This past June, GSA announced the award of a new contract for information technology services known as 8(a) STARS, short for Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services. This new multiple award contract features more than 400 8(a) certified industry partners.

The 8(a) STARS contract has the potential to continue the success of its predecessor contract—Federal Acquisition Services for Technology or 8(a) FAST—both for small business and for the government! 8(a) FAST, which expires the end of October, is one of GSA’s governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs).

8(a) FAST was awarded in 1997 as a set-aside contract (see the Federal Acquisition Regulation, section 19.5) to more than 150 small disadvantaged 8(a) firms. Federal civilian and Department of Defense agencies placed more than 14,000 transactions over the contract period. Through fiscal year 2004, 8(a) FAST sales exceeded the $2 billion mark.

GSA recognizes the contributions made by small business and the need to provide federal agencies with contracts that are awarded and managed properly yet remain flexible and easy-to-use. GSA’s 8(a) FAST, 8(a) STARS, and HUBZone GWACs contribute to the success of small businesses partnering with the federal government and to federal agencies meeting their small business acquisition goals.

For additional information, contact Jean Oyler of the Small Business GWAC Center.