The Department of Justice is getting ready to solicit the fifth generation of its $1.4 billion IT Support Services (ITSS-5) contract, an IDIQ that has been around since the mid-90s.
The contract offers DOJ components options for bolstering their IT shops with help from the private sector, something the agency has been doing since 1988.
Download: Draft RFP for ITSS-5
"Most DOJ organizations have their own small staff of computer specialists, systems analysts and programmers to provide IT support services," according to the draft RFP posted on FedBizOpps. "Nevertheless, they do not maintain a sufficient staff of personnel to meet the anticipated demand for systems development and other IT support services. Nor do they maintain technical expertise in the multiplicity of equipment, operating systems, languages and applications currently in use, planned or potentially applicable within the department."
While ITSS-5 is primarily a services contract, the final vehicle will also include hardware, software and communications technologies, offering a full-range of IT products and services.
The contract will include two tracks: one for small business and another unrestricted. Justice expects to award contracts to 12 vendors, including at least six small businesses.
While the ceiling on the total life of the contract tops out at $1.4 billion, all vendors awarded a spot on the vehicle will be guaranteed a minimum of $5,000. The contract is expected to have a base period of five years with one five-year add-on option.
- Go beyond sustaining and expanding use of current hardware, operating systems and software.
- Increase business effectiveness and automation through the effective use and adoption of systems by leveraging new technologies and applications, best practices and software.
- Create new applications and introduce new technologies as they emerge.
- Give expert assistance in configuring and managing computer hardware, software and networks, in training users and in improving systems and network security.
- Facilitate business change and flexibility by architecting, designing and developing solutions that enable the rapid realization of new or changed requirements.
- Protect the business by ensuring that systems, applications and practices are secure.
- Measure and continually improve customer service and satisfaction.
Industry and other interested parties can submit comments on the draft through 4 p.m. on Jan. 15.
Aaron Boyd is an awarding-winning journalist currently serving as editor of Federal Times — a Washington, D.C. institution covering federal workforce and contracting for more than 50 years — and Fifth Domain — a news and information hub focused on cybersecurity and cyberwar from a civilian, military and international perspective.
