Are you considering certification under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program? Here are some commonly asked questions to help you better understand the program:
What is the SDVOSB Program?
The SDVOSB Program is a federal initiative that aims to provide contracting opportunities to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. It sets aside certain contracts exclusively for businesses owned and operated by service-disabled veterans.
Who is Eligible to Participate in the SDVOSB Program?
To qualify for the SDVOSB Program, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. The business owner(s) must have a service-connected disability that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DoD).
How can I get certified as an SDVOSB?
Certification as an SDVOSB is typically done through the VA or the Small Business Administration (SBA). Each agency has its own certification process and eligibility criteria. You’ll need to provide documentation to prove your eligibility, including your DD Form 214 and VA disability rating letter.
What Are the Benefits of SDVOSB Certification?
SDVOSB certification provides access to set-aside contracts and sole-source contracting opportunities reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. It also enhances your competitiveness in the federal marketplace and may provide access to additional resources and support services.
Can I Participate in Other Small Business Programs if I am Certified as an SDVOSB?
Yes, SDVOSBs can participate in other small business programs, such as the 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone Program, and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program, as long as they meet eligibility requirements for those programs.
How Long Does SDVOSB Certification Last?
SDVOSB certifications typically last for a set period, usually three years. After that time, you’ll need to renew your certification by providing updated documentation to demonstrate continued eligibility.
Conclusion:
Understanding the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program and its certification process is essential for service-disabled veterans looking to pursue government contracting opportunities. By addressing these frequently asked questions, you can gain clarity and confidence as you navigate the program and its requirements. Contact us to learn more!
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program offers numerous advantages for both service-disabled veterans and the government. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of this program:
Access to Set-Aside Contracts:
One of the primary benefits of the SDVOSB Program is access to set-aside contracts specifically reserved for SDVOSBs. These contracts are designated to provide opportunities for service-disabled veterans to compete for and win federal contracts.
Sole-Source Contracting Opportunities:
SDVOSBs may also qualify for sole-source contracting opportunities, where the government can award contracts to a single SDVOSB without competitive bidding. This streamlines the procurement process and can lead to faster contract awards for eligible businesses.
Competitive Advantage in Contracting:
Certification as an SDVOSB can provide a competitive advantage in the federal marketplace. Government agencies are often encouraged to meet contracting goals for SDVOSBs, increasing the likelihood of winning contracts for certified businesses.
Recognition of Service and Sacrifice:
The SDVOSB Program honors the service and sacrifices of disabled veterans by providing them with opportunities to succeed in the business world. It acknowledges the unique skills, experiences, and contributions of service-disabled veterans to the economy.
Business Growth and Development:
Participation in the SDVOSB Program can contribute to the growth and development of veteran-owned businesses. Winning government contracts can provide a stable revenue stream, foster business expansion, and create job opportunities for other veterans and community members.
Supportive Resources and Assistance:
SDVOSBs have access to resources and assistance from organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Veterans Affairs (VA). These resources may include training, counseling, networking opportunities, and assistance with navigating the federal procurement process.
Conclusion:
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program offers a range of benefits for service-disabled veterans seeking opportunities in government contracting. From access to set-aside contracts and sole-source opportunities to recognition of service and supportive resources, the program plays a vital role in empowering veterans in the business world. Contact us to learn more!
One of the questions that I am often asked with working with clients is how they should price desired (or “nice-to-have”) requirements when the believe their competitors are only going to price the mandatory requirements. They want to know how they can possibly be competitive in these procurements.
The key is to understand and strategically address both mandatory and desired requirements to not only ensure compliance with the required aspects of the procurement, but also showcase additional value that can set their proposal apart.
Mandatory Requirements: Your Compliance Compass
Mandatory requirements form the pricing backbone of any public sector procurement response. These are the deal-breakers, the non-negotiable criteria your pricing must meet to even be considered. At a minimum, you need to include an accurate calculation of the costs associated with fulfilling these mandatory requirements. It is also an opportunity to showcase your understanding of the project’s scope and your capabilities to fulfill these needs. Your pricing strategy should reflect this understanding. This approach demonstrates that your company is not just capable of compliance but is also deeply committed to the project’s success.
Desired Requirements: The Value-Add Proposition
While mandatory requirements get your foot in the door, desired requirements offer an opportunity to really showcase your ability to deliver. These are the “nice-to-haves,” the aspects of a proposal that can elevate your bid from competitive to compelling. Addressing these requirements allows you to introduce a value-added pricing strategy, where the additional benefits and enhancements you propose can justify a higher price point, provided the benefits are clearly communicated and precisely aligned with the buyer’s priorities.
The trick lies in a careful cost-value analysis. Assess the direct and indirect costs of incorporating these desired enhancements against the potential value they bring to the table—not just in terms of the immediate bid but also considering the long-term strategic importance of the opportunity to your overall company objectives. This approach not only showcases your proposal’s added value but also positions your pricing as a reflection of the comprehensive benefits you offer.
Striking the Right Balance
Achieving the perfect balance in your pricing strategy involves a blend of compliance and creativity. It means leveraging desired requirements to differentiate your proposal while optimizing costs to maintain competitive pricing. This involves leveraging desired requirements as an opportunity to introduce unique solutions, technologies, or processes that not only meet but exceed the customer’s expectations. The challenge here is to incorporate these innovations in a way that adds significant value without disproportionately inflating costs. It’s about showcasing how your offering is not just a cost but an investment into efficiency, quality, or capability that will pay dividends over the life of the contract.
The Bottom Line
Crafting a winning pricing strategy in public sector procurements demands more than just understanding costs. It requires a strategic approach that balances the essential compliance with mandatory requirements against the nuanced pursuit of desired enhancements. By treating mandatory requirements as your compliance compass and desired requirements as your value-add proposition, you can develop a pricing strategy that not only meets the procurement’s baseline needs but also delivers additional value that distinguishes your proposal from the competition.
In the end, a successful bid is one that demonstrates clear value for proposed price, showcasing not only your ability to meet the project’s basic requirements but also your commitment to delivering exceptional benefits and improvements that resonate with the customer’s ultimate goals. Contact us to learn more!
Curious about Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs? Here we answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs):
What is a WOSB Program?
The WOSB program is a federal initiative designed to provide contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses in industries where women are underrepresented.
How do I Qualify as a WOSB?
To qualify as a WOSB, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The business must also meet the Small Business Administration’s size standards for its primary industry.
What is the Advantage of Being Certified as a WOSB?
Certification as a WOSB allows businesses to compete for set-aside contracts reserved exclusively for women-owned small businesses. This designation enhances visibility, credibility, and access to government contracting opportunities.
How do I Become Certified as a WOSB?
Businesses seeking certification as a WOSB must complete an application process through the Small Business Administration or an approved third-party certifier. The application typically requires documentation to verify the business’s eligibility and ownership status.
Can WOSBs Bid on Contracts Outside of the WOSB Program?
Yes, WOSBs can bid on contracts outside of the WOSB program. In addition to set-aside contracts, WOSBs are eligible to compete for any federal contracting opportunity for which they qualify based on their size, industry, and capabilities.
Are There Resources Available to Help WOSBs Navigate the Federal Contracting Process?
Yes, there are resources available to help WOSBs navigate the federal contracting process. The Small Business Administration offers training, workshops, and counseling services to assist WOSBs in understanding the requirements, preparing proposals, and securing government contracts.
Conclusion:
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs offer valuable opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access federal contracting opportunities and grow their businesses. By understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, certification process, and available resources, women-owned small businesses can take full advantage of WOSB programs to succeed in the federal marketplace. Contact us to learn more!
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs offer numerous advantages for women entrepreneurs looking to compete in the federal contracting arena. Here are some key benefits:
Access to Set-Aside Contracts:
One of the primary benefits of WOSB programs is access to set-aside contracts reserved exclusively for women-owned small businesses. These set-aside contracts provide a competitive edge by reducing competition from larger companies and increasing the likelihood of securing government contracts.
Government Contracting Opportunities:
Participation in WOSB programs opens doors to a wide range of government contracting opportunities across various industries and agencies. Women-owned small businesses can bid on both prime contracts and subcontracting opportunities, expanding their potential revenue streams.
Competitive Advantage:
Women-owned businesses certified under WOSB programs often stand out as diverse suppliers in the federal marketplace. This diversity can be a significant advantage when agencies prioritize contracting with small businesses or seek to meet supplier diversity goals.
Networking and Mentorship:
WOSB programs provide opportunities for networking and mentorship within the federal contracting community. Women entrepreneurs can connect with other WOSBs, government agencies, prime contractors, and industry associations to build relationships and access valuable resources and guidance.
Visibility and Recognition:
Certification as a WOSB enhances visibility and recognition in the federal marketplace. Government agencies and prime contractors actively seek out women-owned businesses to fulfill their contracting needs, providing WOSBs with greater exposure and opportunities for collaboration.
Assistance with Federal Contracting Process:
WOSB programs offer support and resources to help women-owned businesses navigate the complexities of the federal contracting process. This assistance may include access to training, workshops, and educational resources to help WOSBs improve their competitiveness and succeed in government contracting.
Conclusion:
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs provide significant benefits for women entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in federal contracting. From access to set-aside contracts and government contracting opportunities to networking, mentorship, and support with the contracting process, participating in WOSB programs can help women-owned businesses thrive in the federal marketplace. Contact us to learn more!
The Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program is a federal contracting program designed to provide greater access to government contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. Here’s an overview of what the WOSB program entails:
Definition of WOSB:
A Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
Purpose of the WOSB Program:
The primary purpose of the WOSB program is to promote and support women entrepreneurs by providing them with increased access to federal contracting opportunities. The program aims to help level the playing field for women-owned businesses in government procurement.
Certification Requirements:
To participate in the WOSB program, businesses must first self-certify or obtain third-party certification as a woman-owned small business. They must also register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.
Set-Aside Contracts:
The WOSB program includes set-aside contracts, which are contracts reserved exclusively for competition among eligible WOSBs or economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). These set-asides help ensure that women-owned businesses have a fair chance to compete for federal contracts.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the WOSB program, a business must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a small business according to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards, being at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and being managed and operated by women on a day-to-day basis.
Contracting Opportunities:
Participating in the WOSB program opens up various contracting opportunities across a wide range of industries and government agencies. These opportunities can include both prime contracts and subcontracting opportunities.
Benefits of Participation:
The benefits of participating in the WOSB program include access to set-aside contracts, increased visibility in the federal marketplace, networking and mentorship opportunities, and assistance with navigating the federal contracting process.
Conclusion:
The Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program plays a crucial role in advancing women entrepreneurs and promoting diversity in federal contracting. By understanding the program’s purpose, certification requirements, eligibility criteria, and benefits, women-owned small businesses can position themselves for success in the government marketplace. Contact us to learn more!
As businesses explore opportunities within 8(a) Business Development Programs, they often have questions about its intricacies, benefits, and eligibility criteria. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 8(a) program:
What are 8(a) Business Development Programs?
The 8(a) Business Development Program is a federal initiative designed to assist small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It offers various forms of support, including access to government contracts, business development assistance, and mentorship.
Who is Eligible to Participate in the 8(a) Program?
To qualify for the 8(a) program, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The business must meet certain criteria regarding size, citizenship, and potential for success.
How Long Does the 8(a) Certification Last?
The initial certification in the 8(a) program lasts for nine years, during which the participating business can take advantage of various benefits and opportunities. However, the program also allows for extensions under certain circumstances.
What are the Benefits of Participating in 8(a) Business Development Programs?
The benefits of the 8(a) program include access to sole-source contracts, set-aside opportunities, mentorship from experienced firms, assistance with navigating the federal contracting process, and eligibility for specialized training and development programs.
How do I Apply for the 8(a) Program?
The application process for the 8(a) program involves submitting documentation and demonstrating eligibility based on criteria set by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes providing information about the business, its ownership, financial status, and past performance.
Can Businesses in the 8(a) Program Subcontract Work to Other Companies?
Yes, businesses in the 8(a) program can subcontract work to other companies, but there are limitations and requirements regarding the extent of subcontracting and the relationship between the prime contractor and subcontractor.
What Happens After the 8(a) Program Term Ends?
After the initial nine-year term in the 8(a) program ends, businesses are expected to graduate from the program and continue their operations independently. However, the SBA provides assistance and resources to help graduates transition successfully.
Conclusion:
Navigating the 8(a) Business Development Program can raise various questions for small businesses. Understanding the program’s eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process is crucial for making informed decisions about participation. By addressing common FAQs about the 8(a) program, businesses can gain clarity and confidence in exploring the opportunities it offers for growth and success. Contact us to learn more!
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program serves as a powerful tool for eligible small businesses seeking to thrive in the federal marketplace. This program, designed to provide assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, offers a wide range of benefits that can significantly enhance a company’s competitiveness and growth potential. Let’s delve deeper into the myriad advantages offered by the 8(a) program and how it can propel your business to new heights.
Benefits of the 8(a) Business Development Program:
Access to Federal Contracts: One of the primary advantages of participating in the 8(a) program is gaining access to a multitude of federal contracting opportunities. These include set-aside contracts specifically reserved for small businesses participating in the program, as well as sole-source awards that allow firms to secure contracts without the need for competitive bidding.
Business Development Support: Enrolled businesses receive comprehensive business development assistance from the SBA and participating agencies. This support includes mentorship, training programs, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing the capabilities and competitiveness of program participants.
Sole-Source Contracting: The 8(a) program enables eligible firms to receive sole-source contracts of up to $4 million for goods and services and up to $6.5 million for manufacturing contracts. This streamlined procurement process eliminates the need for lengthy competitive bidding procedures, allowing businesses to secure contracts more efficiently.
Competitive Advantage: Participation in the 8(a) program can provide small businesses with a significant competitive edge in the federal marketplace. By being designated as 8(a) certified, companies are often viewed favorably by government agencies, increasing their chances of being awarded contracts.
Long-Term Growth Opportunities: Beyond immediate contract opportunities, the 8(a) program offers long-term benefits for participating businesses. Through access to valuable resources, mentorship, and support networks, companies can develop the skills and relationships necessary for sustained growth and success.
Enhanced Visibility: Enrolling in the 8(a) program enhances a company’s visibility within the federal procurement ecosystem. Government agencies actively seek out 8(a) certified firms for contract opportunities, providing increased exposure and access to potential clients.
Capacity Building: The program encourages capacity building and strategic development within participating businesses. Through targeted assistance and developmental programs, companies can strengthen their internal infrastructure and capabilities, positioning themselves for greater success in the marketplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 8(a) Business Development Program stands as a beacon of opportunity for small businesses aspiring to thrive in the federal marketplace. By leveraging the program’s array of benefits, eligible firms can gain access to lucrative federal contracts, receive tailored business development support, and secure a competitive advantage that propels them towards long-term success. Through mentorship, capacity building, and streamlined procurement opportunities, the 8(a) program empowers entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and make significant contributions to the government contracting landscape. Contact us to learn more!
This is the follow-up to the successful Army’s PEO/EIS/CHESS Information Technology Enterprise Solutions (ITES)-3 which has 135 contracts. This estimated $12.1B acquisition has a potential RFP release in Sept 2024, but awards not until Sept 2027, so we may see a slip in RFP release in 2025 or later. This is again a MA/IDIQ with both SBSA and Full/Open Unrestricted pools. POP is anticipated to be 9 years.
CHESS is planning on a Market Research Phase, RFI Questionnaires and then holding an Industry Day. Some planned, new items for ITES-4S are:
Multiple NAICS Codes
8(a) Set-aside planning to include an increase in small business goals and allowing Government Customers to use ITES-4S to meet their SB goals
FedRAMP standards for Cloud Services
Metrics for Proposal and RFI submissions
Minimum requirements for Vendors to have on their forward-facing websites.
The scope is anticipated to be similar to ITES-3S and should include these primary areas:
We recently talked to clients about their goals for 2024. The consensus was that they need to bid more with the same resources. Most of them were targeting a 28-42% increase in submissions. Increasing their bids is a fundamental path to more revenue, but the risk can include compromised quality and a daunting workload increase, which could result in turnover – both outcomes impact the win rate.
Implementing the right AI solution plus a coherent knowledge management approach mitigates these risks:
Mitigating Employee Attrition: Increasing the number of proposals may inadvertently lead to employee attrition, jeopardizing a company’s capacity to meet new submission goals. Generative AI serves as a strategic solution to alleviate this risk.
Optimizing Proposal Team Size: Executives contemplating team expansion face the challenge of heavy fixed overhead costs associated with adding at least 1 Full Time Employee (FTE). Using AI will leverage your existing resources.
Revolutionizing Productivity Cost-Effectively: Generative AI products should be evaluated for security, quality, and speed to make sure you get the best fit. Implementing the right solution can increase team productivity by up to 30%, presenting a cost-effective method to meet goals and avoid burnout.
Technology is transforming our lives in ever expanding ways from how we entertain ourselves to how we conduct business and, most importantly, write proposals. This wonderful gift of efficiency has also challenged us with information overload, digital addiction, and social isolation. At Hinz, we balance technology and humanity as we adapt to the new normal. It’s not one or the other, it’s both! We can use technology wisely and responsibly, while celebrating our human uniqueness. Our corporate culture is built on empathy, compassion, curiosity, and accountability. We’ll delve into these values more in this newsletter over the next few weeks!
In Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurements, pricing strategies focus on offering the lowest price while (just) meeting technical requirements. This involves rigorous cost analysis, lean operations for cost reduction, market and competitor understanding, and highly customized pricing for each opportunity. Success hinges on balancing aggressive pricing with maintaining quality and long-term financial sustainability.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Cost Efficiency is Crucial: Success in LPTA procurements hinges on a company’s ability to efficiently manage and minimize costs. Thorough cost analysis and lean operational strategies are vital to offer the lowest possible price while ensuring all technical requirements are met.
2. Balanced Pricing Approach: In LPTA bids, it is essential to find a balance between competitive pricing and maintaining quality. Underbidding can jeopardize profitability and sustainability, while overbidding can lead to losing the contract. Understanding market pricing and competitor strategies is key to this balance.
3. Meeting Technical Standards is Paramount: While offering the lowest price is the primary goal in LPTA procurements, adhering to the specified technical requirements is equally important. Pricing strategies must be developed with a detailed understanding of these requirements to ensure compliance without unnecessary cost additions.
2024 and beyond is a target-rich environment for the GOVCON space. Here are a few more high-value opportunities you should keep your eyes on and decide if you are pursuing as a prime or sub.
Defense Air Force Strategic Transformation Support II (DAFSTS II) – the follow-on to the AFSTS program which has 8 incumbent contracts. DAFSTS II is estimated at a $5B program value across multiple full/open unrestricted awards. Estimated draft RFP in late winter/early spring and current contracts expire mid-June 2025.
Department of State (DOS) ACCESS – the Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) at DOS is looking to acquire IT equipment and hardware. DOS stated at the Q1FY24 Virtual Industry Day that a solicitation was anticipated for Q2FY24 and that this estimated $5B effort would be an SBSA.
USAID NextGen Procurement Services Agent HIV (PSA HIV) – this estimated $3B agency MA/IDIQ is set to be a full/open unrestricted competition with an RFP being released in late January 2024 and awards by the end of 2024. Contract POP is estimated to be a 10-year base contract.
HHS National Education Campaign and Outreach Contract (NEC) – this potential $3B agency MA/IDIQ is planned to have a 7-year base performance period. RFP is estimated for release by the end of Aug 2024 with an award in Aug 205. This is a follow-on to the existing NEC IDIQ contract which has 4 incumbents.
About Hinz Consulting
Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:
In public sector procurements, defeating an incumbent without being the lowest bidder requires a strategic approach focusing on value. This involves highlighting superior quality, innovative solutions, socio-economic benefits, risk mitigation, and tailored services. It is all about demonstrating comprehensive value that aligns with the broader programmatic objectives of the customer.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Provide Value Beyond Price: Demonstrate comprehensive value in your offering that extends beyond just pricing. This includes demonstrating superior quality, delivery performance, innovative solutions, and additional socio-economic benefits.
2. Customize and Partner: Tailor solutions to address your customer’s long-term business needs and objectives (going beyond the proposed contract term, if needed), and position your company as a collaborative partner rather than just another vendor.
3. Risk Mitigation and Stability: Emphasize your company’s ability to mitigate risks and its stability and reliability as a service provider to counteract the “safe choice” appeal of the incumbent, making your proposal more attractive.
This is the follow-on to the successful GSA ALLIANT 2 (62 incumbent contracts) and will be a Full/Open-Unrestricted GWAC-IDIQ procurement with estimated value of $75B. The second Draft RFP was released in early Dec 2023 and comments were due on Jan 16th. and final RFP is estimated to be released in the Spring of 2024 (late April/May). According to the GSA presentation on January 11th 2024, on The Alliant Program: Alliant 3 Second Draft, they wish to proceed quickly with Alliant 3.
All sections were included in the second Draft RFP with the exception of Pricing. This is still being developed and will be released when ready, hopefully before the final RFP is released this spring. A pre-proposal conference will be held after final RFP release. There were many significant, positive changes in this second draft RFP with the major ones being:
Reduction in dollar values from $275M to $100M, $100M to $35M, and $35M to $7.5M (L.5.2.3.3 Relevant Experience – Project Size)
Reduction in dollar values for additional points to correspond with section L values (M.6 – Alliant 3 Scoring Table)
Federal Primary Relevant Experience Submissions Expanded
All offerors may use work performed as as a subcontractor that fits RFP criteria
Federal Subcontracts can roll down to Agency, Cost Projects, Foreign Location (L.5.2.3.4, L.5.2.3.5, and L.5.2.3.7 – Primary Relevant Experience NAICS Areas)
Cost Accounting System and Audit Information
Not restricted to DCMA or DCAA audits
May use Cognizant Federal Agency or Certified Public Accountant statement of Cost Accounting System audit to be found acceptable by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (L.5.4.1 Cost Accounting System and Audit Information)
Key points:
Estimated to be 60 awardees
Awardees to have a 10-year contract term and no ceiling master contract
Periodic open seasons to occur
Basis for evaluation for awards will be determined by Highest Technically Rated Offerors with a Fair and Reasonable Price (HTRFRP). Must be amongst the top 60 highest rated Offerors to be considered a HTRFRP Offeror. There could end up being more than 60 awards if ties occur within the top 60 rated Offerors.
Acceptability Review is conducted on proposals on a Pass/Fail basis on required information. Only “acceptable” proposals move into the Technical Evaluation and are scored per the Alliant 3 Scoring Table. Offerors make their own assessments but the Technical Evaluation on Relevant Experience; Past Performance; Systems, Certifications, and Clearances; and Organizational Risk Assessment must include the required information to substantiate the claimed points. A maximum of 92,200 points may be claimed.
An overall Responsibility Determination IAW FAR Part 9 is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis and if not deemed responsible, an Offeror will not be considered for an award.
Major Acquisition Objectives:
Maintain a Best-in-Class Solution Designation
Use standardized IT Labor Categories and Prices Paid Portal
No-Ceiling Master Contract
Performance Standard Improvement to include fewer termination through off-ramp tradeoffs and more competition with task order proposals with small business (SB) subcontracting
Increased focus on SB through Subcontracting Plans, Performance Standards, and Evaluation Factors
Enhance Environmental and Sustainability Plans
Enhance the Customer Experience
Streamline Proposal Evaluation through use of technology to increase government evaluation speed/accuracy and simplifying industry solicitation response and industry response
Increase IT Modernization Opportunities
Provision for Open Seasons which will occur periodically to evaluate competition levels and on-ramp opportunities
This is a great contract vehicle and is widely used across the Federal Government. Let Hinz Consulting help you pull together the required substantiation documentation and review it for compliance and proof of points claimed.
The change from search tools to Generative AI platforms is akin to the leap from analog phones to Touch Screen phones – after you experience the productivity advantages of a Generative AI, how could you ever go back? Hinz Consulting conducts comprehensive AI tool assessments to make sure our clients select the right tool.
A good Generative AI tool should do the following for you….
Generative AI searches your Knowledge Management to find applicable reference documents and uses those documents to generate new content. Generative AI eliminates the need for tagging or searching your KM for hours on end.
Generative AI combines the search and the generation of content, allowing you to sunset KM search tools. As you sunset the KM search tools, you can reinvest the cost savings in more capable Generative AI products.
Legacy KM search tools, evaluated by Hinz, involve extensive tagging of data and labeling. Tagging at scale for your whole Knowledge Management repository is a costly task for any team, and in many cases, an impossible endeavor. Gen AI requires no manual tagging and labeling to set up.
Clear your mind, take a deep breath, and look back that the past few weeks. While it may seem premature for reflection, doing so now provides ample time to adjust our methods.
As we wrap up the first month of a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on the goals we’ve made and evaluate our progress. We’ve defined our goals, broken them down into manageable actions, and defined key metrics. So how are we doing so far?
Ask yourself:
How often are you completing the daily tasks that move you forward? Express that in a percentage. Seeing your effort as a real number is enlightening!
What are the top 3 obstacles that prevent you from completing those tasks? Perhaps there is a common underlying theme that needs to be addressed.
What are the key drivers on the days that you are successful? Identify the positive things that motivate you and build on them.
2024 and beyond is a target-rich environment for the GOVCON space. Maybe we will actually have an approved budget for FY24 before we get to September? Here are a few more high-value opportunities you should keep your eyes on and decide if you are pursuing as a prime or sub.
DHS Program Management Administrative Clerical and Technical Services (PACTS III) – the follow-on to PACTS II which has 39 incumbent contracts. PACTS III is estimated at $8.4B program value across potential awards to 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB and WOSB companies. DHS just released a consolidated set of Q&A on 18 Jan and now the Final RFP is expected to release on or about 1 Feb with an award estimated in early Q1 FY25.
Comprehensive Construction and Engineering (C2E) – The Air Force released a mod on Jan 18th changing the solicitation number to FA890324R0023 along with an updated Synopsis. Final RFP is not expected on or after Feb 28th and a 45 day turn to proposal submission. Estimated award is April 2, 2025. Air Force anticipates 12 contract awards under the Full/Open portion and 15 contract awards under the SBSA portion.
PD Aerostat Production Fielding Sustainment and Life Cycle Support MATOC IDIQ – the latest forecast by the Army is that this RFP is planned for release in Q4 FY24…so maybe Sept? This $4.1B IDIQ MATOC is potentially set up as a Competitive SBSA and Full/Open Unrestricted and potentially 6 awards (3 SBSA awards and 3 F/O unrestricted awards).
GSA ASCEND – this multiple award BPA for Federal Agencies to acquire and implement secure, integrated commercial cloud service solutions and cloud-focused labor services is expected to be released May 2024. GSA released a modification on Jan 4th to extend due date for questions/comments on the draft RFP until Feb 21st. Industry should expect a phased award process with an unknown number of awards in each of the 3 Primary Pools: Pool 1 – Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS); Pool 2 – Software as a Service (SaaS); and Pool 3 – Cloud Professional Services. Awards estimated to begin in early FY25.
About Hinz Consulting
Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:
