Big IT Set-Asides Are Scheduled in 2006 Fiscal 2006 shapes up as the biggest year ever for small business set-asides in information technology, according to a report by the research firm Input. The report tracks 20 large IT contracts that are due to be awarded during the year, worth a combined total of up to $250 million over their lifetimes. “2006 looks to be a banner year for small business awards with nearly all acquisitions setting aside a significant amount of contracting dollars for small businesses,” said Darren Bezdek, manager of subcontract opportunities for Input. GSA’s Alliant Small Business governmentwide acquisition contract, worth up to $15 billion over 10 years, may be the largest IT set-aside in history. In its latest update, GSA said the final RFP would be issued in August or September, with awards next summer. Up to 40 contractors will participate in the GWAC. GSA also plans to award the Networx telecommunications GWAC during the year. The Department of Homeland Security plans to award three major contracts in fiscal 2006 carrying a combined ceiling value of $50 billion. Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge solutions (EAGLE), for IT services, is a partial set-aside. First Source, for IT equipment, is a total set-aside. DHS said it expects to issue final RFPs this month. DHS’s American Shield Initiative will procure technology to monitor America’s borders. “The contracts awarded in the next year are going to have a significant impact on vendor market share and the insertion of technology in the federal government. Vendors should pay close attention to ensure they are positioned to play a role in these opportunities,” Bezdek said. The major contracts are likely to set some important technology standards that will have significant impact on future acquisitions. “Most notable is the Justice Department’s Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) contract which may set standards for how state, local, and tribal public safety and homeland security entities communicate,” Bezdek said. ”Similarly, the ASI contract in DHS will utilize cutting-edge technology to monitor America’s borders and could be a proving ground for the application of monitoring technology across government agencies in a variety of applications.”