FAQ

What is FAST and how can it be used to expedite a federal procurement?
What is the purchasing ceiling limit if I use the FAST contract?
What is 8(a) STARS GWAC and its purchasing ceiling?
How can the 8(a) certification be used and by whom?
What is the purchasing ceiling limit if I elect to purchase under NextGen’s 8(a) status?
What categories of services are available?
What is a GWAC?
How do I get a quote for hardware, software or services?
How do I reach specific people in NextGen?
How do I submit a request for a quote?
How do I download a NextGen presentation?
What is NextGen's Federal Tax Identification Number?
Is NextGen registered in the CCR?
What types of equipment and software are available from NextGen?
What companies does NextGen partner with?

What is FAST and how can it be used to expedite a federal procurement?
FAST is a pre-competed, multi-award GWAC. The FAST program, originally begun in 1997, was created to allow for simplified acquisitions from 8(a) firms that had submitted proposals to GSA for a variety of products and services. The government can utilize a FAST contract by requesting a quote from their FAST contractor of choice and can make an award based on that quote of up to $3,000,000 per task/purchase order. The buying agency must have a memorandum of unde rs tanding with GSA that transfe rs authority to that agency to issue contracts against the GSA FAST contract.

What is the purchasing ceiling limit if I use the FAST contract?
No single task or purchase order can exceed $3,000,000.

What is 8(a) STARS GWAC and its purchasing ceiling?
The 8(a) STARS contract is GSA FAST's replacement. FAST expires on September 30th 2004 .  STARS stands for " Streamlined Technology Acquisition of Resources and Services" and is much more encompassing than its predecessor "FAST." STARS cove rs everything FAST did and more including Telecommunications.

Below are some highlights of 8(a) STARS:

• $15 billion PROGRAM Ceiling.
• No individual contract limit.
• As task orde rs are issued, they are deducted from the $15 billion ceiling.
• Client agencies receive credit towards their 8(a) socio-economic goals.
• Client agencies can issue SOLE SOURCE task orde rs up to the 8(a) threshold of $3M.
• These are solutions-based contracts allowing for combinations of hardware, software and IT services.
• Task Orde rs under 8(a) STARS are non-protestable except for scope, maximum order limitation or period of performance.

This is how GSA described FAST "It's so FAST, you won't believe it's the government."

8(a) STARS is not only better than fast, but it also has a wider coverage.

How can the 8(a) certification be used and by whom?
The Small Business Administration goes through an extensive review process prior to certifying a company as an 8(a) contractor. Once the company has been certified, then they have the ability to solicit work from any government entity on a self-marketed basis. That is, if the company identifies potential business and has met with and discussed the use of their 8(a) program to satisfy the requirement with the government program manager, then that work can be contractually set aside for fulfillment by that company once specific actions have been taken. These include contacting the company's SBA Representative to discuss the potential task, exchanging paperwork with the SBA and finally submitting a formal quote request with the SBA. It is important to note that work done under the 8(a) program is actually an agreement between the government agency and the SBA for fulfillment rather than directly with the 8(a) company.

What is the purchasing ceiling limit if I elect to purchase under NextGen's 8(a) status?
No single task or purchase order can exceed $3,000,000.

What categories of services are available?
Labor categories are extensive, ranging from facilities support (i.e. janitorial, HVAC, property maintenance) through subject matter experts in a variety of intellectual fields. Many categories have a number of levels depending on education and experience required. Examples include Network Administrato rs , Program Mange rs and Business Analysts.

What is a GWAC?
Government Wide Acquisition Contract is a contract vehicle that has been approved for use by any federal entity. Examples of GWACs are 8(a) STARS, ECS III, Connections, MOBIS and FAST.

How do I get a quote for hardware, software or services?
You can contact any NextGen office to request a quote for any product or service needed or send your request to info@picknextgen.com .

How do I reach specific people in NextGen?
NextGen Federal personnel can be reached by calling 703-631-9870.

How do I submit a request for a quote?
E-mail your specific requests to info@picknextgen.com .

How do I download a NextGen presentation?
Information will be available online soon.

What is NextGen's Federal Tax Identification Number?
54-1876069

Is NextGen registered in the CCR?
Yes. Our CAGE Code is 1LKS1.

What types of equipment and software are available from NextGen?
IT and Telecommunications.

What companies does NextGen partner with?
NextGen has agreements with many of the IT and Telecom industry leaders.