Company Information
Master Contract Number: 47QTCB22D0267
DUNS Number: 079879091
UEI Number: K181JWTAK9B1
CAGE Code: 7G7K8
Program Manager
Susan Williamson
susan.williamson@cognitell.com
(719) 314-3410
Introduction to 8(a) STARS III
8(a) STARS III is a multiple-award indefinite-quantity (MA-ID/IQ) contract designed to provide federal agencies with innovative information technology (IT) services-based solutions from award-winning 8(a) small businesses. Using 8(a) STARS III will enable you to access 8(a) firms through an established contract vehicle instead of traditional open-market methods – saving time and taxpayer money. The Contract Ordering Period is 07/02/2021 through 07/01/2026 with one three-year option.
Contract Scope
The scope of the 8(a) STARS III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is centered on North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 541512 but may include other NAICS codes that are predominately IT services. These may include but are not limited to, 541511, 541513, 541519, and 518210. 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.
Examples of work to be performed relative to Order requirements include the following. These examples are not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather general indications of the types of services within a given IT services-based solution. Other services not listed as examples, but which adhere to the definition of IT, are within scope and may be provided to meet an agency’s particular mission needs.
- Data Management
- Information and Communications Technology
- IT Operations and Maintenance
- IT Security/IT workforce augmentation
- Software Development
- Systems Design
Cognitell was also awarded Scope Sub-Area 1: Emerging Technology-Focused IT Services
This sub-area provides for IT services-based solutions which involve emerging technology (ET) innovation to securely accelerate transformation and advance mission outcomes. ET activities include, but are not limited to:
- Analyzing, designing, and applying the knowledge needed to investigate and provide an ET solution.
- Providing technical expertise and guidance to plan, conduct, technically direct, document, test, and assess ET implementations, including operating and sustaining ET implementations.
- Analyzing the trade-off of implementing vs. not implementing ET, including cost-benefit analysis
Illustrative ET examples include but are not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence (including Machine Learning, Deep Learning/Neural Networks, Natural Language Generation)
- Autonomic Computing
- Blockchain / Distributed Ledger
- Quantum Computing
- Robotic Process Automation
- Technological Convergence
- Virtual Reality (including Augmented Reality, Extended Reality, Mixed Reality)
Ordering Information
Before issuing task orders against 8(a) STARS III, Contracting Officers (COs) must complete training on the use of the 8(a) STARS III contract and obtain a written Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) from the GSA 8(a) STARS III CO. Training is offered at no cost via:
- Self-paced online courses
- On-site training conferences and events
- Web or audio conferences
- Review the Applicable GWAC ordering guide
Features and Benefits of 8(a) STARS III
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| $50 billion program ceiling and five-year base period with one three-year option | Allows for long-term planning of large-scale program requirements |
| Sole-source task orders up to the 8(a) competitive threshold | Enhances opportunities for 8(a) firms |
| Contract types include fixed-price, labor-hour, and time-and-material terms | Offers flexibility of contract types to mitigate risk |
| Ancillary services and/or equipment are permitted when integral and necessary to the IT services-based solution | Facilitates integrated IT services-based solutions |
| Access to exceptionally qualified 8(a) small business industry partners | Enables federal clients to earn small-disadvantaged business (SDB) credit |
| Pre-competed, easy-to-use contract with streamlined ordering procedures based on FAR 16.505 | Saves time and money by reducing procurement lead time |
| Complimentary scope compatibility reviews | Promotes contract compliance and reduces risk of adverse audits |
| No protests on orders under $10 million, except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the GWAC | Minimizes protest risk and supports timely order award for optimal mission support |
GSA eTools
- GSA’s eBuy is an online request for information (RFI) and request for proposal (RFP) tool for GWAC stakeholders. www.gsa.gov/ebuy
- GSA eLibrary is the online source for the latest contract award information for GWACs. www.gsa.gov/elibrary
- The GWAC Dashboard is an interactive tool that allows GWAC stakeholders to view and segment GWAC task order award information to make better business decisions. www.gsa.gov/gwacdashboards
- The Acquisition Gateway is a workspace for acquisition professionals and federal buyers to connect with resources, tools, and each other to improve acquisition government-wide. hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login-information
Best-in-Class
As a Best-in-Class contract, 8(a) STARS III is designated by the Office of Management and Budget as a preferred governmentwide solution.
For More Information
Visit www.gsa.gov/stars3 for the most current information on 8(a) STARS III.
You can also contact our IT Customer Service Center at 855-ITaid4U (855-482-4348) or ITCSC@gsa.gov. The phone line is open each week from Sunday at 9 p.m. to Friday at 8:30 p.m. (ET).