State Department releases draft of $10 billion plan to upgrade diplomatic tech
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By
Chris Riotta
The "Evolve" solicitation is designed to revamp the technology products and services used by U.S. diplomats at home and abroad.
The State Department has updated a draft request for proposals for multi-billion dollar acquisition plan to support the technology needs of the U.S. diplomatic corps. The ceiling value of the planned procurement is $10 billion – up from the $8 billion figure cited in previous iterations of the solicitation.
The "Evolve" technology services strategy will use multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts to purchase a range of products and services covering IT management, network and telecommunications, cloud and data centers, application development and customer and end user support services.
The Evolve ceiling value previously doubled from $4 billion to $8 billion last year, and was raised in the latest revision to land between $8 billion and $10 billion for all contracts.
Evolve is the State Department's successor to the Vanguard contract vehicle, which the Science Applications international Corp. has maintained since 2010.
In a statement announcing the draft RFP, the agency said on Monday that Evolve is a "key part" of Secretary Antony Blinken's goal "to build a State Department that is equipped to meet the tests of the 21st century."
“Evolve will enable the Department to acquire technology services from companies with proven track records and to advance modern U.S. diplomatic goals,” the statement read.
The State Department is seeking contractors interested in participating in the new vehicle who can provide "a full range of IT services, technical and management expertise" as well as the necessary personnel and equipment to deliver solutions in any of the five featured service areas.
The agency's announcement also said Evolve will promote "expanded opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses" through set-asides and other small business participation goals.
The formal RFP is currently set for release within the current fiscal year. Contractors can submit feedback to the draft proposal until July 22.