NASA Launches Mammoth IT Hardware Buy
Astronaut Karen Nyberg uses the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at Johnson Space Center in January. NASA
By
Bob Brewin
Contracts worth between $5 billion and $10 billion can serve all federal agencies.
NASA has kicked off its fifth omnibus information technology procurement, issuing a request for proposals for contracts valued at between $5 and $10 billion open to use by all federal departments and agencies.
Like the previous four versions of the acquisition contract NASA has run since 1993, the Solutions for Enterprisewide Procurement -- known as SEWP V -- serves all federal agencies seeking desktops, laptops, servers, network gear and storage. To keep pace with technology, SEWP V will also serve as a vehicle to acquire cellphones, tablet computers, and voice over internet protocol phones.
SEWP IV, which was awarded in 2007, has 38 contract holders providing more than two million products from over 3,800 manufacturers.
NASA plans to award SEWP V contracts covering computer systems and servers in a full and open competition. The contract includes small business set-asides and specific award categories for those owned by disabled veterans.
SEWP V will have a five year basic ordering period that runs from May 2014 through April 2019, and a five year option period from May 2019 to April 2024. Bids are due in less than two months, on Monday, Oct. 14.