Important information on OnPoint's 8(a) STARS Government Wide Acquisition Contract

Download OnPoint's 8(a) STARS schedule

OnPoint was awarded the 8(a) STARS Government Wide Acquisition Contract for the following Functional Areas:

• FA1: Custom Computer Programming Services
• FA2: Computer Systems Design Services
• FA3: Computer Facilities Management Services
• FA4: Data Processing, Hosting and related services
• FA5: Other Computer Related Services

The new 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) GWAC is a small business set-aside contract for technology solutions. 8(a) STARS is a multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle and contains the following features:

• 3-year base with two, two-year option periods (June 2004 - June 2011)
• 8 distinct Functional Areas (FA) designated by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
• Directed task orders up to $3.5 million each for federal civilian agencies are allowable pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(5)
• Directed task orders up to $3.5 million each for Department of Defense activities are compliant with Section 803 of the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act 216.505-70(b)(2)
• 8(a) credit can be transferred back to client agency via Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
• Program ceiling: $15 billion
• Non-protestable (except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period of performance, or maximum order value of the master contract)
• Order placement: GSA FTS Client Support Centers or Delegation of Authority from Procuring Contracting Officer

For Federal Agency Clients

1. What is the value proposition for using 8(a) STARS?
   The 8(a) STARS GWAC is very attractive to customers due to the unique procurement authority granted to 8(a) firms by statute. Customers may conduct set-aside competitions using STARS as an alternative to lengthy and costly full and open competitions. Federal agencies receive 8(a) and other small business credit.
2. What can be purchased using 8(a) STARS?
   8(a) STARS contracts are primarily for technology services. Hardware, software and related supplies may be procured as part of an integrated solution.
3. How does a federal agency access the 8(a) STARS contract?
   Federal agencies that wish to conduct their own procurements may use the 8(a) STARS GWAC through a delegation of authority. Delegations of authority are easy to request. Only two pieces of information are needed
   1. a request via e-mail from an e-mail account having a “.gov” or “.mil” suffix listing the name(s) of the party(ies) for whom authority is being requested; and
   2. a copy of the warrant for each contracting officer for whom authority is being requested. The warrant(s) may accompany the e-mail as a scanned attachment, or may be faxed separately
      The Small Business GWAC Center will then validate the information received and issue a Memorandum of Agreement, which includes the delegation of authority. Training will be provided to all personnel involved in the acquisition and a written delegation of authority to the covered contracting official will be issued. The contracting officer’s concurrence on the delegation is required. For information on delegations of authority or to request a delegation, please e-mail 8a@gsa.gov or call toll free (877) 327-8732.
4. Where can I find ordering procedures for 8(a) STARS?
   Ordering procedures can be found at GSA.gov 8(a) STARS Contract Library or you can directly download the document 8(a) STARS Information (MS Word format).
5. Are sole-source task orders permitted under 8(a)STARS?
   Yes, task orders under the $3.5 million competitive threshold may be awarded on a sole-source basis based on the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637a and FAR 19.8).

For more information, contact Michael Agrillo at 703.841.5500, ext. 125