CIO-SP4, the $40B GWAC from NIH NITAAC may be in for more protests now that the apparent down-select process for Phase 1 has concluded.
I am sure most readers are aware of the number of protests during the bidding process as they issued multiple amendments that some companies thought were not fair in how past performances would be evaluated – especially in terms of joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements. The GAO finally dismissed those protests, and all that was left was submission, evaluations, and award.
Well, a number of companies are reporting they received letters from NITAAC last week that they did not make the minimum cut-off of the self-reported scoring. The shock and volume of the cut-off has caused a ripple throughout the govcon community with at least one widely followed LinkedIn user, Will Rohde, posting the following:
“It’s interesting that CIOSP4 notifications came out today and a lot of companies that are well qualified to deliver have been excluded, including my HubZone company that scored 9,680 points out of 10,000 with 200 points being awarded for having an approved purchasing system (~1% of govt contractors). Therefore, the team I put together only had a 120 point deficiency and not in the competition, this is not fair at all. I’ve spoke to over 10 companies that are going to protest. Let the protests begin, enjoy CIOSP3 holders as this will be long and drawn out. Happy to protest on this one. – Will Rohde.
There is some dispute over whether companies can actually protest based on not making the cut-off score (rumored to be 9700 out of 10,000 possible points). However, with so much potential work riding on this GWAC, it is clear it is in the best interest of those not selected to at least pursue all available alternatives.