8(a) STARS Scope Reviews

Scope Compatibility Reviews for Prospective Orders and Modifications

8(a) STARS is intended for Information Technology (IT) services and IT services-based solutions task orders. IT is defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) at FAR 2.101. The Small Business GWAC Center offers Ordering Contracting Officers (OCOs) and industry partners the value-added opportunity to send in Statements of Work (SOW)/Statements of Objectives (SOO) and proposed modifications to existing orders for advance scope compatibility review for the 8(a) STARS GWAC.

Scope compatibility reviews are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are available at no cost. This quality assurance measure has been made available for those who would like assistance in determining scope fit on the 8(a) STARS contract vehicle.

To get started on these courtesy reviews, please do the following:

  1. For an expedited scope review, complete the Scope Compatibility Review Request Form
  2. Email the completed form along with a copy of the SOW/SOO to SOWreview@gsa.gov
  3. Place "SOW review for 8(a) STARS" in the subject line
  4. Notate within the email any specific questions that should be addressed by the Small Business GWAC Center's Contracting Officer team

What can be expected upon concluding the SOW review is a short turn-around time, determination on whether the Small Business GWAC Center deems the requirement a good fit for the 8(a) STARS GWAC, and which Functional Area is appropriate based on the information that has been presented. The OCO will still be required to complete acquisition planning, work with legal and technical advisors if appropriate or required, conduct the procurement, perform due diligence, etc.

Please note: A Delegation of Procurement Authority for the 8(a) STARS GWAC must be obtained by any OCO prior to issuing orders against this contract.

Scope Compatibility Reviews for Higher Risk Work Areas

An under-representation of IT professional services and over-representation of non-IT services and/or products would not be a good fit for 8(a) STARS' IT services and IT services-based solutions scope. The SBGWAC Center strongly advises that the contracting officer fully consults with their legal and technical advisors to address these interests and that they complete further due diligence by using the Scope Compatibility Review process and abiding by its findings.

The following types of work can be IT services and IT services-based solutions if established properly:

  • Help Desk
  • Call Center
  • Software Licensing/Software License Management
  • Cabling and Wiring
  • Professional Services (i.e. Consulting, Project Management)

As a reminder, the following are not allowed on the 8(a) STARS GWAC:

  • Renting/Leasing (it is okay for a contractor to enter into rental agreements and/or leases, but the government will not be a party to them)
  • Orders that are primarily supplies and/or equipment and/or software licenses
  • Orders that are not primarily IT services or IT services-based solutions
  • Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
  • Cost Contract Terms

Doc ID Name Format Size Publish Date
  Scope Compatibility Review Request Form Form to be used to expedite a scope review request Word 38k 2/17/2009
Last Reviewed 2/22/2009