Navy to move $850M in services to BPAs

The Naval Information Systems Management Center has recast an $850 million indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity services procurement into what may be the government's largest services-oriented blanket purchase agreement.

NISMC is close to issuing a request for quotation for multiple BPAs according to industry sources. In an executive summary posted on NISMC's World Wide Web page the agency announced plans to "establish multiple BPAs with contractors" that have services contracts under the General Services Administration's Group 70 schedule.

In the LeadNISMC has already taken the lead among federal agencies in establishing BPAs for product buys. Earlier this year the agency awarded BPAs for notebook computers and later PCs. Cmdr. Phil Graham of NISMC's contracting directorate said BPAs allow the Navy to "consolidate requirements" and obtain larger discounts than those available on the GSA schedule. In addition Graham said BPAs reduce procurement time and post-award contract administration.

"We think it's a smart business practice " Graham said.

Bill Gormley assistant commissioner of the Office of Acquisition in GSA's Federal Supply Service said there was an "increase in moving toward the schedule program to acquire services."

The pending Navy deal is typical of this trend. The agency had planned to conduct an IDIQ services pact called Information Technologies Support Services valued between $750 million and $850 million. But this fall NISMC began to re-evaluate its acquisition tactics and finally opted for a BPA-style deal.

NISMC's so-called ITSS BPAs will cover a three-year base period and two one-year options. Sources said they expect an award to follow the RFQ by about two months.

Primes and teaming partners interested in the ITSS BPAs must hold a Group 70 schedule pact a fact that could limit the field of competition sources said.

As of late November 37 contractors offer integration services under GSA's schedule program which only began offering integration eight months ago.

Few of the industry's brand-name vendors are currently offering integration services through the schedule.Integration stalwarts such as Computer Sciences Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. would not be able to bid under the current rules.

The situation "limits the Navy's potential respondents " said Greg Streeter senior account manager with Litton/PRC.

But Graham said NISMC's intent is not to restrict bidders. "The idea is not to exclude anybody " he said. "If someone would like to participate they are always invited to...get on the schedule."