8(a) STARS III
STARS III is a small business GWAC set aside exclusively for 8(a) certified firms. Because the pool is limited to 8(a) holders, competition on task orders is dramatically narrower than on open vehicles.
- Managed by
- General Services Administration
- Ceiling
- Multi-billion, 8(a) restricted
- Scope
- IT services and IT services-based solutions, with emerging technology emphasis
- Period of performance
- Multi-year with options
Key takeaways
- Vehicle access is a market position, not a contract — task orders are where revenue happens.
- Read the ordering guide before bidding a task order; format and evaluation rules differ from open-market RFPs.
- Fair-opportunity task orders move fast, often with 10 to 15 day response windows.
- Track on-ramp windows well in advance; they open rarely and close quickly.
How work is ordered
Agencies can direct-award task orders up to defined thresholds to a STARS III holder, or compete among holders in a functional area. The direct-award path is the vehicle's single biggest advantage.
Getting on the vehicle
Access requires an 8(a) certification plus award under a STARS solicitation or on-ramp window. Applications are heavily documentation-based, requiring corporate experience with verifiable contract data and relevant IT past performance.
Winning task orders
Market directly to contracting officers with the direct-award authority in mind. A concise capability statement showing your STARS III contract number, functional areas, and two matching past performance references is the highest-leverage marketing document you can produce.
FAQ
Do I need 8(a) status to hold STARS III?
Yes. It is restricted to firms in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.
What happens when my 8(a) term ends?
Program rules govern continued task order eligibility; plan a transition to unrestricted vehicles before graduation.
Is direct award really allowed?
Yes, within defined dollar thresholds and program rules, which is why STARS III is so attractive.
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