FirstSource III Solicitation

8.22.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0006 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  This amendment extends the Phase II proposal response date from September 7, 2022 at 10 am Eastern to September 14, 2022 at 10 am Eastern and corrects a typographical error in Section L.6.3. 

For reference, filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A6”.

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference. 

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Track changes copy of the solicitation

***

8.11.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0005 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  This amendment extends the Phase II proposal response date from August 24, 2022 at 10 am Eastern to September 7, 2022 at 10 am Eastern. 

For reference, filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A5”.

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference. 

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Track changes copy of the solicitation

Thank you

***

8.3.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0004 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  These changes impact Phase II of the solicitation only.  The Phase I evaluation process is complete and the advisory down select notices have been distributed.  Offerors who have not submitted a proposal under Phase I for FirstSource III cannot submit a proposal for consideration for Phase II.  Any proposals received for Phase II that were not evaluated for Phase I will not be evaluated for Phase II.

Most significantly, this amendment changes the language at Sections L.4 and L.6.2.2, Signed Cover Letter, to extend the proposal validity for Phase II proposals from 120 days to 180 days.  It also changes Section L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II) instructions.  As a result of the changes to Section L.7.2.5.2, offerors shall provide Past Performance Questionnaires only. The statement regarding available CPARS information has been removed.  The amendment also changes the e-mail address for submission of the Past Performance Questionnaires to the FirstSource III ITVAR and Software e-mail boxes and provides a naming convention for the Past Performance Questionnaires.  An updated Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire with the updated e-mail addresses is provided.  If a reference submitted a Past Performance Questionnaire prior to this amendment, please have them resubmit the questionnaire.  Questionnaires submitted prior to Amendment 4 will not be considered.

This amendment also provides an updated Attachment 6, Compliance Checklist.  Offerors are advised to ensure they complete and submit the Phase II tab of the revised checklist.  The due date and time for the Phase II proposal responses is also updated in the solicitation.  That date is August, 24, 2022 at 10 am Eastern.  Again, please be advised that any proposals received for Phase II that were not evaluated for Phase I will not be evaluated for Phase II.

For reference, filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A4”.

Solicitation Amendment Changes:

Changes have been made to the following sections of the solicitation:

• Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice
• Section H, Section H.9.1 to update website reference to SAM.gov
• Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents
  • Subsections L.4, L.5, L.6 , L.7, L.8 as indicated above
• Attachment 6, Compliance Checklist
• Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference.  Please carefully review the SF 30 and updated solicitation for a full accounting of all changes.

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Track changes copy of the solicitation
• Attachment 6, Compliance Checklist
• Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire

Multiple amendments have been issued to this solicitation.  Please review all amendments and attachments and ensure you are using the most up to date versions for your proposal submission.

Thank you

***

7.21.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the Phase I advisory down select notices will be distributed on or about August 3, 2022.  As stated previously, offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer. 

If your proposal point of contact has changed, please e-mail the new point of contact’s name and e-mail address to the appropriate e-mail address(es):

FSIIIProposalsITVAR@hq.dhs.gov

FSIIIProposalsSW@hq.dhs.gov

Please only submit point of contact change information.  This is to ensure the timely receipt of the advisory down select decision. No other information will be accepted.

As FirstSource III moves into Phase II of the procurement, periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors of the procurement’s status.  However, please be mindful that individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the evaluation process.

Thank you

***

5.10.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  The volume of proposals continues to drive the timeline, so DHS would like to take the opportunity to provide another update.  The Phase I evaluation is nearing completion and we are working to issue the advisory down select notices as soon as possible.  Another industry update will be posted prior to the issuance of the advisory down select notices that will include high level milestones.

As stated previously, offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer at the conclusion of Phase I.  Until that time, individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the Phase I evaluation.  Periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors as to the procurement’s status.

Thank you

***

2.14.22

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  The volume of proposals continues to drive the timeline, so DHS would like to take the opportunity to provide another update.  The Phase I evaluation is nearing completion. Another industry update will be posted prior the issuance of the advisory down select notices.

As stated previously, offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer at the conclusion of Phase I.  Until that time, individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the Phase I evaluation.  Periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors as to the procurement’s status.

Thank you

***

12.15.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  The volume of proposals continues to drive the timeline, so DHS would like to take the opportunity to provide another update, particularly as the holiday season rapidly approaches.  The Phase I evaluation is still in progress and the advisory down select notices will not be issued before January 2022.

As stated previously, offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer at the conclusion of Phase I.  Until that time, individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the Phase I evaluation.  Periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors as to the procurement’s status.

Thank you and happy holidays.

***

11.4.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  The September 14, 2021 update stated that DHS had received an overwhelming response to the solicitation.  To confirm the quantity, DHS received 637 proposals from 325 offerors. 

The volume of proposals continues to drive the timeline, so DHS would like to take the opportunity to provide another update, particularly with the holiday season ahead. 

The compliance review in accordance with Section L.5.1 of the solicitation has been completed for all proposals and the Phase I evaluation is nearly complete.  As stated previously, offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer at the conclusion of Phase I.  Until that time, individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the Phase I evaluation.  Periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors as to the procurement’s status.

For your reference, please see the updated milestones:

• Advisory Down-select notifications:   December 2021
• Phase II proposals due:  January 2022
• Phase II Compliance review:  February 2022
• Award:  August 2022

***

9.14.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS remains committed to keeping you updated on the status of FirstSource III.  DHS received an overwhelming response to the FirstSource III solicitation, resulting in a higher than expected number of proposals.  The higher volume, while appreciated, has impacted the timeline, so DHS would like to take the opportunity to update our industry partners on the current status of FirstSource III and provide updated high-level milestones. 

The compliance review in accordance with Section L.5.1 of the solicitation has been completed for all proposals and the Phase I evaluation is in progress.  Offerors will receive individual notifications with the advisory down select decision from the Contracting Officer at the conclusion of Phase I.  Until that time, individual communications with offerors may be limited due to the Phase I evaluation.  Periodic updates will continue to be posted to SAM.gov to inform offerors as to the procurement’s status.

For your reference, the updated milestones are below and have been revised to reflect the additional proposal volume.

• Advisory Down-select notifications:      October 2021
• Phase II proposals due:                        November 2021
• Phase II Compliance review:                November 2021               
• Award:                                                  Late February 2022

***

5.25.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0003 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  This amendment clarifies Section L.2, Woman-Owned Small Business Certification with respect to Joint Ventures.  This amendment also makes administrative changes and extends the Phase I proposal response date from June 2, 2021 at 10 am Eastern to June 9, 2021 at 10 am Eastern. 

For reference, filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A3”.

Solicitation Amendment Changes:

Changes have been made to the following sections of the solicitation:

• Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice
• Section G, Contract Administration Data
  • Subsections G.2.1, G.2.2, and G.2.3
• Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents
  • Subsections L.2, L.6, and L.8
• Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award
  • Subsection M.2

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference. 

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Track changes copy of the solicitation

***

5.21.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0002 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  This amendment clarifies the Joint Venture language for Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience, and provides an updated Attachment 6, Compliance Checklist, to correct an error.  The Phase I proposal response date remains the same.

For reference, the filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A2”.

Solicitation Amendment Changes:

Changes have been made to the following sections of the solicitation:

• Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents
  • Subsection L.7

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference. 

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Attachment 6 - Compliance Checklist (Phases I and II) spreadsheet has 2 tabs

A track changes copy of the solicitation is also provided.

***

5.18.21

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is issuing Amendment 0001 to the FirstSource III solicitation.  The Department would like to thank industry for providing its feedback in response to the solicitation. 

This amendment answers industry questions and provides an amended solicitation.  Also included are updated attachments and one new attachment which are listed below.  For reference, filenames for the attachments associated with this amendment start with “A1”.

Phase I proposals are due June 2, 2021 at 10:00am Eastern.  Offerors shall submit their proposals to the correct e-mail box in accordance with the instructions at L.6.

FSIIIProposalsITVAR@hq.dhs.gov for ITVAR Functional Category proposals

FSIIIProposalsSW@hq.dhs.gov for Software Functional Category proposals

The Question and Answer period has closed for Phase I.  Questions will not be accepted or answered by the Government at this time. 

Any proposals submitted prior to this solicitation amendment will be disregarded.  Offerors who may have already submitted proposals are strongly encouraged to resubmit their proposals in accordance with this solicitation amendment.

Solicitation Amendment Changes:

Changes have been made to the following sections of the solicitation:

• Synopsis/Solicitation Cover
• Section I, Clauses Incorporated in Full Text
• Section J, Attachments
• Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents
  • Subsections L.4, L.5, L.6, L.7, and L.8
• Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award
  • Subsections M.2 and M.3

A track changes copy of the solicitation is provided for reference. 

Solicitation Amendment Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation amendment:

• SF 30
• The solicitation
• Attachment 1- ITVAR Pricing Schedule
• Attachment 2- Software Pricing Schedule
• Attachment 6 - Compliance Checklist (Phases I and II) spreadsheet has 2 tabs
• Attachment 8- ITVAR Pricing Schedule Salient Characteristics & Labor Category Descriptions
• Attachment 9- Pricing Schedule Crosswalk
• Q&A Part 1 Contracting Questions
• Q&A Part 2 Technical Questions
• Q&A FirstSource II Awardees
• Track changes copy of the solicitation

Milestones:

Below are the near term upcoming milestone dates.  Please see the solicitation for complete details:

• Solicitation Amendment 1 issued:  May 18, 2021
• Phase I proposals due:  June 2, 2021 at 10:00 am
• Advisory Down-select notifications:  mid-July 2021
• Phase II proposals due:  early August 2021

***

5.11.21

Dear Industry Partners,

We appreciate the continued interest in FirstSource III.  Phase I proposals are not due on May 12, 2021 due to the pending solicitation amendment.  The amendment expected to be released on or about May 18, 2021 will establish a new due date for the Phase I proposal and will also update the propoal due date field in beta.sam.  Please continue to monitor this solicitation on beta.sam for further updates.  Thank you.

***

5.4.2021

Dear Industry Partners,

Thank you for your feedback on the FirstSource III solicitation and participation in the preproposal conference.  As a result of the volume of questions submitted, DHS will need additional time to ensure you receive a meaningful response and an amended solicitation.  The amendment with questions and answers is expected to be released on or about May 18, 2021.  As a result, the other high level milestones in Section L.8, Anticipated Schedule, will be adjusted accordingly.  This includes the Phase I proposal response date.  Any changes or additional information will be posted to this notice on beta.sam.  Thank you.

***

4.28.2021

Dear Industry Partners,

The link to access the FirstSource III Preproposal Conference recording is below.  The conference slides are also provided in the attachments section of this notice.

https://dhsocpo.adobeconnect.com/pbpva9rh05jd/ 

Thank you for your continued interest in FirstSource III

***

Dear Industry Partners,

DHS is pleased to issue the solicitation for FirstSource III.  This solicitation will result in a series of multiple award, department wide Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts.  FirstSource III is a 100% small business set-aside with five (5) separate set-aside tracks to include the four (4) small business socio-economic contracting programs:  (1) 8(a); (2) Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone); (3) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); and (4) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Track 5 will be set-aside for all small businesses.  FirstSource III also has two Functional Categories, Information Technology Value Added Reseller (ITVAR) using NAICS code 541519, footnote 18 and Software, using NAICS code 511210, footnote 20.

This single solicitation will result in two source selections, one for ITVAR and one for Software.  Multiple awards will be made in each Functional Category in each of the small business and small business socioeconomic tracks.  Offerors may submit more than one proposal.  Please see section L.4.1 of the solicitation for complete information on submitting more than one proposal.

Preproposal Conference

A virtual preproposal conference is scheduled for Monday, April 26th at 2:30pm.  Details on how to register for the conference are provided below.

Solicitation Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this solicitation:

• SF 1449
• The solicitation
• Attachment 1- ITVAR Pricing Schedule
• Attachment 2- Software Pricing Schedule
• Attachment 3- Transactional Data Report (TDR) Template
• Attachment 4- EPEAT Report Template
• Attachment 5- No Bid Report Template
• Attachment 6 - Compliance Checklist (Phases I and II) spreadsheet has 2 tabs
• Attachment 7- Past Performance Questionnaire
• Attachment 8- ITVAR Pricing Schedule Salient Characteristics & Labor Category Descriptions

A copy of the draft ordering guide is also attached for your reference.

Milestones:

Below are the anticipated milestone dates.  Please see the solicitation for complete details:

• Solicitation released:  April 20, 2021
• Preproposal Conference:  April 26, 2021 at 2:30 pm
• Vendor Questions Due April 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm
• Phase I proposals due:  May 12, 2021 at 10:00 am
• Advisory Down-select notifications: mid- June 2021
• Phase II proposals due: late June 2021
• Award: September 2021

Preproposal Conference Registration Instructions:

Registration is required for each attendee.  Industry partners are limited to no more than two (2) individuals per company.

If you are interested in attending the Preproposal Conference, please register at the below link no later than April 22, 2021, 11:59 pm EST.  Reservations through any other means will not be accepted or allowed. Please register as soon as possible.  A follow up email will be sent after the registration closing date to confirm your registration status as confirmed or waitlisted.

https://cvent.me/rqWXdE

Please see below for additional Preproposal Conference details:

Date: April 26, 2021

Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Location:  virtual (link to be provided with confirmation)

Submission of Questions:

The government will accept and answer a limited number of questions during the virtual preproposal conference, however, please note that these will not constitute the government’s formal response.  The government’s formal response to questions will only occur through an amendment to this solicitation.  The government will only provide a formal response to questions submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the solicitation.  Please follow the communications and questions process as stated in Section L.3 of the solicitation when submitting questions in response to the solicitation.

Additional Information:

The Government will NOT provide responses that include internal agency information. Please be mindful of this when preparing questions and topics for discussion.

As always, we thank you for your interest and we look forward to your participation.