8(a) STARS III: Information Technology Solutions for Your Mission Requirements
Introduction to 8(a) STARS III
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 will enable you to access 8(a) firms through an established contract vehicle instead of traditional open-market methods – saving time and taxpayer money.
Contract Scope
In addition to the general IT services scope, 8(a) STARS III includes two focused scope sub-areas: Emerging Technologies (ET) and OCONUS Place of Performance. 8(a) STARS III prime contractors in the ET scope sub-area have experience providing evolving state-of-the-art emerging technologies such as technological convergence, robotic process automation, autonomic computing, and more. Prime contractors in the OCONUS scope sub-area have experience providing IT services in an Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) location.
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. Training is offered at no cost via:
- Self-paced online courses
- On-site training conferences and events
- Web or audio conferences
Features and Benefits of 8(a) STARS III
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| $50 billion program ceiling and five-year base period with one three-year option | Allows for long-term planning of large-scale program requirements |
| Sole-source task orders up to the 8(a) competitive threshold | Enhances opportunities for 8(a) firms |
| Contract types include fixed-price, labor-hour, and time-and-material terms | Offers flexibility of contract types to mitigate risk |
| Two focused scope sub-areas | Offers access to contractors with demonstrated experience in either emerging technology or performance in an OCONUS location |
| Ancillary services and/or equipment are permitted when integral and necessary to the IT services-based solution | Facilitates integrated IT services-based solutions |
| Access to exceptionally qualified 8(a) small-business industry partners | Enables federal clients to earn small-disadvantaged business (SDB) credit |
| Pre-competed, easy-to-use contract with streamlined ordering procedures based on FAR 16.505 | Saves time and money by reducing procurement lead time |
| Complimentary scope compatibility reviews | Promotes contract compliance and reduces risk of adverse audits |
| No protests on orders under $10 million, except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the GWAC | Minimizes protest risk and supports timely order award for optimal mission support |
GSA eTools
GSA eLibrary is the online source for the latest contract award information for GWACs. www.gsa.gov/elibrary
The GWAC Dashboard is an interactive tool that allows GWAC stakeholders to view and segment GWAC task order award information to make better business decisions. www.gsa.gov/gwacdashboards
Best-in-Class
As a Best-in-Class contract, 8(a) STARS III is designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a preferred governmentwide solution.
For More Information
Visit www.gsa.gov/stars3 for the most current information on 8(a) STARS III.
You can also contact our IT Customer Service Center at 855-ITaid4U (855-482-4348) or ITCSC@gsa.gov. The phone line is open each week from Sunday at 9 p.m. to Friday at 8:30 p.m. (ET).