SEWP V on Track for May 2015

Back in October 2014, the NASA program office for Solutions for Enterprisewide Procurement (SEWP) awarded 73 contracts for the fifth iteration of the government-wide acquisitions contract (GWAC). The announcement was met with a series of protests that prevented the contracts from moving forward. The delay led to the fourth iteration of SEWP being extended for an additional six months, set to run out at the end of April 2015. The announcement from NASA provided details 84 contracts under SEWP V, which intends to streamline government buying of IT products and product-based services.

The firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts will have a 10-year ordering period, including the five-year base period from May 2015 through April 2020 and an option to extend the performance period five years (through April 2025). The extended duration of the contract performance period and increased per contract maximum (up to $20 billion) are two elements of this vehicle that have contributed to the interest around the next set of awards. In addition to the scale, the widespread use of SEWP contracts has made this next iteration one to watch.

Government agencies have spent over $14.4 billion through the current version of SEWP since 2004. Spending for 2014 (reported through the end of March 2015) reached an all-time high. The next form SEWP takes will incorporate new capabilities and concerns, making for a more comprehensive set of offerings. So far, award announcements include 36 contracts for computer-based systems and 48 contracts for networking, security, video and conference tools. With strategic sourcing data and supply-chain oversight expected to help fuel future traffic, SEWP V is expected to maintain a strong share of government technology buying.