GSA COMET II

The GSA COMET II solicitation (COMET II stands for CIO Modernization and Enterprise Transformation II) aims to establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for comprehensive IT services to support the GSA Office of the Chief Information Officer’s (OCIO) digital transformation initiatives.

This BPA will facilitate the procurement of agile software development, cloud computing, and DevSecOps services. The goal is to enhance the GSA’s capabilities in developing, modernizing, and maintaining critical application systems. Through a multiple-award approach, GSA seeks vendors skilled in cloud architecture, security, human-centered design, and agile methodologies to drive digital transformation in GSA’s diverse technology landscape.

This BPA also emphasizes cost-effectiveness by leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions and flexible, scalable service offerings. Task orders issued under this BPA will address specific needs in agile delivery, cloud-native transformation, and operational efficiency. GSA COMET II solicitation underscores GSA’s commitment to streamlining and securing IT services while ensuring compliance with federal mandates and advancing socioeconomic goals by reserving awards for small businesses

The GSA COMET II initiative, managed by the GSA Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), is designed to advance the digital modernization of federal acquisition systems. As an evolution of the original COMET program, COMET II emphasizes creating, maintaining, and optimizing IT systems that facilitate federal procurement and operational efficiencies. GSA’s goal is to offer agile, scalable, and secure digital services that support the organization’s expanding mission and business requirements.

COMET II focuses on modernizing legacy systems, implementing cloud-native solutions, and applying DevSecOps practices to enhance both security and usability. By integrating these transformative technologies, the GSA OCIO aims to deliver a superior user experience and facilitate seamless interactions across government and public services. This initiative aligns with GSA’s broader commitment to delivering impactful, reliable, and compliant technology solutions that streamline operations while optimizing costs.

The GSA COMET II BPA establishes rigorous performance requirements to ensure reliable, secure, and agile IT services for the GSA. The primary objectives include delivering agile software development, maintenance, and transformation services across the GSA’s extensive IT infrastructure, which spans cloud-based, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Key performance areas include:

1. Agile Delivery and DevSecOps: Contractors must adhere to agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development cycles that incorporate user feedback, robust security practices, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD). DevSecOps principles ensure that security is embedded from development through deployment, enhancing system resilience.
2. Cloud-Native Modernization: Vendors are tasked with developing solutions that align with the GSA’s cloud strategy, including the ability to deploy on cloud infrastructure with scalability, resilience, and performance optimization. The transition to cloud-ready and cloud-native architectures is a major focus, reducing dependencies on legacy systems and improving operational efficiency.
3. Human-Centered Design and User Experience: To achieve high levels of user satisfaction, all developments must integrate human-centered design principles. This includes usability testing, accessibility compliance (Section 508), and enhancing the user experience across GSA systems.
4. Data Integrity and Transparency: Ensuring data quality, transparency, and compliance is paramount. The BPA mandates data management best practices and the ability to provide transparent reporting and analytics that support GSA’s decision-making.
5. Reliability and Uptime: Task orders issued under this BPA require high availability, operational reliability, and minimal downtime. This includes proactive monitoring and support aligned with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure performance expectations are consistently met.
6. Compliance and Security Standards: Contractors must follow federal security standards, including FISMA, NIST guidelines, and GSA’s internal policies, to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. Security requirements extend to personnel, ensuring compliance with background checks and training on data handling best practices​.

The GSA COMET II BPA establishes rigorous performance requirements to ensure reliable, secure, and agile IT services for the GSA. The primary objectives include delivering agile software development, maintenance, and transformation services across the GSA’s extensive IT infrastructure, which spans cloud-based, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Key performance areas include:

1. Agile Delivery and DevSecOps: Contractors must adhere to agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development cycles that incorporate user feedback, robust security practices, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD). DevSecOps principles ensure that security is embedded from development through deployment, enhancing system resilience.
2. Cloud-Native Modernization: Vendors are tasked with developing solutions that align with the GSA’s cloud strategy, including the ability to deploy on cloud infrastructure with scalability, resilience, and performance optimization. The transition to cloud-ready and cloud-native architectures is a major focus, reducing dependencies on legacy systems and improving operational efficiency.
3. Human-Centered Design and User Experience: To achieve high levels of user satisfaction, all developments must integrate human-centered design principles. This includes usability testing, accessibility compliance (Section 508), and enhancing the user experience across GSA systems.
4. Data Integrity and Transparency: Ensuring data quality, transparency, and compliance is paramount. The BPA mandates data management best practices and the ability to provide transparent reporting and analytics that support GSA’s decision-making.
5. Reliability and Uptime: Task orders issued under this BPA require high availability, operational reliability, and minimal downtime. This includes proactive monitoring and support aligned with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure performance expectations are consistently met.
6. Compliance and Security Standards: Contractors must follow federal security standards, including FISMA, NIST guidelines, and GSA’s internal policies, to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. Security requirements extend to personnel, ensuring compliance with background checks and training on data handling best practices​.

The evaluation of proposals for the GSA COMET II BPA will be based on multiple factors to ensure that vendors possess the necessary expertise and resources. Key evaluation criteria include:

1. Past Experience: Vendors must demonstrate prior experience with similar IT modernization projects, particularly within federal government contexts. Relevant experience in agile software development, cloud transitions, and system security will be prioritized.
2. Technical and Management Approach: Proposals are assessed on their technical and management approach, including methodologies for agile development, user-centered design, cloud infrastructure management, and DevSecOps. A clear management strategy for staffing, resource allocation, and project oversight is essential.
3. Key Personnel and Expertise: Proposals are evaluated on the qualifications and experience of key personnel. This includes expertise in areas such as software engineering, cloud architecture, data management, and cybersecurity.
4. Socioeconomic Goals: As part of GSA’s commitment to supporting small businesses, the BPA includes a partial small business set-aside. Proposals that effectively contribute to socioeconomic objectives are favorably considered.
5. Pricing: The cost and value of the proposed services are evaluated to ensure alignment with the project’s objectives and budget​

Proposals for the COMET II BPA must be submitted in digital format, organized in line with GSA’s structured requirements. Each volume should adhere to page limits and formatting standards outlined in the solicitation. The submission must include a comprehensive cover page and a table of contents for quick navigation.

Proposals should be clear, concise, and aligned with GSA’s requirements, and must not include any proprietary markings that could hinder review. Offerors are required to register in the GSA’s ASSIST platform and use it to submit their completed proposal package. Timeliness is critical; proposals submitted after the deadline may be disqualified.

In addition, proposals must contain certifications that the offeror complies with the terms and conditions of the solicitation. Any exceptions to solicitation terms should be clearly stated. Finally, the submission must include signatures from authorized representatives, verifying the accuracy and completeness of the information provided