DHS is seeking tech proposals from small businesses, industry leaders provide bold predictions for federal tech this year, and GSA plans to launch a pilot program to collect data and identify best practices from multiple e-commerce providers. All this and more in Public Spend Forum’s first weekly roundup for 2019!
DHS Seeking Tech Proposals from Small Businesses
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking for proposals from small businesses to address technology needs as part of the DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The new solicitation contains 10 topic descriptions including eight from the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and two from the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office. “The SBIR program allows DHS to engage small business innovators in developing solutions for homeland security challenges,” William N. Bryan, DHS senior official performing the duties of the undersecretary for science and technology, said. “We look forward to seeing innovative concepts and solutions, and encourage all eligible U.S. small businesses to submit proposals to address the nation’s homeland security technology needs.”
The Boldest Predictions for Federal Technology in 2019
More cyber brinkmanship and super smart artificial intelligence are just a couple forecasts industry leaders divined for the coming year. Nextgov turned to industry leaders for their boldest predictions for federal IT. They dove into specific initiatives like the Defense Department’s Defense Enterprise Office Solutions contract and the General Service Administration’s Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract as well as the pros and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Take a look at some other hot topics to watch in 2019.
CBP Awards SLSCO Potential $287M Border Wall Construction Contract
SLSCO has landed a potential $287 million contract with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build two border wall structures in California. CBP said the company will build a 15-mile-long primary pedestrian replacement wall and a 14-mile secondary wall encompassing the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro, San Diego and Yuma sectors. The agency plans to allocate $156 million for the first project to replace outdated designs with a 30-foot steel bollard platform and another $131 million for the second project to install another fence using the same material.
GSA Eyes Multiple Providers for E-Commerce Pilot Program
The General Services Administration (GSA) will launch a pilot program to collect data and identify best practices from multiple e-commerce providers, Bloomberg Government reported. GSA released a proposal this month that outlines its strategy to bring commercial e-commerce platforms to government. It calls for establishing a pilot program involving multiple e-commerce providers, aimed at gathering data and identifying best practices. “We are not looking for a proof of concept with one provider. There needs to be multiple e-commerce marketplaces for this to be successful, for this to accomplish its purpose,” said Jeff Koses, a senior procurement executive at GSA’s Office of Government-Wide Policy.
Also in the news:
Shutdown Unlikely to Slow EIS Planning
SBA Continues to Promote Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Businesses
What the Shutdown Means for Shared Services
Shutdown Struggles Loom for Localities in Need of Infrastructure, Affordable Housing Funding