Source: United States General Services Administration
June 17, 2022
Third cohort awarded to underserved and disadvantaged businesses
WASHINGTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently awarded the third and final cohort of the 8(a) STARS III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). This GWAC helps enhance equitable access to the federal marketplace for small and disadvantaged businesses. It is known governmentwide as a Best-in-Class, easy-to-use, streamlined procurement solution for purchasing information technology services from 8(a) prime contractors.
“I’m really impressed with the community on 8(a) STARS III. Since the initial award, 154 task orders have been issued for a total estimated value of $500 million,” said Laura Stanton, GSA’s assistant commissioner for the Office of Information Technology Category. “What’s particularly great is that more than 30 of the 8(a) STARS III contract holders who already have task order awards are new to GSA through the 8(a) STARS III contract — it’s really launched their mission support journey.”
The 8(a) STARS III GWAC provides numerous benefits to the federal customers, such as:
- Expanding capabilities for emerging technologies;
- Supporting both inside and outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) and CONUS requirements;
- Featuring limited protestability up to $10M; and
- Offering expert guidance from the GSA team, including free scope review services and market research.
This is the third and final cohort following the initial award of 8(a) STARS III in June 2021 and the second cohort award in February 2022. The program aims to provide additional opportunities to small businesses in coordination with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 8(a) STARS III continues to support the President’s Executive Order 13985 On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Stakeholders are encouraged to read the award notice and list of awardees on SAM.gov and visit the 8(a) STARS III GWAC website, www.gsa.gov/stars3, for more information.
Questions related to the 8(a) STARS III GWAC may be directed to S3@gsa.gov. Media inquiries should be sent to press@gsa.gov.
About GSA
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.