8(a) GWAC Awards Are Announced More than 400 information technology firms have been awarded places on GSA’s new 8(a) set-aside governmentwide acquisition contract. The contract, worth up to $15 billion over seven years, is known as 8(a) STARS, for Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services. It is the successor to the FAST contract, the first 8(a) GWAC, which expires Oct. 31. One of the major changes from the FAST contract is an expansion from one functional area to eight, including services such as computer programming, computer facilities management, computer systems design, data processing and telecommunications. Under the 8(a) program, contracting officers are permitted to make sole-source awards up to $3 million. GSA said it plans training sessions for contracting officers and is offering online training for STARS contractors. (For a list of contract holders, go to www.gsa.gov/8astars.) In announcing the awards June 3, Donna Bennett, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Supply Service, said, “We at GSA are proud to offer this new portfolio of certified 8(a) small business firms to help the government meet its technology requirements as well as its socioeconomic goals. This new contract vehicle furthers GSA’s already strong commitment to supporting small business.” The STARS contract is managed by GSA’s Small Business Government Wide Acquisition Contracts Center in Kansas City, MO, GSA said the FAST contract has provided 8(a) contract holders with nearly $2 billion in sales.