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Why SEWP?
In 2006 the previous IT contracts made available to the VA (PCHS-2) reached their ceiling limit. The leadership at the VA decided that using the NASA SEWP contracts would be more cost effective and would give them more control over their contracting needs - in addition it would enable to focus on its core mission. Veterans Affairs mandated use of the NASA SEWP Contracts in memo format on June 1, 2007. VA Use of NASA SEWP IV Contracts Read the Memo Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources
Contracting Officers (COs) must insert VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) clause 852.273-75, "Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources," in all open and existing contracts that require the storage, generation, modification, transmission, or use of VA sensitive information no later than Aug 3, 2009. Further information can be located at the VA Acquisition Website: http://www1.va.gov/oamm/oa/ars/policyreg/vaar/vaar839.cfm. Read the Requirements PDF News/Announcements
Note that VA policies do not allow hard drives (including those in copiers) to leave VA until the data residing on the drive is sanitized. VA orders should specify that all failed hard drives and any hard drives in equipment being returned to a contractor must first be sanitized in accordance with NIST Publication 800-88. Updated: Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
There are currently five (5) companies with SEWP SDVOSB set-aside contracts (Group B) that a purchasing agency can receive small business credit for when utilizing them. These companies are: Alvarez Associates, FedStore, i3 Federal, Three Wire Systems, and ThunderCat Technology. Of these companies, four(4) have been verified as a small business by the Department of Veterans Affairs in its Vendor Information Page (VIP) Database. They are as follows, Alvarez & Associates, Fedstore Corporation, Three Wire Systems, and Thundercat Technology. Four Points Technology (located in Group A) is also an SDVOSB, however, they were not awarded an SDVOSB set-aside contract with SEWP and the purchasing agency will not receive small business credit when using them. Please email help@sewp.nasa.gov if you would like SEWP to provide personalized guidance based on your requirement. Contrarily, If you have questions about the capabilities or product solutions offered by one of these companies, please feel free to contact them individually to understand their offerings.
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