GSA 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) III

stars III

8(a) STARS III is a multiple-award indefinite-delivery/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.

Company Name: Valencia Management, Inc. (VMI)
STARS III Email: zhusain@valencia-llc.com
DUNS: 117612037
UEI: LNGAEL4N5E41
CAGE Code: 8NUC3
Contract Number: 47QTCB22D0493
Program Manager: Zarrar Husain
Program Manager Email: zhusain@valencia-llc.com
Program Manager Phone #: 1-703-969-6443
Link to GSA STARS III Website: www.gsa.gov/stars3
Contract Type: Governmentwide Acquisition Contract
Ceiling: $50 billion

Ordering Period: 07/02/2021 thru 07/01/2026 with one three-year option (Task Order Performance can go 5 years beyond Contract ordering end date.)
Task Order Types: Fixed price, time and materials, labor-hour or a hybrid blend
Contract Access Fee: 0.75%, the same as GSA Schedules
NAICS: STARS III was awarded under NAICS: 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.
Directed Awards: Directed awards allowed for orders up to the 8(a) Competitive Threshold.

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.

In addition to the general IT services scope, 8(a) STARS III includes two focused scope sub-areas: Emerging Technologies (ET) and OCONUS Place of Performance. 8(a) STARS III prime contractors in the ET scope sub-area have experience providing evolving state-of-the-art emerging technologies such as technological convergence, robotic process automation, autonomic computing, and more. Prime contractors in the OCONUS scope sub-area have experience providing IT services in an Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) location.

Features:

$50 billion program ceiling and five-year base period with one three-year option
Sole-source task orders up to the 8(a) competitive threshold
Contract types include fixed-price, labor-hour, and time-and-material terms
Two focused scope sub-areas
Ancillary services and/or equipment are permitted when integral and necessary to the IT services-based solution
Access to exceptionally qualified 8(a) small-business industry partners
Pre-competed, easy-to-use contract with streamlined ordering procedures based on FAR 16.505
Complimentary scope compatibility reviews
No protests on orders under $10 million, except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the GWAC

Benefits:

Allows for long-term planning of large-scale program requirements
Enhances opportunities for 8(a) firms
Offers flexibility of contract types to mitigate risk
Offers access to contractors with demonstrated experience in either emerging technology or performance in an OCONUS location
Facilitates integrated IT services-based solutions
Enables federal clients to earn small-disadvantaged business (SDB) credit
Saves time and money by reducing procurement lead time
Promotes contract compliance and reduces risk of adverse audits
Minimizes protest risk and supports timely order award for optimal mission support

8(a) STARS III Ordering Information & Resources

Sole Source and Competitive Ordering Processes

See FAR 19.805 for 8(a) competitive thresholds.

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

8(a) STARS III Contract

The 8(a) STARS III Contract [PDF – 730 KB] contains technical information regarding pricing, order types, the meaning of information technology, roles and responsibilities, and proper parts of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This information is subject to change.

8(a) STARS III Ordering Guide

The 8(a) STARS III Ordering Guide [PDF – 822 KB] defines roles and responsibilities for the ordering process. It also provides instructions for using 8(a) STARS III. This information is subject to change.

8(a) STARS III FAQs

GSA has developed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on 8(a) STARS III for government contractors and industry partners.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Offer and Acceptance Guidance

The SBA Offer Letter [DOCX – 19 KB] is a template which agencies may use when drafting a sole-source offer for SBA review. Per section G.13 of the 8(a) STARS III contract, offer and acceptance is required for each sole source order in accordance with FAR 19.804-6.

The list of SBA District Offices [PDF – 101 KB] provides email and phone contacts for SBA’s district offices (current as of 7/19/2021). These points of contact should be utilized when submitting a sole source offer to SBA.

GSA 8(a) STARS III Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) Training Program

GSA has created a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) training program on YouTube. This 4-part training series is accessible 24/7 and will qualify as training required to obtain a delegation of procurement authority.