Technology Futures, Inc. has been awarded a Federal Supply Schedule (Contract #GS-10F-0233J) based on a thoroughly-evaluated technical proposal and negotiated prices. Since the General Services Administration (GSA) has already established TFI as a qualified MOBIS vendor and conducted cost/price negotiations, Technology Futures, Inc.'s MOBIS Schedule can be easily accessed using the following process.
When you determine that outside assistance is needed, the project manager should work closely with the agency procurement office to develop a statement of work. The agency procurement office should request proposals or expressions of interest from a minimum of three Schedule contractors (a list of MOBIS contractors can be obtained from the GSA). Formal competition to determine a vendor's technical capabilities is not required because GSA has already determined that Schedule holders are qualified to perform the services.
Most agencies have needs that will almost certainly require a unique combination of the services available through the MOBIS Schedule. It is very important to find a consultant that has the range of services that meet your requirements. Ordering activities should be careful not to select a MOBIS consultant based solely on the lowest proposed price. Although price should always be a consideration, a low proposed price may not result in the best value to the government. The hourly rates offered by each MOBIS contractor, for example, may not be comparable because of differences in the quality of their people, the consultant's internal training and education programs, and the quality of the tools and techniques that a consultant employs to assist an agency.
The process of issuing a delivery order under the Federal Supply Schedule is relatively simple and can generally be accomplished in a matter of days. The ordering activity, for example, issues a delivery order directly to the MOBIS contractor for the required supplies or services, which, in itself, significantly reduces administrative time. Ordering activities must, however, select a consultant using one of the three approaches listed below before a delivery order is issued.
FAR Part 13 does not apply when agency requirements are satisfied through a Federal Supply Schedule, and ordering activities are not required to seek full and open competition, synopsize the requirement, or make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing. GSA does not prescribe a particular delivery order method; however, the agency must specify the type of services required, delivery time(s), and a task order pricing method (using either fixed price or labor hour pricing).
Agencies that anticipate a repetitive need for MOBIS-related services may wish to establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The BPA is generally useful when ordering agencies wish to purchase a wide range of services but the exact items, quantities, and delivery requirements are not known in advance and may vary considerably. BPAs may be established with Federal Supply Schedule contractors. FAR Part 13, Subpart 13.202 ® (3), specifically addresses establishing BPAs with Federal Supply Schedule contractors.
For information please call Technology Futures, Inc.
(800) TEK-FUTR [835-3887] or (512) 258-8898
or contact David Smith at the same telephone numbers or e-mail: dsmith@tfi.com