Alliant 3 Strategies for Winning GSA’s $75 Billion Contract

The General Services Administration (GSA) is expected to issue a final Request for Proposals (RFP) for its $75-billion Alliant 3 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) this spring. The agency just issued a second draft RFP, and the time to build your team and organize your documents for submission is now. OST Global Solutions is your partner in navigating Alliant 3, ensuring your bid stands out in this highly competitive landscape.

The GSA wants industry feedback on its 2nd Draft RFP submitted by January 15, 2023, 12 PM EST. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or through the provided Google Forms listed in the Alliant 3 contract page in SAM.gov.

Alliant 3 at a Glance

• Unrestricted, Multiple-Award, IDIQ GWAC contract.
• GSA plans to issue 60 awards.
• 10-year period of performance.

Defining Relevant Experience

Project Types: Includes federal/state/international public sector projects, and private sector projects.

Submission Cap: A maximum of seven distinct Primary Relevant Experience Projects.

Conditions: Projects must align with one of the specified NAICS codes:

• 518210: Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
• 541511: Custom Computer Programming Services
• 541512: Computer Systems Design Services
• 541513: Computer Facilities Management Services
• 541519: Other Computer-Related Services

Project must also be ongoing or completed within five years of the proposal due date, and each project must have a minimum value of $7.5 million.

Emerging Technology

Offerors can submit up to three projects for each of the eleven specified Emerging Technologies. These projects must be integral to the performance of the listed technologies and meet certain criteria:

• Timing: Projects should be ongoing or completed within the last five years.
• Performance: Projects must be complete or have at least one year of performance.
• Project Value: Minimum value of $1 million, with specific criteria for calculating the value based on federal or non-federal contracts.
• Subcontractor Work: Work done as a subcontractor is eligible, with specific verification requirements.

Emerging technologies include a broad range of IT domains, from Artificial Intelligence and Big Data to Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Edge Computing, Extended Reality, Health IT, IoT, Mobile IT, Quantum Computing, and Zero Trust Networks. Each technology area is defined with examples of specific projects or initiatives that qualify as relevant experience under the RFP.

How Can Small Businesses Compete on Alliant 3?

GSA has strategically designed the Alliant 3 QWAC to be inclusive for small businesses. Key mechanisms include:

Subcontracting Plan Compliance: Entities who are considered other than small businesses (OTSBs) are required to adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.219-9. This clause mandates a plan focused on small business participation, ensuring equitable opportunities.

Mandatory Subcontracting Goals: OTSBs must strive to meet minimum subcontracting goals set for different small business categories, fostering an environment of inclusive participation. These goals are:

• Total Small Business (SB): 50%
• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB): 7%
• Woman-owned Small Business (WOSB): 7%
• HUBZone Small Business (HUBZone SB): 3%
• Veteran-owned Small Business (VOSB): 3%
• Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB): 3%

These goals are enforceable, and OTSBs are required to demonstrate their efforts to meet these goals through their Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISRs), which are submitted via the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS).

The Alliant second draft RFP also includes a Small Business Subcontracting Evaluation Program, which rates the OTSB prime contractors on their performance in meeting the established subcontracting goals. The ratings range from “Satisfactory” to “Very Good,” with specific criteria outlined for achieving each rating level. This evaluation program underscores the importance of meeting the subcontracting goals and provides an incentive for OTSBs to exceed the minimum requirements.

Small Business Emerging Technology Solutions Engagement: This initiative offers incentives for small businesses, including an automatic 1,000 points. Additionally, OTSBs can engage in up to five distinct collaborations with small businesses, each worth 200 points.

Scoring Table Highlights:

• Total Possible Points: 92,200
• Relevant Work Experience (Max: 17,500 Points): Emphasis on primary relevant experience projects with a minimum value of $7.5 million.
• Project Size & Complexity (Max: 10,500 Points): Larger, more complex projects are valued higher.
• Demonstrating Experience through Multiple Agency Awards (Max: 3,500 Points): Diversity in your customer base is key.
• Emerging Technology (ET) Experience (Max: 6,600 Points): Your experience with cutting-edge technologies is crucial.
• Past Performance (Max: 17,500 Points): A significant portion of the score is based on your track record of successful contract execution.
• Systems, Certifications, and Clearances (Various Points): Certifications like CMMI, ISO standards, and Government facility clearances.
• Risk and Sustainability Disclosures (Max: 3,500 Points): Focus on responsible and sustainable business practices.

OST Global Solutions is a professional business development consulting firm. We have extensive experience supporting large, strategic bids like Alliant 3. We can provide capture and proposal teams to develop a complete, winning proposal. Or we can provide consultants on a case-by-case basis to fill gaps on your business development team. Our services related to Alliant 3 consist of team identification/negotiation, capture management, proposal management, pricing, color reviews, proposal writing, editing, and desktop publishing.

Contact us to discuss your bids, so we can help you develop a winning proposal.

[email protected]

(301) 384-3350

Upcoming Bid & Proposal Academy Classes