The Defense Department (DOD) is taking initial steps to outline its acquisition strategy for the recompete of a major contract vehicle focused on technology research and development services. This vehicle, known as the IAC-MAC, is projected to be worth $48 billion and first opened for business in 2018. It serves DOD components and other federal agencies by providing customized technical and analytical support. Currently, 44 companies hold prime positions under this contract.
On a recent Wednesday, DOD released a sources sought notice, marking the initial phase in determining the strategy for the follow-on contract. The department is requesting feedback on whether the recompete should be structured into two separate pools or maintained as a single pool, rather than the existing three pools.
In the proposed two-pool scenario, one pool would be specifically designated for small businesses, while the second would be unrestricted. For the alternative single-pool setup, the DOD is contemplating that awardees must meet the same qualifications and requirements, with a certain dollar threshold reserved for small businesses. Another option would allow small businesses to meet different qualifications, enabling them to compete for all requirements, with some tasks set aside for small businesses below a specific dollar threshold.
Additionally, DOD is seeking input regarding Pool 3 of the contract. This pool allows three nonprofit organizations to compete for task orders focused on laboratory work related to defenses against weapons of mass destruction. Feedback is being solicited on how to enhance competition in Pool 3, particularly in terms of minimum required certifications and whether the scope of the contract should be expanded in the future.
Responses to the request for information must be submitted by April 24. Records from GovTribe indicate that the total obligation figure for the IAC-MAC contract to date is approximately $11.9 billion, with prominent recipients including HII, Booz Allen Hamilton, KBR, ManTech, and CACI International, which make up the top five awardees. The top ten also includes organizations such as Battelle, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., Science Applications International Corp., Amentum, and Leidos.
