BITS II Frequently Asked Questions

A BITS information package with further details is available through our office, at the address and telephone number listed at the end of this page.

BITS CONTRACT: What and why?

1. What is the purpose of the BITS contract?

BITS has been established a) to provide fast and effective access for acquiring state-of-the-art information technology (IT) support services; b) to improve opportunities for meeting FAA’s Small Business and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business goals; c) to meet FAA commitments to reduce procurement time and cost; and d) to replace various IT service contracts near expiration.

BITS is a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) fixed ceiling acquisition designed to provide a broad range of IT support services and resources for administrative, research/development and operational activities.

2. What kinds of services are offered?

The services provided by BITS are intended to support the complete spectrum of administrative and operational IT related requirements (including National Airspace System) of the FAA, such as:

Systems Management and Support
Systems Maintenance and Support Services
Systems Engineering and Design
Information System Security
Other unforeseen requirements

3. Who is permitted to use the BITS contract?

The BITS contract can be used by all FAA and DOT organizations. Non-DOT organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis pursuant to the Economy Act.

BITS SERVICE: How?

1. How do I go about requesting BITS assistance?

You may contact the BITS office at the telephone and e-mail address listed at the end of this page.

2. What information do I need to prepare a Task Order package?

In general, you must provide a statement of work (SOW), and independent government cost estimate (IGCE), a funding authorization letter or approved requisition, and a COMPLETED Technical Officer’s Representative form. Examples of the documents required for your BITS Task Order package are available in the BITS information package and electronically. Please contact the BITS Customer Service Center for further information.

3. Can the BITS staff help me to prepare my Task Order package?

During the task order pre-award process of the Work Definition and Task Order Award, the TOR, the BITS COTR, and a technical writer will review the SOW, interface with the CO and the contractor, participate in meetings, and ensure that the work is within scope.

CONTRACTORS: Who?

1. Which companies are on the BITS Team? How may I obtain references?

You may link to a list of prime contractors and locations by locating the "Contractor's List" information in the Customer Package or clicking on the icon on the BITS website. This competitive acquisition and its resultant "best value" award contracts are limited to the Small Business and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business community. Lists of the Subcontractors can also be found at these locations. More detailed information may be obtained by contacting the Prime Contractor. References are available form the Customer Service Team on request.

2. Will I have and opportunity to give feedback to the BITS staff regarding a contractor's performance?

Yes, customers may meet as needed with the CO and COTR to provide feedback on contractor performance, and discuss any issues or questions you have related to BITS.

3. May I decide which contractor I will use or does the CO make the final decision?

You may request that a specific company listed as a prime on the BITS contract be invited to participate in the comparison process.

4. Who will ensure the Contractors have provided a competitive product within the time and price agreed?

The Technical Officer's Representative's (TOR) responsibilities include, but is not limited to, the daily monitoring of their task order and ensuring that the terms and conditions described in their task order are complied with and/or met. The CO's Technical Representative (COTR) is responsible for the overall contact and any technical matters as they relate to the contract including issues passed on to the COTR by the TOR. The CO is the only individual authorized to issue task orders.

5. How can a company be part of the BITS contract?

No new contractors will be accepted at this time. If a subcontractor team member is removed, the Prime contractor has the opportunity to replace that subcontractor, subject to CO approval.

TIME ESTIMATE: How long?

1. What is the estimated time it will take from when I initially contact the BITS office with my request until the actual work can begin?

The BITS contract administration procedures are very similar to those for other contracts. The amount of time that is required for processing, preparation and issuance of a fully executed task order us dependent upon the type of task order and its complexity. Complex task orders are expected to take additional time to work through details or negotiation of price/cost. Task Orders that are comparisons are awarded, on average in 7 weeks. Directed awards normally require 2 weeks. For more information locate the Task Order Summary in your Customer Package.

OTHER

1. What is being done to ensure protection of secured information?

Security will be paramount when working with confidential systems.

Each contractor will be responsible for the actions of their respective employees and for obtaining/maintaining minimum investigations prior to employment by FAA and for obtaining applicable additional clearances as directed. The Government reserves the right to unilaterally direct that the contractor reassign contractor employees who’s continued use under a task order issued under the BITS contract is deemed contrary to the best interests of the Government. The contracting officer (CO) will give notice of such reassignment in writing.

2. If I have other questions where can I go?

The CO and COTR are available to you at any time to discuss any BITS-related information or contracting needs.

BITS Office POC

Federal Aviation Administration
Attn: Alan Behr, COTR, Room 406
(202) 267 3213,
Attn: Ernesto Martinez, Contracting Officer, Room 406
(202) 267-3231

Acquisitions and Business Services
800 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20591