Solicitation: 8(A) STARS III On-Ramp or STARS IV
Solicitation: 8(A) STARS III On-Ramp or STARS IV
Scheduled Release Date: Anticipated 2025
We are currently scheduling our workload for helping 8(a) firms obtain a place on the STARS III On-Ramp (or STARS IV) contracting vehicle due out in 2025. These spots are on a first-come, first-served basis! In past experience with our clients who obtained a STARS II or STARS III contract, this GWAC is a must-have contracting vehicle for an 8(a) firm working in the IT space.
About 8(a) Stars III On-Ramp or STARS IV
The STARS III On-Ramp or STARS IV contract is designed to provide federal agencies with innovative information technology (IT) services-based solutions from award-winning 8(a) small businesses. Stars III On-Ramp or STARS IV, will phase out the aging Stars III GWAC. The five-year base period with a three-year option, started in July 2021. The Stars III contracting vehicle held a ceiling of $50B.
STARS III Stats
| Timeframe | 8(a) STARS III Sales | 8(a) STARS III Vendors | Average Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Sales July 2021 – May 2025 | $6B | 1086 | $5,524,861.87 |
| Average Sales Per Firm Per Year | $1,381,215.47 |
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A significant eligibility factor in STARS III is a past performance requirement of $1M (including option years) for each Sub-Area. To add to that requirement, a proposing firm isn’t allowed to use a past performance contract in more than one Sub-Area, and the project must have been performed in the last 2 years or be ongoing with 1 year completed. The contract offers IT services ranging from simple to complex and services-based solutions such as IT help-desk support, information assurance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.
They have added two functional areas:
- Sub-Area 1: Emerging Technology-Focused IT Services
- Sub-Area 2: IT Services Performed Outside of CONUS
EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:
Late 2025/Early 2026 for a 5-year period likely ending in 2030/2031 with an option to extend.
SIZE OF CONTRACT:
$50 billion ceiling and a 5-year base period with one 3-year option.
WHY THIS CONTRACTING VEHICLE EXISTS:
8(a) STARS III allows for long-term planning for agencies of large-scale program requirements. This is because an 8(a) firm that has graduated from the SBA program can continue to be awarded contracts, under the STARS III Contracting Vehicles, as if it is still an active 8(a) for the duration of its STARS III contract.
SIZE OF CONTRACTS:
8(a) STARS III allows directed task order awards to the contract holder for orders under $4 million (including options). Orders greater than $4 million are more commonly competed among the firms that are on the 8(a) Stars III contract based upon the firm’s area of expertise.
GRAPH OF ANNUAL PURCHASING OFF THE 8(A) STARS I AND STARS II:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- 8(a) Certification and working in the IT industry
- Two to three past performance examples per each functional area;
- Financially stable firm as evidenced by financial statements;
- Execute a marketing plan to generate sales;
- Execute a comprehensive contract administration plan to ensure compliance with all administrative and compliance requirements;
- Must have competitive rates that are most favorable to the GSA when compared to previously offered rates to other customers.
- GSA Schedule 70 simplifies the 8(a) STARS III Process
