According to Input, a Chantilly, Va.-based research firm, those 20 IT contracts carry a potential value of $250 billion. That's compared with $184.9 billion awarded in 2004. Federal agencies will use the 20 contracts for a wide range of products and services. "These contracts, as well as the multitude of other contracts that will be awarded in 2006, really span the gamut of IT services, software products and platforms, computer equipment and security solutions," says Megan Gamse, senior analyst at Input.
The largest chunk of dollars awarded will come from Alliant and Networx Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), the latter of which includes a large-business contract with a $50 billion ceiling, and a small-business contract worth $15 billion.
"We're going to see a lot of contractual value going to set-aside categories," Gamse says. "Alliant small business, if it reaches its ceiling value, will be perhaps one of the largest set-aside contract awards to small business."
Of course, the contract isn't new in the literal sense; Alliant actually combines the small- and large-business portions of expiring GWACs, including Millennia, Answer and ITOP 2. Still, the opportunities may be easier to pursue as one vehicle -- and to keep tabs on. The Small Business Administration reported a record $69.23 billion in federal prime contracts awarded to small businesses in 2004, but many point to miscodings of large businesses for the impressive total.
To get in on the awards, Gamse recommends companies investigate subcontracting opportunities. Half of subcontracting dollars spent through the large-business Alliant contract, for example, is required to go to small businesses.
"I wouldn't turn a blind eye to subcontracting," she says. "Companies willing to participate with primes on some of these set aside GWACs will see the biggest return."
Autor: Jill R. Aitoro
Quelle: VARBusiness, 31.08.2005
