NASA’s SEWP VI (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) solicitation is one of those rare very large government bids that provides a huge opportunity for technology companies to earn a portion of government contracts. This guide outlines SEWP VI proposal win strategies and requirements to help you to put together a winning proposal. You are also invited to watch the latest GDI Consulting SEWP VI Win Strategy webinar as a complement to this guide.
Understanding SEWP VI
A government-wide acquisition contract (GWAC), SEWP VI includes a wide range of IT and AV products and services offered to government agencies. The SEWP contracts have also matured over time, with the base value for SEWP VI expected to have reached $77 billion. To succeed, businesses must navigate a detailed proposal process that evaluates technical capability, past performance, and overall mission suitability.
Important Changes in SEWP VI
Enhanced Contract Structure
SEWP VI introduces a 10-year base contract, with each awarded contract capped at $20 billion. This is a significant shift from previous iterations, providing a more extended contract duration and a higher potential value for each contract. Notably, the technical areas under Category A have been revised and expanded, requiring businesses to adapt their proposals accordingly.
Socio-Economic Set-Asides
SEWP VI expands opportunities for socio-economic small business categories. The mandatory experience value for Category B has been reduced to $4 million for special socio-economic companies, including VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB, and EDWOSB. This change lowers the barrier to entry for these businesses, encouraging broader participation in the SEWP VI solicitation.
Proposal Volume and Technical Requirements
The page count limit for Volume III has been reduced, with the Technical and Management Approach sections now limited to 15 pages each. This change necessitates concise and focused proposal writing. Additionally, businesses can now bid as a prime contractor and in one teaming arrangement, either as a JV or prime/subcontractor, enhancing strategic flexibility.
Proposal Requirements for SEWP VI
Volume Structure
Proposals for SEWP VI are divided into three primary volumes:
- Volume I: Offer Volume – Includes administrative documents and certifications such as ISO 9001 and, for Category B, CMMI Level 2 or higher.
- Volume II: Past Performance Volume—This volume requires detailed past performance information from up to three contracts and demonstrates relevant experience.
- Volume III: Mission Suitability Volume – Focuses on the technical and management approach, showcasing the scalability and innovation of proposed solutions.
Mandatory Experience
For Category A, businesses must provide detailed experience in technical areas such as IT computer systems, storage systems, networking, and cloud technology. For Category B, larger projects with significant value are required, while Category C focuses on specific mission-based services with a lower value threshold for socio-economic small businesses.
SEWP VI Selection Process
Compliance and Evaluation
The SEWP VI selection process is stringent, emphasizing compliance and detailed evaluation of proposal content. Key criteria include:
- Relevant Experience – Meeting the mandatory experience requirements is crucial. Businesses must provide comprehensive documentation of their past projects and relevant technical areas.
- Past Performance – A moderate or higher past performance rating is necessary. This involves showcasing successful project completions and positive feedback from previous clients.
- Mission Suitability – High confidence in technical and management approaches is essential. This includes demonstrating the ability to deliver advanced IT and AV solutions effectively.
Strategies for a SEWP VI Proposal Win
Early Preparation and Planning
Start preparing early by assessing your eligibility and gathering necessary documentation. Engage with providers to secure support letters and compile CLIN documents for each sub-area. This proactive approach ensures you are well-equipped to meet the proposal requirements.
Leverage Subcontractors
Utilizing subcontractors’ experience and past performance can be beneficial for small businesses. This strategy helps fill gaps in one’s experience and strengthens one’s proposal.
Focus on Volume III
Your proposal writing skills will shine in volume III, the Mission Suitability volume. Emphasize the scalability, extensibility, and technological leadership of your proposed solutions. Highlight your commitment to supply chain management, sustainability, and diversity in products and services.
Go/No-Go Decision
Conduct an initial Go/No-Go assessment to determine the viability of pursuing the SEWP VI opportunity. This ensures that your resources are allocated efficiently and only on proposals where you have a strong chance of success.
Compliance Review
A thorough compliance review is critical. Pay close attention to the form and format of your proposal to ensure it meets all specified requirements. This reduces the risk of disqualification on technicalities.
Takeaways for a SEWP VI Proposal Win
Securing a SEWP VI proposal win requires meticulous planning, strategic use of resources, and a deep understanding of the solicitation requirements. By following the outlined strategies and focusing on compliance, businesses can enhance their chances of success in this competitive government contracting opportunity.
Navigating the SEWP VI proposal process involves more than meeting basic requirements; it demands a strategic approach to demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the program’s objectives. The changes in SEWP VI, such as the extended contract duration and expanded socio-economic set-asides, offer new opportunities and challenges that businesses must adapt to.
A thorough compliance review is crucial. It ensures that your proposal adheres to the specified format and prevents disqualification. Leveraging teaming arrangements can enhance your proposal’s competitiveness by combining resources and expertise.
Achieving a SEWP VI proposal win requires strategic planning, rigorous preparation, and effective communication. This guide’s insights and strategies help businesses secure a share of this significant government contract.
