WASHINGTON ― The award recipients for the second generation of Veteran Technology Services (VETS) governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC) have been announced and posted to FedBizOpps. The $5 billion vehicle now includes the top 70 highest rated technical offerors of 187 proposals.
VETS 2 is primarily used to acquire IT services from veteran-owned and service-disabled small businesses. Said services include upgrading the Veterans Affairs wireless network, developing a 24-hour Air Force Air Combat Advanced Computer Flight Plan help desk, and moving the Treasury Department data center.
The program was originally launched in 2007, also with a $5 billion ceiling, with Feb. 1, 2017 being the initial end date. The first generation of VETS orders are likely to be done by February 2020.
Features of VETS 2 will include support for emerging IT services, streamlined ordering procedures and a diversity of contract types including fixed-price, cost reimbursement and time and materials labor hour. As with VETS, there will be a five-year base period with an additional five-year option period.
Federal Times further showcased the increased growth effect VETS GWAC had on veteran-owned and service-disabled businesses, emphasizing how nine of them had evolved out of the small business category. With VETS 2, GSA plans to develop an Interact website, a business communication software, akin to its Alliant 2 and Allaint 2 Small Business program.
For the companies that did not receive a VETS GWAC contract, GSA is allowing them a debriefing as to why their particular proposals were not accepted.
