In a recent interview with 1105 Government Information Group Custom Media, GSA’s Jim Ghiloni explained the scope of Alliant is “aligned with the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) and Department of Defense Enterprise Architecture (DoDEA).”

It is intended for IT services and integrated IT services-based solutions Task Orders and the Alliant scope is tied to the definition of IT in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) at FAR 2.101.

“What that does is “provide access to a full range of comprehensive IT services and IT services-based solutions while offering flexibility as emerging technologies and the definition of IT evolves.”

It is “everything IT” for the next ten years. That sounds simple enough, but there are always questions. So, if a customer has questions, GSA has answers.

“We have a complimentary scope review process,” Ghiloni explained. “Interested customers can send us their SOW and ask for an opinion from a contracting officer whether it is appropriate for Alliant.”

This value added service for Ordering Contracting Officers (OCOs) and their industry partners provides a way for them to learn whether SOWs/SOOs and any proposed modifications to existing orders are within the Alliant scope said Ghiloni.

Scope Reviews Fast – Within 2-5 Days

The Enterprise GWAC Center will provide scope compatibility reviews for any requirement proposed for issuance under Alliant explained Ghiloni.

For a requirement to be in scope the overall objective of the requirement must be an IT services-based solution. Further ancillary support is allowed as long as it is integral and necessary to the overall IT solution. Also renting/leasing of real and personal property in support of the IT solution is allowed as long as the government is not a party on the lease.

The primary NAICS Code for Alliant is 541512, Computer Systems Design Services, but other IT services-based NAICS codes may also apply as the most appropriate NAICS code on a given order.

The only caveat is while a full spectrum of contract types are allowed, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and letter contracts are not permissible contract types.

Scope Compatible?

Below are some tips from GSA designed to assist the customer, industry partner and OCO to assure compliance is maintained throughout the order life cycle:

*An IT solution refers to the use of IT to enable, automate, support, and/or streamline business processes or functions.

*The overall objective of the requirement must be an IT services-based solution. IT can be physical or logical and used to receive, transmit, store, and/or process information electronically.

*The sole purpose of the requirement may not be for a commodity (e.g. hardware, land mobile radios) or a commodity-like service (e.g. wireless connectivity).

*Ancillary support services and equipment are allowed as long as they are integral to and necessary for the overall IT solution/outcome and are not the sole purpose of the Task Order as follows: 

*Clerical support, training, documentation, data entry, call center/help desk.

*Contingency planning, disaster preparedness/recovery.

*Consulting, project management, enterprise resource planning, business process re-engineering.

*Cabling and wiring, ancillary construction, physical security.

*Hardware/software maintenance, equipment inventory and maintenance.

*Imaging peripherals, input, output and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance, server racks, mounts, etc.

*Renting/leasing of real and personal property in support of the IT solution as long as the government is not a party on the lease.

*Telecommunications/wireless and satellite products and services are allowed as long as they are part of the solution and not the sole purpose.

“Courtesy scope review requests should be emailed to alliant@gsa.gov with “Scope Review for Alliant GWAC” in the subject line,” Ghiloni said.

Include with the request a copy of the Statement of Work/Objective (SOW/SOO) and note any specific questions to be addressed.

“An email response indicating whether the requirement appears to be within the scope of Alliant can typically be provided within 2 to 5 business days,” said Ghiloni.