Earlier this month, three major notices were released — the Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center released a notice that they will be doing an On-Ramp for T4NG IDIQ and GSA released two draft RFPs for STARS III and Alliant 2 Small Business.  

These releases are significant for small businesses as we get into proposal season crunch time. Below are the key details of what you need to know about each release:  

VA T4NG Onramp Notice:  

The VA released the On-Ramp notice for the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology (T4NG) in an effort to add additional CVE-SDVOSB companies onto the existing T4NG IDIQ contract.  

Who should bid: SDVOSBs with IT and Computer Systems services. 

What you need to know:  

• The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to on-ramp 7 spots. 
• The RFP release is expected in November 2019. 
• The program ceiling is $22.3B with a history of $4B in spending over the last five years.  
• The On-Ramp is limited to CVE-Verified SDVOSBs. 
• Teaming is allowed and a company can bid as a subcontractor under multiple different primes. 

STARS III:  

GSA released the 8(a) STARS III GWAC draft solicitation, set to replace the expiring STARS II. Similar to STARS II, which ends on August 30, 2021, STARS III will be restricted to active U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) program participants and will enable the federal government to obtain IT services-based solutions from highly qualifying program participants. 

Who should bid: 8(a) companies with IT and Computer Systems services. 

What you need to know:  

• GSA spent $8.7B on the current STARS II GWAC. 
• The anticipated budget for STARS III is $20B. 
• Over 500 companies are currently on STARS II doing work across 60+ agencies. 
• Questions and feedback on the draft RFP are due by September 9, 2019. 
• The final RFP is anticipated in November 2019. 

Alliant 2 Small Business:  

GSA released the draft revision of Alliant 2 Small Business (A2SB), updating the original contract and expanding the scope of the award. The award is only open to businesses who responded to the initial contract and their potential teaming partners.  

Who should bid: 8(a) companies who previously bid or who can team as a sub-contractor for a company that previously bid. 

What you need to know:  

• Questions on the revised draft are due September 2nd 
• The RFP is most likely going to be released in late 2019 
• The awards are increasing from 80 to 120 
• Those who have already submitted must submit revised Volumes 4 and 6 to be considered and you must update systems, certifications, clearances 
• You’ll have the opportunity to update relevant experience, PSC Projects, LET Projects and add new projects as they meet the criteria 
• Teaming is allowed with old and new subcontractors but subs must have subbed to you on a project prior to 8/18/19 
• There are a lot of opportunities to receive more points and increase your score