Acquisition Plan Set for First Source II The Department of Homeland Security has released its acquisition strategy for First Source II, a multiple award, IDIQ set-aside contract for IT commodities. The contract will be mandatory for consideration by all DHS components. “A primary goal of this acquisition is to generate cost avoidance and savings by leveraging the buying power of DHS and its components, ultimately resulting in lower prices to the government,” the strategy says. A draft RFP and industry day are planned for early November, with the final RFP scheduled for release next January. The department did not set a target for the number of awards, but said it will be a “manageable” number with set-asides in all socioeconomic categories. Eleven contractors were chosen for the original First Source in 2007. Experience in selling to the government is one of the primary evaluation factors, along with price and past performance. DHS says companies with little or no experience “are unlikely to be selected.” The source selection authority will also emphasize value-added reseller services. The department intends to standardize its IT hardware in anticipation of moving some functions to the cloud. The RFP will specify certain characteristics as base requiremens for desktops, laptops, peripherals and VDI equipment. DHS said it issued nearly 15,000 delivery orders under the original First Source contract, worth $1.8 billion, through June 30.