8(a) STARS III

The 8(a) STARS III GWAC is a small business set-aside contract that provides flexible access to IT services and customized IT services-based solutions from a large, diverse pool of 8(a) industry partners.

8(a) STARS III:

Allows sole source orders up to the 8(a) competitive threshold.
Expands capabilities for emerging technologies.
Features limited protestability up to $10M.
Offers expert guidance from the GSA team, including free scope review services and market research.
Supports both OCONUS and CONUS requirements.

8(a) STARS III is a Best-in-Class contract that’s been highlighted in an OMB memo that identifies strategies for meeting and exceeding agency Small Disadvantaged Business goals.

“STARS III was very easy to utilize. The list of industry partners allowed me to find capable vendors, and the ordering guide allowed me to streamline my acquisition and receive RFQ responses quickly.”

— Agency customer

Contract basics

Contract scope: IT services and IT services-based solutions
Contract type: Governmentwide Acquisition Contract
Ceiling: $50 billion
Ordering period: Five year base with one three year option, started July 2, 2021
Task order types: Fixed price, time and materials, labor-hour or a hybrid blend
Contract Access Fee: 0.75%, the same as GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule

Training

All members of the acquisition team are encouraged to attend 8(a) STARS III Delegation of Procurement Authority training. This training is required for contracting officers prior to placing task orders on the contract.

DPA training options include live webinars, a YouTube video series, or a review of the contract ordering guide. Following training, the contracting officer will need to submit an online DPA request form.