Small Biz Opportunity Alert!

Are You Ready for PACTS III?

Every year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) releases a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract suite known as PACTS III. The DHS uses this procurement vehicle to acquire many commercial services.

PACTS III is an excellent opportunity for small business vendors looking to enter federal contracting. Becoming a pre-vetted vendor with established terms and conditions reduces the burden of responding to individual large-scale RFx opportunities and ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations under one umbrella contract.

What Is PACTS III?

PACTS stands for “Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services.” It is an annual IDIQ released to facilitate the DHS’s procurement efforts regarding small business and socioeconomic goals. The government uses contracts like PACTS III to streamline its procurement processes, in this case, for program management, administrative, clerical, and technical services.

“The goals of PACTS III are to provide the Department and its
Components a mechanism for quick ordering of professional
services and solutions at fair and reasonable prices, to give
qualified small businesses a greater opportunity to participate in
these requirements, and to assist the Department with continuing
to achieve and exceed its small business and socioeconomic goals.”

PACTS III Solicitation and 1449 3^rd Draft RFP
(via sam.gov as of October 27, 2023)

What Should I Expect?

PACTS is a multi-award contract, meaning several vendors will win and gain the chance to contract for the government. As such, being a pre-vetted contractor does not automatically guarantee work. However, only pre-awarded contractors can bid on upcoming task orders issued under the PACTS contract.

So, while winning a spot under the PACTS contract might not lead to immediate work, it is a crucial foot in the door for future opportunities and allows vendors to bid on preferred opportunities strategically.

What Kind of Services Does PACTS III Include?

PACTS focuses on DHS’s needs for three functional categories (FCs).

FC1: Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611)

Operations Research
Quantitative Analysis
Policy Review
Policy Development
Program Management
Program Support
Program Evaluation
Program Review
Program Development
Market Research
Public Opinion
Expert Witness

Data Collection
Accounting
Auditing
Logistics Support
Contract Support
Procurement / Acquisition Support
Financial
Communications
Emergency Response
Disaster Planning
Preparedness Support

FC2: Administrative and Operations Services (NAICS 561110)

Legal
Communications
Physical Security and Badging
Human Resources
Courier / Messenger
Transcription
Mailing / Distribution
Court Reporting
Word Processing / Typing
Stenographic

Information Retrieval
Post Office
Paper Shredding
Advertising
Data Collection
Contract Support
Procurement / Acquisition Support
Public Relations
Personal Property Management

FC3: Engineering Services (NAICS 541330)

Operations Research
Quantitative Analysis
Program Management
Program Support
Program Review
Program Evaluation
Program Development

Simulation
Expert Witness
Engineering / Technical
Industrial Hygienics
Data Collection
Auditing

Ready To Bid?

PACTS III is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to enter government contracting. PACTS is a streamlined multiple-award process and a gateway to increased visibility and credibility within the procurement space. Forming relationships with large agencies such as the DHS offers valuable opportunities for growth and experience via long-term government partnerships. Additionally, becoming a pre-vetted contractor opens up the prospect of joining forces with larger prime vendors as a subcontractor or by forming a partnership.

Are you a certified small business? If so, you are in a prime position to bid on PACTS III. Government agencies frequently have percentage goals for participation from small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. Therefore, the government aims to award contracts to companies that fit these parameters.

This isn’t to say PACTS III is an easy win. The response relies heavily on past performance and the process involves extensive self-scoring. There are at least 20 attachments supplementing the solicitation and as of draft three the response requires four separate volumes. This is characteristic of large federal proposals and requires a level of organization that can intimidate most.

Additionally, as with any bid response, businesses must incorporate strategy into their responses. It’s not enough to just submit a bid and hope it sticks. PACTS III is a fantastic opportunity to flex your strategy muscles and develop some killer content.

Let's Get Started

So, you’re excited to bid on PACTS III but unsure where to begin? Or maybe even a bit intimidated?

Bidding on government contracts requires preparation, an understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements, and a compelling written proposal. Our experienced proposal professionals will strategize with you, ensuring you meet the qualifications, thoroughly understand the scope of services, and have the capacity to deliver task orders.

2024 is the year to win big! Reach out to speak to a proposal pro for a free consultation here: Contact us.

Photo by John Bakator on Unsplash