GSA to add systems integration to B/C sked

The General Services Administration's Federal Supply Service is expected to unveil this week plans to extend its 70 B/C multiple-award schedule program to cover systems integration services.

The schedule will be broadened to include services such as analysis and design, installation, programming, consulting, networking, project management, records management, resources and facilities management, and database planning and design. FSS will issue an amendment to the B/C solicitation in mid-April.

William Gormley, assistant commissioner of FSS' Office of Acquisition, said the decision to include services in the schedule resulted from pressure from agencies and vendors. "We had a very high level of interest from our customer base," Gormley said.

Vendors said they are looking forward to participating in the program, despite some concerns.

Jim Merrell, vice president of business development for civilian agencies at PRC Inc., said he would support the program as long as GSA ensures that awards are made based on best value.

Merrell also warned that GSA should not treat integration services as commodities.

Bill Ogilvie, director of government relations at Telos Corp., said he wants to know the details of the program before he can thoroughly endorse it.

"This initiative has a lot of potential, so we will certainly participate in it," Ogilvie said. "But there are still a lot of unanswered questions."