GSA 8(a) STARS III
GSA’s 8(a) STARS III is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (MA-ID/IQ) contract designed to provide federal agencies with innovative information technology (IT) services-based solutions from award-winning 8(a) small businesses. Using 8(a) STARS III enables customers to access 8(a) firms through an established, pre-competed contract vehicle with multiple task order types, rather than more constrained traditional open-market methods – minimizing risk and saving time and taxpayer money.
GSA 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) III
Examples of the type of work that can be performed under STARS III include:
- Data Management
- Communications Technology
- IT Operations and Maintenance
- Cyber Security
- IT Workforce Augmentation
- Software Development
- Systems Design and Implementation
The GSA STARS III program office offers complimentary scope compatibility reviews. Ancillary services and/or equipment are permitted when integral and necessary to the IT Services-based solution.
More information: [www.gsa.gov/stars3] [8(a) STARS III Contract] [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)] [8(a) STARS III Brochure]
Contract Scope
The scope of the 8(a) STARS III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is centered on North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) but may include other NAICS codes that are predominately IT services, including (but not limited to) 541511 (Custom Computer Programming), 541513 (Computer Facilities Management), 541519 (Other Computer-Related Services), and 518210 (Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services). The contract offers access to IT services ranging from simple to complex and services-based solutions such as IT help-desk support, information assurance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.
Contract Award Information
- Company Name: Bowler Pons Solutions Consultants, LLC
- DUNS: 078405080
- UEI: H53YKU2UV2K5
- CAGE Code: 6VEZ8
- Contract Number: 47QTCB22D0640
- Program Manager: Mark Holmes [mark@bowlerpons.com / (202) 643-6475]
- Ceiling: $50 billion
- Ordering Period: 07/02/2021 - 07/01/2026 with one three-year options. Task Order Period of Performance (PoP) can go five years beyond contract ordering end date.
- Task Order Types: Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), Level of Effort (LOE) (labor hours), or a hybrid of two or more of these
- Contract Access Fee: 0.75%, the same as GSA Schedules
- NAICS: 541512, 541511, 541513, 541519, 518210, or related IT/Computer Services
- Directed Awards:
Directed awards allowed for orders up to the 8(a) Competitive Threshold of $4.5M ($7M for manufacturing). No protests on orders under $10 million, except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the GWAC
Getting to Bowler Pons using STARS III
Before issuing task orders against 8(a) STARS III, Contracting Officers (COs) must complete training on the use of the 8(a) STARS III contract and obtain a written Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) from the GSA 8(a) STARS III CO. GSA offers CO training at no cost via:
- Self-paced online courses (4-part training series)
- On-site training conferences and events
- Web or audio conferences
The SBA Offer Letter is a template which agencies may use when drafting a sole-source offer for SBA review. Per section G.13 of the 8(a) STARS III contract, offer and acceptance is required for each sole source order in accordance with FAR 19.804-6.
The list of SBA District Offices provides email and phone contacts for SBA’s district offices (current as of 7/19/2021). These points of contact should be utilized when submitting a sole source offer to SBA.
The
8(a) STARS III Brochure provides a summary of the benefits and features of the contract, as well as links to resources and tools.