Changes for 8(a) STARS

STARS III RFP released; STARS II cut short

      There have been big developments recently for the popular 8(a) STARS II & III GWACs.

      On July 7, the General Services Administration released the solicitation for 8(a) STARS III, with bids due on Aug. 5.

      The ceiling for the 10-year contract will be $50 billion, more than twice the size of 8(a) STARS II.

      GSA also indicated in the Request for Proposals that it “reserves the right” to require compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements for companies on 8(a) STARS III, according to a report from Fedscoop.

      Meanwhile, 8(a) STARS II has gone through some major changes. The ceiling was reached in April, limiting future prospects, but GSA came to the rescue on July 2 by raising the ceiling from $15 billion to $22 billion.

      However, at the same time, GSA also cut short the period of performance by two years. “Orders awarded on or before June 30, 2020, may continue performance through August 30, 2024. Orders awarded on or after July 1, 2020 must be complete by June 30, 2022,” the GSA states on its FAQ Web page for the 8(a) STARS II contract.

      GSA told Federal News Network the change allows for continued opportunities and will minimize potential overlap with 8(a) STARS III. Critics are saying the reduced period of performance was abrupt and disruptive.

More information:
See this issue's column: here
GSA FAQ: https://bit.ly/32iWY1Q
FNN article: https://bit.ly/32gVDZd
GSA press releases: https://bit.ly/2DHDObz
and: https://bit.ly/30cLpGH

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