This is the fifth installment of our ten-part Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) series, written by Winvale’s Government Analysis team of experts. Each week, we take a look at a different GWAC to keep you up to speed on changes, tips and any pertinent information. This week, we will discuss Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG).
The New Primes
On March 8, 2016, the new list of T4NG prime slot winners for the $22.3 billion GWAC were announced by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The announcement was slightly delayed after a few pre-award protests came from previous incumbents when they found out they would not be moving on with the selection process.
Despite some controversy with losing incumbents, the VA now has a strong list of 21 contractors to prime their T4NG contract. Among this list are a whopping 10 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), two Small Businesses, and nine large businesses. It seems in line with the VA’s goals to have so many SDVOSBs priming their contract and expectedly going on to win large task orders as the contract passes it’s start date later on this year.
T4NG Overview
Following the goals of the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology (T4) contract, T4NG will be the VA’s primary contract vehicle when it comes to IT solutions. T4NG has a list of functional areas, however, beyond that list it strives to make sure that the VA will be able to keep up with, and adapt to, future technology needs and issues.
The basic statistics for this GWAC have concluded with: 21 awardees for this iteration and a five-year base period with an optional five-year option at the end of the base period.
Unexpected Issues
With most major GWACs we see new versions repeating the success of their previous iterations once their end date passes. For example, T4 turning into T4 Next Generation - the transition from one iteration to the next is usually made smoother due to the fact that incumbents can continue filling orders on the new and updated contract.
With T4NG seeing nine incumbents not moving on to work with this new GWAC, buyers will find that there will be a large number of orders on T4NG that will not have an incumbent contractor to assist them. While this makes the transition slightly rockier it is certainly good news for new primes as they have a much larger number of opportunities to compete for with no previous incumbent to challenge them with their slight advantage of having already worked on the opportunity previously.
Task Orders
Individual task orders may encompass more than one functional area listed below.
- Program Management, Strategy, Enterprise Architecture and Planning Support
- System/Software Engineering
- Software Technology Demonstration
- Test and Evaluation (T&E)
- Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)
- Enterprise Network
- Enterprise Management Framework
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
- Cyber Security
- Training
- Information Technology Facilities
Final Thoughts
Overall, T4NG will provide the VA with the products and services it needs for IT infrastructure, operations and cybersecurity services. Ultimately, this GWAC will help provide good quality services to veterans who are seeking help and care from the VA. In line with the VA’s MyVA Initiative, this GWAC seems like it will be not only successful but a huge help to the VA, veterans and other participating agencies alike.
This post is part of a 10-part series focusing on current and upcoming GWAC vehicles. Tune in every other Tuesday for updates. If there is a specific GWAC you’d like to read about, reach out to us at marketing@winvale.com.
