z SofTech Solutions Awarded Federal  8(a) STARS III Contract

On June 17 2021, z SofTech Solutions was awarded a contract on the 8(a) STARS III GWAC among the first initial cohorts. z SofTech Solutions awarded contract number is 47QTCB21D0352 . This fourth generation GWAC includes an even greater focus on emerging technologies as well as performance Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).

Per the initial cohort of companies awarded, z SofTech Solutions  was selected to be amongst those in the competitive range. As we see technology, software and cyber security become an increasingly top priority of the United States, it is exciting to be a leading provider of solutions to the Federal Government Agencies.  With the 8(a) STARS III Contract, we now have the vehicle to deliver secure frontline software, technology and IT services to the government.

Through STARS III, agencies can access award-winning 8(a) firms through an established contract vehicle, saving time and taxpayer money over open-market methods. The STARS III contract ceiling is $50 billion.

What is 8(a) STARS III?

The 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resource for Services (STARS) III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (MA-IDIQ) contract to provide information technology (IT) services and IT services-based solutions to the federal government. It is reserved for 8(a) prime contractors and established under the authority of the Small Business Act.

8(a) STARS III incorporates authority for Ordering Contracting Officers (OCOs) to set aside task orders among the contract holders for various small business types listed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 19.000(a)(3). This provides OCOs the ability to target by set-aside a specific sub-group of the STARS III contract holders for task order award. It is also operated in concert with authority from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which has designated the GSA as an Executive Agent (EA) for Governmentwide IT acquisitions pursuant to Section 5112(e) of the Clinger-Cohen Act, 40 U.S.C. 11302(e).

The STARS III contract has a ceiling of $50 billion. The primary North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for the Master Contract is designated as 541512, Computer Systems Design Services. Requirements that align with other IT services NAICS codes are within the scope of the STARS III GWAC. These NAICS codes include, but are not limited to: 541511, 541513, 541519, 518210. For more about the GSA Stars III see the https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-awards-the-8a-stars-iii-gwac-06172021

Additional details of STARS III contract can be accessed at www.gsa.gov/stars3

(www.gsa.gov/s3)

Scope Areas of 8(a) STARS III include:

Technology

• Data Management
• Information and Communications Technology
• IT Operations and Maintenance
• IT Security / IT workforce augmentation
• Software Development
• Systems Design

Emerging Technology-Focused IT Services

• 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)