GSA has been developing a slew of Information Technology (IT)-related contracts recently from Polaris, to the Ascend Cloud Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and now Alliant 3. GSA has recently released the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for Alliant 3, one of the largest contracts in the works that will focus on the acquisition of advanced and emerging IT technologies. Alliant 3, a follow on from Alliant 2, will be a government-wide Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Best-in-Class (BIC) contract, with an estimated ceiling of $75 billion. Since all questions and comments on the draft RFP are due on January 6, 2023, we’re going to cover what you need to know about this upcoming contract vehicle so your company can get involved early on.
Scope of the Alliant 3 Contract Vehicle
Alliant 3 will revolve around advanced IT services, Artificial Intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technology, robotic process automation, and other emerging IT. The idea of this contract is for federal government agencies to have access to integrated IT solution services on a global basis, adopting the “Anything IT Anywhere” philosophy.
The scope of the draft RFP includes every imaginable aspect of IT services, including but not limited to:
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Government
- Digital Process Automation
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Internet of Things
- IT Services for Healthcare
- IT Helpdesk, Operations, or Maintenance
- Quantum Computing/Networking/Machine Learning
- Software Development
- Web Analytics
- Web Hosting
- Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR)
- Zero Trust Networks
NAICS Codes and Past Performance
The primary NAICS Code listed on SAM.gov for this opportunity is 541512—Computer Systems Design Services, but the primary relevant experience NAICS areas are:
- 518210—Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
- 541511—Custom Computer Programming Services
- 541512—Computer Systems Design Services
- 541513—Computer Facilities Management Services
- 541519—Other Computer Related Services
To be considered relevant past performance or experience, each project listed under one of the NAICS Codes above must meet a minimum value threshold of $7 million, be current, or completed within 5 years of the proposal due date and have at least one year of performance completed.
Additional Evaluation Factors for Alliant 3
In their bid, contractors can earn extra points for each additional emerging technology with relevant experience. This includes AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Extended Reality (XR), Health Information Technology (HIR), Internet of Things (IoT), Mobile IT, Quantum Computing, and Zero Trust Networks. Contractors can submit up to 3 examples of these categories. However, individual projects must be valued at least $1 million to earn additional points.
Subcontracting & Small Business Goals for Alliant 3
Since Alliant 3 is expected to be one of the largest contracts in works with an estimated ceiling of $75 billion, the federal government anticipates substantial subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The following is planned percentages of subcontracting dollars:
- Total Small Businesses (SB)—50%
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)—7%
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)—7%
- HUBZone Small Business—3%
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)—3%
- Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business—3%
Timeline of Alliant 3
If you have been a GSA contractor for a long time, or even just a little while, you know that estimated timelines are to be taken very lightly. Questions and comments on the draft RFP are due on January 6, 2023, and the announcement for the final RFP release date is expected sometime in February 2023. The final RFP is anticipated no earlier than May 2023. Alliant 2’s period of performance will end in June 2023, with one five-year option renewal to June 2028. However, GSA plans to continue to release the final RFP early for Alliant 3 so there is plenty of time to get awards in place before Alliant 2 sunsets.
Preparing for Alliant 3 and Other Major Government Opportunities
When responding to government contracting opportunities, it’s important to make sure your GSA Schedule is properly managed, meaning all prices are current, your catalog is updated, you have been reporting your sales on time, etc. This may not be new to you, and you may already have your GSA Schedule maintained and updated, but do you know how to successfully respond to government solicitations? This can be an overwhelming task, especially since some RFPs can be over a hundred pages, and there are several sections to respond to and review. If you need a refresher or want to learn tips and tricks to responding to government solicitations, check out our webinar below. Of course, if you have any questions about this, or need help managing your GSA Schedule, we are always here to help.
