The Polaris Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is part of the efforts to support small businesses as well as historically marginalized and underserved small businesses. Polaris will now include a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside pool. Polaris has 3 already established separate pools which include:
- Small Business (SB),
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and
- Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).
With the inclusion of an SDVOSB pool, Polaris can help even more small businesses increase task orders and opportunities.
GSA’s Polaris Requirements:
From the Polaris RFP, there are requirements to submit Relevant Experience (see section L.5.2 Volume 2 – Relevant Experience through L.5.2.2 Relevant Experience Submission). Each experience submitted, either prime or subcontracted, will be scored based on your submitted proposal (see M.3 Screening and Evaluation Process).
GSA recently allowed submission of questions/feedback based on the draft RFP so a new updated RFP is likely to be released. We’ll be sure to update this blog once it has been released.
Government customers pursuing customized IT services or an IT services-based solution from SB, WOSB, HUBZone, or SDVOSB will now have more access to skillful and experienced small businesses. With this effort customers will:
- Advance more opportunities for equality to ensure public policy objectives.
- Meet their IT mission objectives
- Deliver further small business program results
The GSA is hoping to help boost the economy while ensuring a diverse and equal opportunities for more small businesses.
Reach out to Coley GCS if you have questions at 210-402-6766, by email at hello@coleygsa.com or schedule call at a time convenient for you.
Ramiro is a Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) and as a Senior Consultant with Coley GCS, LLC, a Government Contracts Consulting, Coaching and Training company. Ramiro has over 10 years’ experience helping companies succeed with their GSA schedules.
Hello Mr. Delgado
My company is an SBA 8(a), small business (SA), WOSB, MBE firm. I am interested in Polaris GWAC contract but currently do not have federal past performance. I understand that you have to have 3 years current past performance to apply for GSA. I have some state and commercial past performances. Is it the same requirement for GWAC and is there a way to apply as a small business to the Polaris GWAC without past performance. Please advice.
Thank you for your question. As you noted, Polaris and the Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) Program are two separate contracting vehicles managed by GSA. Each have their own requirements for submission of a proposal or offer. I have included the the draft RFP for Polaris in the blog. As for the GSA MAS, requirements do differ and is our core business. We have helped several companies (small and large) obtain a GSA Schedule and once awarded, provide ongoing Compliance Support Services.