18F tries task-based audition for agile vendors

WHAT: GSA's digital services group 18F plots a blanket purchase agreement for agile services.

WHY: The motto "Always Be Shipping" is emblazoned on the website of 18F, the digital services innovation group housed at the once-staid General Services Administration. The focus on rapid iteration and delivery is a hallmark of the agile approach to IT, so it's no surprise that 18F is leading the charge on developing a blanket purchase agreement for agile services. 18F's goal is to reduce software acquisition cycles to less than four weeks and expedite delivery to within three months, according to a blog post announcing a call to industry for feedback.

Rather than solicit long documents, 18F is asking interested vendors to describe, in 500 words or fewer, how they would go about revamping GSA's FedBizOpps website, which hosts the federal government's contracting pitches. While 18F says it is expressly not looking to redesign FBO.gov, the homework assignment should hit home for vendors because the site poses some usability challenges even for frequent users.

18F is casting a wide net, seeking submissions from vendors already on the GSA's Schedule 70 contract vehicle, as well as from companies that are not listed with GSA, and companies that have narrowly focused areas of expertise in the agile delivery field.

GSA is planning a Jan 27 industry day for interested vendors. Responses, including ideas for the revamped FBO.gov, are due Jan. 23.

Click here to read the full RFI.