Purchase agreements to profit small biz
Two new GSA BPAs are designed to create opportunities for small firms teamed with bigger partners.
As the General Services Administration rolls out two blanket purchase agreements to provide accessible and affordable expert management services to federal agencies, the agency is also looking to expand opportunities for small business contractors.
GSA awarded the BPAs for Performance Management and Continuous Process Improvement (PM/CPI) capabilities on June 25. They open the door for agencies to teamed providers of strategic planning and performance management, business analysis, process improvement, communications and change management capabilities.
The agency estimates the BPAs could account for $300 million in business over the next five years for the companies involved. Under the agreements, 15 teams of companies will provide the services. The teams incorporate 111 PM/CPI providers, with a mix of 51 large companies and 61 small businesses in Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs).
According to GSA, the large/small business teamed approach for PM/CPI services is the first of its kind. Federal CPI practitioners, through the Federal Improvement Team, had requested BPAs for the services and helped define the requirements in them.
According to a spokeswoman for GSA Federal Acquisition Services, teaming small and large business to package management services will not only produce savings for the government, but will increase access to federal markets for small businesses. The arrangement streamlines acquisition for PM/CPI services, improves on Multiple Award Schedule pricing, and offers tiered discounting.
"Federal agencies looking for assistance in meeting business challenges, reducing costs and improving organizational performance now have streamlined access to a pool of well-qualified PM/CPI contractors, including 60 small businesses, capable of providing market-leading services to help federal agencies drive efficiencies and cost savings," said Thomas Sharpe, GSA Federal Acquisition Service commissioner. "The inclusion of 60 small businesses, representing all socioeconomic categories, in these agreements will help agencies meet their small business goals while saving precious acquisition resources, time and money in the process."