RFP Due in May for Small Business GWAC Success equals opportunity for the only government-wide acquisition contract set aside for small businesses. The Commerce Department plans to establish a new Commerce Information Technology Solutions Next Generation, or COMMITS NexGen. The existing COMMITS GWAC is approaching its authorized ceiling of $1.5 billion in awards a year ahead of schedule, said program manager Tina Burnette. The department’s Office of Acquisition Management is now conducting market research and plans to issue the COMMITS NexGen solicitation in May with award in December. Fifty-eight small firms are participating in the original COMMITS contract, awarded in 1999, in the categories of information systems engineering, information systems security and systems operation and management. The vast majority of them are small disadvantaged businesses. As part of its market research, the department is inviting comments from prospective contractors through its website, www.commits.doc.gov. “Our intent is to hold focus groups with different industry groups,” including current vendors and some companies that will be chosen from among those registering on the website, Burnette said in an interview. The notice to contractors adds, “Due to the high volume of inquires, OAM is unable to meet with all interested contractors.” So far, $1.3 billion has been awarded under the original contract. One of those awards was a $409 million, five-year task order from the Energy Department to RSIS Information Services, a graduating 8(a) firm. (SAA, 1/24)