Alliant 3 solicitation is a significant opportunity for businesses in the IT sector to win major federal contracts. There is no budget ceiling for Alliant 3, which, along with the broad scope of services, makes it one of the most aggressive and desirable federal opportunities in recent years. In this blog, we are going to dive into the insights shared in a recent GDIC webinar on Alliant 3 scoring to win, so you will be informed about the scoring system and effective strategies for achieving high scores and getting on the road to winning an Alliant 3 contract.
Overview of the Alliant Program
The Alliant program, administered by the General Services Administration (GSA), has evolved significantly since its inception. Here’s a brief history of the program:
- Alliant 1 (2009 – 2019): This initial iteration had a budget ceiling of $50 billion, later increased to $75 billion. It focused on various IT services, including infrastructure, applications, and management services.
- Alliant 2 (2018 – 2028): With a similar budget ceiling, Alliant 2 introduced a more comprehensive range of contract types and saw an average annual spend of $1 billion.
- Alliant 3 (2025 onwards): This iteration promises an open budget ceiling, extending the scope and opportunities available to contractors.
Key Details of Alliant 3
- Type of Contract: Multiple Award IDIQ GWAC
- Estimated Value: Open Ceiling
- Period of Performance: 5 years base plus 1 x 5 years option
- Type of Work: Information Technology (NAICS 541512)
- Number of Awards: 76 – Full and Open (previously 60)
- RFP Issue Date: June 28, 2024
- Proposal Due Date: October 28, 2024
- Award Date: February 2025
Scope of Work
Alliant 3 covers a broad array of IT services, including but not limited to:
- Agile Development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber Security
- Cloud Computing
- Data Centers and Consolidation
- IT Services for Healthcare
- Quantum Computing
- Zero-Trust Networks
Proposal Structure
A successful Alliant 3 proposal is meticulously organized and covers several key volumes:
- General (Administrative)
- Relevant Experience
- Past Performance
- Systems, Certifications, and Clearances
- Responsibility (GSA Form 527)
- Organizational Risk Management
- Sustainability
Understanding Alliant 3 Scoring System
The Alliant 3 scoring system is a critical aspect of the proposal process. Here’s a breakdown of the main score factors and their respective points:
- NAICS REPs: 37,000 points
- Emerging Technology (ET) REPs: 9,100 points
- Organizational Risk Assessment: 7,000 points
- Past Performance: 17,500 points
- Systems & Certifications: 17,600 points
- Sustainability: 1,750 points
NAICS Relevant Experience Projects (REP)
NAICS Relevant Experience Projects (REP) are critical for showcasing your firm’s capacity to manage large-scale, complex projects. Each project is evaluated based on several subfactors: project size and complexity, multiple agency awards, cost reimbursement, and foreign location. Projects demonstrating substantial value, cross-agency collaborations, and execution in diverse environments will score higher. This comprehensive assessment ensures that only firms with significant and varied experience are considered.
Emerging Technology (ET) REPs
Emphasize your firm’s experience with advanced technologies, such as sub-factors like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and many others. Each ET REP obtains points according to the emerging technologies involved and the extent to which it involves small businesses in these projects. Showing a broad breadth of technical capabilities and a strong promotion of small business teaming can greatly improve one’s score.
Organizational Risk Assessment
Organizational risk assessment assesses your company’s risk management practices. Many contracts award points based on your compliance with risk assessment requirements. This assessment includes evaluating your processes for identifying, mitigating, and managing risks associated with project execution. Demonstrating strong risk management practices and a consistent track record of effectively managing risks is essential to score well in this category.
Past Performance
Positive past performance is crucial for Alliant 3 scoring. Each NAICS REP must be accompanied by a past performance assessment, which ensures that the project was completed satisfactorily. This includes evaluations from previous clients or agencies, highlighting your firm’s reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines. A history of successful project completions and positive client feedback can significantly boost your score in this category.
Systems, Certifications, and Clearances
This category rewards firms with robust systems and recognized certifications in place, such as an Adequate Cost Accounting System, Capability Maturity Model Integration, International Organization for Standardization certifications, and security clearances like Facility Security Clearances. Such certifications show that your firm adheres to high standards of operational excellence, security, and quality management—things that are important and required in federal contracts.
Sustainability
Sustainability points are awarded based on your firm’s commitment to environmental responsibility, specifically through Scope 1, 2, or 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions disclosures. These disclosures reflect your efforts to monitor and reduce your environmental impact. Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability practices and transparent reporting can enhance your score, showcasing your firm as a responsible and forward-thinking partner.
Pricing Strategy
Your price submission must be competitive yet reasonable. The GSA provides maximum allowable labor rates, and your rates should ideally be below these caps to avoid the need for additional justification. Pricing should be submitted using the designated templates, covering both government and contractor worksite rates.
The Source Selection Process
The evaluation process begins with ranking proposals based on their total claimed scores. The top 60 proposals will undergo a rigorous screening process to verify support documentation and ensure compliance with all requirements.
Partnering Opportunities
For small businesses, partnering can significantly boost your score. Options include forming Joint Ventures (JVs) or Prime/Sub relationships. Each type of partnership has specific requirements and advantages, particularly in meeting Alliant 3 scoring criteria for relevant experience and past performance.
Compliance and Other Critical Factors
Ensuring compliance with all RFP requirements is paramount. Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the requirements, failing to substantiate claimed scores, and not submitting the proposal correctly. A thorough compliance checklist and multiple rounds of reviews can help mitigate these risks.
Final Recommendations
To maximize your chances of success:
- Aim for a high score: Target approximately 80,000 points to stay competitive.
- Maximize each scoring category: Ensure you substantiate every point claimed.
- Strategic partnering: Use partnerships to enhance your score, especially for small businesses.
- Thorough compliance checks: Conduct multiple reviews to ensure all requirements are met.
- Seek expert assistance: Consider engaging experienced proposal consultants to review and optimize your submission.
Final Word
The Alliant 3 solicitation presents a unique opportunity for businesses in the IT sector to secure substantial federal contracts. Understanding Alliant 3 scoring system, structuring your proposal effectively, and ensuring compliance can position your company for success. You can enhance your prospects in this significant opportunity by engaging with experts, leveraging partnerships, and approaching the process with meticulous attention to detail.
