The NETCENTS 2 procurement cycle parallels the ever-continuing primary election season perfectly: several semi-climatic moments hinting towards an end in sight, yet never reaching final resolution. While being pulled in many directions, the program officials for the competition are faced with mounting challenges:

• Developing an affective and efficient contract vehicle, capable of being the PREMIER vehicle for the Air Force
• Satisfying the requirements of congressional interest
• Providing the vendor community with a prosperous business opportunity worth the fight

As industry and government watch Protests plague GSA's Alliant, it is no wonder many approach the NETCENTS procurement with a skeptic and cautious nature. The most recent request for information produced only 100 responses originally, and a rumored 300 (total) following the extension of the response dates. Some relate the lack of responses to the uncommonly short time period for responses to be submitted; others attribute it to the lack of notification of the extension of the response date. The real issue in industry's mind is: "Should I bid on NETCENTS 2?" This question seems simple in nature; especially regarding the anticipated size in funding, awardees, and importance of the NETCENTS 2 contracts. However, considering the dispersion of task orders in the current NETCENTS contracts, along with the lack of insight into how the recomplete is going to be REALLY different, this "bid/no-bid" decision is a hard one, especially for smaller companies that don't have the resources of a larger firm. Many of these issues prompted INPUT's earlier analysis: Network Centric Solutions (NETCENTS) 2 – Air Force Forges Ahead.

On the Other Hand: A Small Business Boost

The possibilities of great success for the small business community are truly apparent in the Department of the Air Force right now. With efficiency initiatives like Installation Acquisition Transformation (IAT) and the establishment of AFCYBER, it is a great time to break into the Air Force market. The real questions are: can these businesses risk the business development funding chasing the NETCENTS dream and survive the probable protest season and competitive task order environment to follow? Factors that will play heavily in making this decision will be:

• NETCENTS 2 small business goals
• The Acquisition Strategy (e.g. separate small business contract, functional categories, etc.)
• Teaming allowances and restrictions
• NAICS codes

Last night, the Contracting Office released information regarding the upcoming NETCENTS 2 Industry Days on May 21-22, 2008. I anticipate, as all industry is hoping, that these two days answer many questions and help focus vendor resources in anticipation of the coming solicitation period. Whenever that period may be...