What is SEWP?
SEWP V is the latest iteration of the immensely successful Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement – Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). SEWP V supports government requirements for high-performance Information Technology (IT) by providing state-of-the-art commercial hardware, software, services and solutions.
Providing the latest in Information Technology (IT) products and services, the NASA Solutions for Enterprise Wide Procurement (SEWP) contract vehicle has an outstanding track record of serving up fresh technology for Federal Agencies. SEWP is a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) consisting of Competed Prime Contract Holders, including small businesses (of which Norseman is one.) Small Business categories include: Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB); Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB); HUBZone Small Businesses; Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB); and Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB).
The SEWP contracts offer a vast selection and wide range of advanced technology, including, desktops and servers, IT peripherals, network equipment, storage systems, security tools, software products, cloud based services, telecommunication, Health IT, video conferencing systems and other IT and Audio-Visual products along with product based services such as installation and maintenance to all Federal Agencies (including Department of Defense) and their approved support service contractors.
Through SEWP, Agencies can find an exact fit for their needs at the best overall value by choosing the right solutions offered directly by leading hardware and software manufacturers and experienced Government integrators.
Norseman Defense Technologies was awarded a prime contract by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 2015 and aims to continue the tradition of outstanding customer service and attention to detail customers have grown accustom to using the SEWP Contract.
Fair Opportunity When Using SEWP Contracts
SEWP V is composed of 202 Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to 148 prime contract holders, both manufacturers and resellers of IT equipment. The contracts were awarded in 5 contract Groups – 2 full and open and 3 set-aside competitions. Since all awards were multi-award contracts, Fair Opportunity (refer to FAR 16.505(b)) must be given to all contractors in one or more Groups.
The SEWP website provides the only SEWP recommended tools for manufacturer searches (Quick RFI Tool) and for Request for Information/Request for Quotes (RFI/RFQ) (Quote Request Tool). These tools are available to assist customers with buying decisions and as one means to provide documentation for any needed selection criteria. The following steps may assist customers in determining which contract best fulfills their requirements:
1. Market Research: According to Federal Acquisition Regulations, (FAR) Part 10, appropriate market research based on the size and complexity of the acquisition is required. The Online Quick RFI Tool and Quote Request Tool SEWP tools assist in this market research process.
2. Fair Opportunity: FAR 16.505(b) (1) provides that each contractor shall be given fair opportunity to be considered for each order exceeding $3,000 and issued under multiple award contracts. The FAR states that the method to obtain fair opportunity is at the discretion of the CO and that the CO must document the rationale for placement and price of each order. Using the SEWP online Quote Request Tool is the recommended method to assist in this activity and to augment the required decision documentation. The SEWP QRT tool will automatically include the Contract Holders within a selected Group or based on a suggested source. NOTE: Fair Opportunity to all Contract Holders within one or more SEWP Groups is required. There is no requirement to obtain 3 quotes as long as all Contract Holders within a Group were provided opportunity to provide a quote.
3. Best Value: Once market research is completed, the end-user’s needs, technical requirements, Contract Holder program performance, price, Agency policy and other factors related to the exercise of sound business judgment should be considered in making a best value determination.
