FBI Considering One $5 Billion Contract For All IT Supplies, Services

Author:  Aaron Boyd

Rather than create multiple contract vehicles for IT services and tools, the FBI is looking at building a single $5 billion contract to cover all the bureau’s IT needs.

The bureau released an anticipated request for information Wednesday giving industry a few more details on its planned agencywide IT services contract being dubbed Information Technology Supplies and Support Services, also known as ITSSS or IT Triple-S.

The RFI sets the anticipated ceiling for the contract—estimated at $5 billion—and period of performance—one-year base period with nine additional one-year options—though both are subject to change as the contracting office collects more information.

FBI contracting officers at one point had been considering splitting the contract vehicle into multiple parts to focus on specific services like cloud and cybersecurity. Instead, “The Information Technology Acquisitions Unit is contemplating creating an all-encompassing IT services IDIQ based on category management to meet the needs and missions of our customers,” the RFI states.

Those services—or tracks—include cloud and cybersecurity, as well as agile development, operations and maintenance, engineering services, IT consulting, scientific services, telecomm and IT help desk support.

The RFI also asks industry to suggest other tracks that the acquisition team should consider adding to the contract.

Responses to the RFI are due April 20, ahead of a planned April 30 industry day in Washington, D.C. A final statement of work is expected by mid- to late-May. The first draft solicitation is on track to be released July 13.

Assuming this schedule holds, contracting officers expect to make awards by March 2019, and FBI offices will be able to start issuing task orders shortly thereafter.

Original Article: http://www.nextgov.com/it-modernization/2018/04/fbi-considering-one-5-billion-contract-all-it-supplies-services/147410/

Leading Your Troops: What Does It Mean To Be A Leader In The GovCon World?

Much has been written about management versus leadership.  There are many overly shared images about what characteristic leaders have versus those who are considered ‘just’ being a boss. Many books have been written on the subject yet we still find an abundance of poor leadership.

But what does it mean to be a leader in the GovCon world?

  • How can you lead a team of folks who mainly work on the government site and tend to identify with their customers (i.e. going native)?
  • How do you lead when your re-compete is up and you’ve got to reduce your team’s salaried personnel by 25% to win?
  • How do you enforce the rules and compliance in an overly regulated industry that doesn’t always make sense?
  • How do you continue to motivate and push your staff when you are beholden to 2% cost of living raises and a focus on keeping the multiplier down?

As you can already tell, there are a variety of situations that compound the already overwhelmed concept of leadership in GovCon. I believe there are many theories out there, but two common themes that have resonated with me are communication and authenticity.  At the heart of practically every conflict or issue in this world is communication.  If you cannot effectively communicate as a leader, even with the best intentions, you will fail.

What is effective communication?  Saying what you mean, leaving nothing for wild interpretation and being authentic in your message.  Hollow sentiments or glossing over issues will only come back to bite you.  Having hard conversations is never easy, but it’s part of the job.  If you must cut salaries to be competitive on a bid, say it.  Say it clearly and unequivocally.  Provide your rationale and allow for feedback, but make it clear that you are responsible for this decision. Take ownership and allow those looking to move on, an opportunity to volunteer if possible. Communication is vital but so is being authentic.

What is authenticity? Providing and promoting an image that is sincere and true to your character as a leader or a company.  Employees, stakeholders, partners and clients can all spot a fake.  You can fake it for a bit, but eventually your true colors come out and the damage will be near-impossible to correct.  Instead of hiding your personality, embrace your strengths, and be yourself. The effort that it takes to hide or cover your personality can be better spend on leadership decisions and building a reputation on trust and authority. It is much easier to act on the truth than it is to remember and perform on a fallacy.

Regardless of your journey to leadership once you find yourself in a position of authority focus on solid communication and reputation based authenticity. Most companies that find themselves consistently winning awards and crushing the re-compete are those that excel in communication and authenticity. To effectively lead your troops into the GovCon space you must be clear and focused, always.

Visit www.govmates.com to learn more or contact them directly: stephanie@govmates.com

Author: Stephanie Alexander, govmates

Originally Published on FedBid, Inc.

Released: March 29, 2018