The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is expected to issue a final Request for Proposals (RFP) for a $5 billion blanket purchase agreement (BPA) for IT hardware products. The BPA, known as Access, is a 10-year, $5-billion initiative that aims to modernize the DOS’s IT infrastructure.
DOS issued a draft RFP in May 2021, and it has been on the Government contracting community’s radar ever since. Now Deltek, a leader in Government contracting intelligence, indicates that the final RFP is expected shortly, with an award date projected for May 2024. Access is a new BPA, meaning there are no incumbents to contend with, according to Deltek. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business!
Access BPA: Key Aspects
DOS’s Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) wants to streamline the acquisition process for a broad spectrum of IT products and services. Their aim is to establish a comprehensive, all-encompassing hub in the IT sector that caters to the department’s diverse requirements.
Primary Focus: Global IT Modernization (GITM) Program
Set Aside: 100% Small Business Set Aside
NAICS Code: 334111, Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Size Standard: 1250 Employees
Scope of Work:
The scope of Access encompasses:
- Networking equipment
- Servers and storage solutions
- Commercial off-the-shelf software
- Hyperconverged infrastructure
- Identity management and biometric hardware and software
- Laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets
- Video teleconferencing equipment
- Computer peripheral equipment
Critical Requirements for Vendors
Global Delivery Capabilities: Vendors must be capable of delivering large volumes of products to approximately 617 locations worldwide, aligning with GITM’s global reach.
GSA Schedule 70 Compliance: The BPAs are subject to the terms and conditions of GSA Schedule 70 for IT hardware, software, services, and solutions.
Contract Structure: The Government will primarily use a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) approach but may also use Fixed Price Economic Price Adjustment (FPEPA), Labor-hour (LH), or Time & Materials (T&M) contracts.
Open-Market Items: These will be negotiated at the order level, potentially including other direct costs and materials.
Be Prepared, Not Surprised
Act Now. The draft RFP for Access has been available for years. When DOS moves forward with the final RFP, expect a rapid turnaround for proposals. Don’t be caught unprepared.
Finalize Your Capture Work: Engage in thorough capture planning to understand the customer’s requirements and align your offerings.
Prepare Proposal Sections: Use the draft RFP to guide your proposal preparation. Ensure your proposal aligns with the stated requirements and evaluation criteria.
Be Proactive: Finish assembling your team, resources, and strategy to create a compelling proposal.
OST Global Solutions is a professional business development consulting firm. We support large, strategic bids by providing capture and proposal teams to develop a complete, winning proposal. We can also provide consultants to fill gaps or provide surge support on your business development team. Our services related to the Access BPA consist of capture management, proposal management, orals coaching, proposal writing, graphics support, editing, desktop publishing, and cost volume development.
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