ITSSBIT (Schedule 70 Small Business)

What is ITSSBIT (Schedule 70 Small Business)?

ITSSBIT, or IT Solutions Schedule 70 Small Business, refers to the set-aside designation within the GSA IT Schedule 70 contract vehicle specifically for small businesses. This designation allows government agencies to reserve certain IT procurements exclusively for small businesses that qualify, promoting small business participation in federal contracting.

Definition

An ITSSBIT set-aside under GSA Schedule 70 means that a specific task order or procurement opportunity is restricted to competition among small businesses. This is a strategic tool used by government agencies to meet their small business contracting goals, as mandated by the Small Business Act. This designation ensures that small businesses are not overshadowed by larger, more established firms when bidding on IT projects. Schedule 70, itself, is a multiple award schedule (MAS) providing a streamlined procurement mechanism for agencies to acquire IT products, services, and solutions. The "ITSSBIT" aspect comes into play when an agency decides to further carve out a portion of these IT needs specifically for small business vendors holding a Schedule 70 contract.

Key Points

• Increased Opportunity for Small Businesses: ITSSBIT provides small businesses with a focused opportunity to win government IT contracts, enhancing their competitive advantage.
• Agency Small Business Goals: Federal agencies are mandated to achieve certain small business contracting goals. ITSSBIT helps agencies meet these goals by directing spending towards small businesses.
• Competition Among Qualified Businesses: This designation ensures fair competition among businesses that meet the size standards defined by the SBA for the relevant NAICS code.
• Strategic Procurement Tool: ITSSBIT allows agencies to leverage the innovation and agility often found in small businesses, while also fulfilling their socio-economic responsibilities.

Practical Examples

1. Agency Seeking a Specific IT Solution: A federal agency needs a custom software application developed. They issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under Schedule 70, designating it as an ITSSBIT set-aside. Only small businesses holding a Schedule 70 contract and offering software development services can bid on the project.
2. Cybersecurity Services Procurement: An agency requires cybersecurity services to protect its network. The contracting officer issues a task order on Schedule 70, specifically setting it aside for small businesses under ITSSBIT, encouraging innovative security solutions from smaller firms.
3. IT Staff Augmentation Needs: An agency needs temporary IT support staff. Using Schedule 70, they set aside the staff augmentation requirement for small businesses, giving smaller staffing firms a chance to provide qualified personnel.