The highly anticipated GSA Polaris GWAC Draft RFP was released on December 31st, 2020. Intended as the next generation Small Business GWAC, this contract includes several updates meant to expand the industrial base, incorporate innovative technologies, and further support a growing base of federal customers. So, what do you need to know about GSA’s new Small Business GWAC? Our team of government contract experts, aka “the geek squad”, put together a list of the top 6 things you need to know about Polaris right now.
One key difference is that projects are no longer based on PSC codes or Leading Edge Technologies (LETS). Projects will be based on “Primary” and “Emerging Technologies”. Primary projects will be based on NAICS codes and Emerging Technologies will be based on six technical areas instead of ten. Other key differences to note:
The Polaris Draft RFP currently allows for the JV or Prime Offeror with Subcontractors to use the Experience of any individual member on the team. However, for Systems, Certifications, and Clearances, the Draft RFP states that those must be in the name of the JV or in the name of every member. However, GSA will need to clarify that requirement since it conflicts with the updated (November 2020) SBA regulations on joint ventures.
For Prime Offerors with Subcontractors trying to claim credit or points for things like Systems, Certifications, and Clearances, it must be from Offeror. If you do bring on subcontractors, a Subcontractor Letter of Commitment is required for each proposed subcontractor.
However, keep in mind that Federal projects will get you more points. You can also use work that was performed as a Prime or Sub, although Prime work will also get you more points. In general, the more technically diverse individual projects you have, the more points you will receive. The same goes for a higher number of distinct federal agencies supported, individual federal task orders used as projects, and other criteria such as cost-plus and OCONUS work.
It is important to note that no projects may be used in more than one proposal for the same pool. If you use a project, do not share it with another teaming partner who wants to Prime. It’s up to you to deconflict any projects!
Key Takeaway: There will only be a single proposal submitted for all pools. A single submission means that the relevant experience can only be used once for any offeror across all submitted bids. GSA will need to clarify this, but to be safe, don’t use any project more than once for all submissions. This includes submissions as a prime and those where a company may also be a subcontractor.
There is a strategy to picking your past performance. If one of your past performances has a less than stellar CPARS rating, consider using one that does not have a CPARS rating yet and have your customer complete a Past Performance Rating Form. If you have no choice but to submit a negative CPARS rating, you can provide a one-page narrative to explain the challenges and how you overcame them.
If a contractor decides to go after Polaris on their own, they will automatically get the points assigned to the Risk Assessment section. If contractors pursue the contract as a newly formed JV or as a new Prime/Sub relationship, they will not be able to claim points. GSA will be looking to see if companies have previously worked together, and their submissions will need to show proof of having worked together before, if you want to claim the Risk Assessment points. According to the Alliant 2 SB Q&A, the projects used for your Relevant Experience do not need to be the same ones used to demonstrate proof of a prior existing working relationship – we will need to see if GSA also allows for this in Polaris.
Before the final Polaris RFP is released later this year, there are a few things you can do to prepare. We put together three things that you can do right now.