Introduction
Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services III (PACTS III) is a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) acquisition that is designed to provide a pool of offerors who can deliver a broad range of non-IT commercial services and solutions to fulfill the needs of Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this blog, we will explore the complexities of PACTS III, including an overview of self-scoring for PACTS III, the evaluation process, and the challenges to a successful bid.
Background
Subsequently, PACTS II consolidated these four categories into two:
1. Program Management and Technical,
2. Administrative and Operations.
In this phase, 34 contracts were awarded. In essence, PACTS III represents the latest stage in an ongoing effort to procure non-IT services through a multi-phase contract framework that has evolved and refined its functional categories over time.
With a ceiling value of $8.4 billion, PACTS III is an IDIQ aimed at providing non-IT services to the DHS that includes Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, Technical, And Engineering Commercial services to support DHS in achieving its mission objectives. The goal of PACTS III is to provide the DHS and its components with a mechanism for quick ordering of professional services and solutions at fair and reasonable prices and to give qualified set-asides a greater opportunity to participate in these requirements.
Overview
PACTS III comprises three comprehensive Functional Categories (FCs), each with its unique focus, as shown in Figure 1
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For each Functional Category, a separate solicitation will be issued. PACTS III has been set-aside for the following 4 socio-economic categories:
1. Service Disabled Veterans Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
2. Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
3. HUBZone Small Business
4. 8(a) Small Business
Under each FC, DHS plans to issue approximately 32 separate IDIQ contracts, targeting four small business set-aside programs. (8 awards * 4 Set-asides =32 awards in each Functional Category)
The goal is to award a total of approximately 96 contracts under PACTS III providing ample opportunities for various businesses to participate.
Proposal Preparation and Submission
Proposals for PACTS III are organized into four volumes as shown in the callout box, each with specific content and page limits.
Important Points
An offeror is required to submit separate proposal for each Functional Category.
The offeror is NOT required to submit a proposal for all three FC’s but rather only the ones it qualifies for and would like the DHS to consider.
Although an offeror only submits one proposal for each FC, the same proposal will be evaluated separately for socio-economic track the offeror has opted for.
An offeror can qualify for getting an award in more than one socio-economic track if its proposal qualifies.
Self-Scoring System
The heart of PACTS III contract is its self-scoring system, (Contragenix in-house Scoring Tool) and understanding this system is essential for crafting a competitive proposal.
The scores in PACTS III have been distributed on the criterion of dollar value of projects in each functional category. There is no limit to the number of projects and as such the number of points an offeror can claim from past projects.
Scores have been allocated to having a Facility Clearance of Secret or Top Secret and having an Adequate Accounting System. Although these are not mandatory for winning an award under PACTS III, but additional points can be claimed for them.
One keyway to securing an award under PACTS III is to strategically team up with partners having relevant projects, that will optimize the scoresheet.
Who Can Be the Offeror?
Under PACTS III the following 4 entities can submit a bid:
As the schedule for the release of PACTS III solicitation is around the corner, time is crucial in strategizing and creating a holistic winning approach by curating an appropriate mix of past projects to make the best possible bid.
1. It should not be claimed in more than one proposal for PACTS III.
2. Performance must have occurred within two years (730 days) since issuance of the original solicitation.
3. Offeror must have provided at least six consecutive months of performance by the date the original solicitation is issued.
4. 40% of the total number of projects claimed under a SBTA must be from the partner(s) of the JV that possess the socio- economic status associated with the track the Offeror is proposing; Prime Contractor of a Prime/Subcontractor relationship or the Protégé in a Mentor-Protégé relationship.
The estimated Solicitation release date for PACTS III is November 17, 2023 and an Industry Day was scheduled for November 9, 2023.
Conclusion
Contragenix LLC recognizes the pivotal role that understanding PACTS III plays in enabling businesses to thrive within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) competitive IDIQ. Our expertise in self-scoring acquisitions like POLARIS, OASIS+, CIOSP4, JETS2.0, MQS2-NG, and project selection will empower businesses to navigate this opportunity with precision and confidence. With our guidance, enterprises can position themselves strategically to secure contracts that fuel their expansion and growth.
As the schedule for the release of PACTS III solicitation is around the corner, time is crucial in strategizing and creating a holistic winning approach by curating an appropriate mix of past projects to make the best possible bid.