ESC to study outsourcing computer support

The Air Force's Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is launching a study to determine whether commercial vendors can provide more cost-efficient base supply services to ESC and other Air Force units, the service announced today.

According to the announcement in the Commerce Business Daily, ESC will carry out an A-76 cost comparison study of all base supply services, including microcomputer support, World Wide Web site maintenance, computer operations support, document control and inventory and other activities not related to information technology.

The Office of Management and Budget established A-76 studies in 1983 as a way to determine whether recurring commercial activities and services at government installations should be performed under contract with industry vendors.

According to a spokesman for ESC, the Air Force is conducting similar studies at various locations throughout the service. However, in order for a vendor to win the contract the vendor must beat the government's bid by at least 10 percent, the spokesman said.

ESC is requesting interested parties to submit proposals within 30 days. The duration of the contract is expected to be five years, according to the announcement.