside contract for technology solutions. Announced last summer as 8(a) Federal Acquisition Services for Technology (FAST)2 Solicitation No. 6FG-03-RAV-0002 and recently renamed to 8(a) STARS, this new contract vehicle is the replacement contract for the current 8(a) FAST small business contract scheduled to expire October 31, 2004.

8(a) STARS is a multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle and contains the following features:

· 3-year base with two, two-year option periods;
· 8 distinct Functional Areas (FA) designated by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
        o FA1 NAICS 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
        o FA2 NAICS 541512 Computer Systems Design Services
        o FA3 NAICS 541513 Computer Facilities Management Services
        o FA4 NAICS 518210 Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services
        o FA5 NAICS 541519 Other Computer Related Services
        o FA6 NAICS 516110 Internet Publishing and Broadcasting
        o FA7 NAICS 519190 All Other Information Services
        o FA8 NAICS 517110 Wired Telecommunications Carriers
· Directed task orders up to $3 million each for federal civilian agencies are allowable pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(5);
· Directed task orders up to $3 million each for Department of Defense activities are compliant with Section 803 of the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act;
· 8(a) credit can be transferred back to client agency via Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
· Program ceiling: $15 billion
· Non-protestable
· Order placement: GSA FTS Client Support Centers or Delegation of Authority from Procuring Contracting Officer
· Geographic coverage: Continental United States, some Worldwide

Benefits

· Hardware, software, and services may be procured as part of an integrated solution
· Support small business and meet procurement preference goals
· Pre-competed, easy to use contracts
· Availability and access to proven small business and 8(a) technology providers
· Short procurement lead time
· Low user fee, 0.75 percent
· Small Business GWAC Center provides information technology (IT) specialty contract administration