In This Week’s Newsletter:
- Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: GSA ALLIANT 3
- Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
- AI Corner: No Fear, Prompt Assistants are Here
- Pricing Insights: New weekly feature! Get pricing perspectives from an expert!
- Capture Insights: New weekly feature! Learn about Capture methodology.
Opportunity Alert: GSA ALLIANT 3
Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com
On January 28, 2025, the GSA Contracting Office issued Amendment 8, releasing a Conformed RFP for the estimated $75B Full and Open/Unrestricted IDIQ-GWAC. Changes include: (a) removing the Meaningful Relationship Commitment Letter (MRCL) project requirement (RFP Section L.5.1.5(f)(5)); (b) requiring a Parent-Company Corporate Official to resolve issues related to MRCL claims (RFP Section L.5.1.5(f)(5)); and (c) updating project requirements for SBSubk SBCTAs to claim Organizational Risk Assessment points (L.5.6(b)). The proposal due date remains February 24, 2025. Contact Hinz for strategic, independent support on this critical bid.
Four to Follow:
- Military Sealift Command (MSC) Financial Management Support Services:The Contracting Office issued an update to the final Request for Proposal (RFP) on 28 January. This update removed the previously posted solicitation document marked as “draft” and replaced it with the official version. The deadline for submitting proposals for this $50M (8a) set-aside project remains February 24, 2025. Please contact Hinz Consulting for a strategic review or any last-minute proposal support.
- Air Force’s ISSO Data and Analytic Services: The Air Force’s ISSO is seeking help with data analysis for various projects, including creating algorithms and visualizations. A dashboard will be used to document detected behaviors in the analyzed data for a particular project. A Source Sought notice was posted on SAM.gov on January 24, 2025, with responses due February 5, 2025. The timeline for release and the contract value are currently unknown. It is expected that the contract will be a small-business set-aside (SBSA). For capture and proposal support, contact Hinz Consulting.
- Department of State (DOS) Light Construction Services: The DOS issued a Sources Sought notice on January10, 2025 for long-term, recurring needs for light construction services. This is a performance-based nationwide IDIQ requirement, involving multiple contractors responsible for providing proficient, dependable, and cost-effective light construction services generally categorized into: (a) renovations, (b) improvements, and (c) constructed assets. Responses to the sources sought were due NLT January 25, 2025 and a potential release date on any solicitation is not yet known. Contact Hinz Consulting if you need capture and proposal support.
- SOCOM Integrated Electronic Security System (IESS) Support: A Source Sought notice, including a draft PWS, was released on SAM.gov on January 27, 2025. Responses are due by February 10, 2025. This recompete of the contract held by Trofholz Technologies, which expires in mid-October 2025, has an estimated solicitation release date likely in early to mid-summer. Contact Hinz Consulting for proposal support.
No Fear, Prompt Assistants are Here
Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com
Prompt Assistants are revolutionizing the way we interact with Generative AI by enhancing the precision and relevance of AI outputs. These assistants leverage the concept of prompt engineering, which involves crafting specific and well-structured prompts to guide AI models effectively. By providing clear instructions, examples, and context, Prompt Assistants help users obtain more accurate and useful responses from AI systems. This approach is particularly valuable in fields like software development, where AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can significantly boost productivity by generating code snippets, debugging issues, and even writing documentation.
The rise of Prompt Assistants shows how important it is to communicate effectively with AI. As these tools become more integrated into various workflows, mastering prompt engineering is becoming essential for maximizing the potential of Generative AI. Developers, data scientists, and other professionals are learning to craft prompts that minimize ambiguity and enhance the AI’s understanding of their needs. This not only improves the quality of AI-generated content, but also streamlines processes and saves time, making Prompt Assistants a critical component in the evolving landscape of AI technology.
“In the Beginning, there is Pricing…”
Pricing is not everyone’s favorite subject, but contractors must address Pricing early in the proposal process. How early? Well, if the process begins with Price-To-Win (PTW), it can start as early as one or two years before RFP release, but particularly for pricing, support starts at RFP receipt (be it draft RFP or draft SOW/PWS).
As a pricing specialist, it’s important to read the government’s solicitation thoroughly, focusing on cost/price volume requirements, special contract requirements (references to the FAR), and the pricing template, if provided. Questions during Q&A can help fix ambiguities the pricing team discovered.
Early PTW and detailed study of the RFP ensure the offer or assesses potential competition interests and that the cost/price proposal complies with the solicitation requirements to avoid disqualification.
Welcome to Our New Feature on Capture!
Welcome to our new weekly feature on Capture! John Amoriello and Nick McCauley will be giving us their insights and thoughts that move the needle.
In the procurement realm, “Capture Management” is a crucial process methodology applied to bids because it increases the likelihood of winning business opportunities, particularly in competitive markets such as Government contracting and B2B sales.
Capture involves strategic planning, relationship building, and analyzing competitor intelligence to position the company for success prior to a formal request for proposal (RFP) is issued.
The role of the Capture Manager is to position the company to win and include the vital components – Market Analysis, Fostering Customer/Partner Relationships, Competitive Analysis, Bid Strategy and Proposal Response Development.
- Jan 30: AFCEA Women-in-NOVA Marketing Event in Reston, VA
- Feb. 6-7: NSBA Small Business Congress in Washington, DC
- Feb. 11-13: National Small Business Conference in New Orleans, LA
- Feb. 27-28: American Small Business Contracting Summit in Hyattsville, MD
