8(a) STARS III On-Ramp Track
GSA periodically opens STARS III on-ramps to admit firms that earned 8(a) certification after the initial award, keeping the pool current with the SBA's rolling 8(a) intake rather than freezing it at one point in time.
- Managed by
- General Services Administration
- Ceiling
- Multi-billion, 8(a) restricted
- Scope
- Emerging technology-focused IT services for firms newly certified as 8(a) after initial STARS III award
- 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
On-ramped holders compete for task orders identically to original awardees — direct award up to thresholds, or fair opportunity competition within functional areas.
Getting on the vehicle
Eligibility requires current 8(a) status plus meeting the same corporate experience and past performance thresholds as the base solicitation, submitted during a defined on-ramp announcement window.
Winning task orders
Apply the moment your firm receives 8(a) certification if a STARS III on-ramp window is open; the gap between certification and vehicle access is otherwise pure lost opportunity cost for an 8(a) firm focused on IT.
FAQ
Why does STARS III have on-ramps?
To admit firms that become 8(a)-certified after the initial award so the pool doesn't shrink as firms graduate out.
Do on-ramped firms have the same rights?
Yes, once admitted they compete for task orders on the same terms as original holders.
How do I find out when a window opens?
GSA publishes on-ramp announcements through SAM.gov and the STARS III program office.
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