PACTS III: What You Can Do Right Now

As the buzz around PACTS III intensifies, it's crucial to stay ahead in the game. In this deep dive we uncover key strategies and actions you can take right now to position yourself for success in PACTS III.

The Latest Update - December 19, 2023: The PACTS III landscape is buzzing with anticipation. The Industry Day saw an overwhelming response, underlining the high level of interest in this procurement opportunity. As of the latest update, the Government is diligently addressing 317 questions from eager participants. Looking forward, the projection is a Final Request for Proposal (RFP) in January 2024 (latest Government estimate).

Your Action Plan - Getting Started: If you're just stepping into the PACTS III arena, the first and foremost suggestion is to organize your relevant experience projects and delve into the solicitation Attachments highlighted in the "Preparing Your Winning Proposal" article.

1. Attachment 7 - Self-Scoring Sheet/Workbook: Kickstart your journey by diving into Attachment 7, the Self-Scoring Sheet/Workbook. For a comprehensive understanding, read through Attachment 11 - Self-Scoring Sheet Instructions. These documents provide valuable insights into the intricacies of the Technical Volume requirements for your proposal, offering a time-saving advantage.

2. Excel Matrix for Relevant Experience: Efficiently organize your relevant experience projects into an Excel matrix, incorporating all the qualifiers outlined in Section 4.3.1.1 Qualifications in the October 2023 Draft RFP.

3. Identifying Federal and Non-Federal Projects: Unraveling the Details

When it comes to identifying and categorizing your projects for PACTS III, the distinction between Federal and Non-Federal is pivotal. Let's delve into the actionable steps for each category to ensure a comprehensive and well-documented approach.

For Federal Projects:

1. Download the FPDS Report:

•  Initiating this process involves obtaining the most recent Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) report specifically for Federal, unclassified projects. This report serves as a goldmine of information regarding ongoing and completed federal contracts.

2. Document FPDS POP:

• Referencing Attachment 19 examples, meticulously document the Place of Performance (POP) from the FPDS report.

3. Obligated Funds Documentation:

• Following the guidelines in Attachment 18, document the "Obligated Funds." This refers to the funds obligated by the government for a specific contract. Understanding and clearly presenting this information is vital for demonstrating financial accountability.

4. NAICS Code Alignment:

• Assign the relevant North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code to each project, ensuring alignment with the Functional Categories:
• Functional Category 1: 541611
• Functional Category 2: 561110
• Functional Category 3: 541330

5. Organize Contract PWS/SOW and Award Document:

• To build a comprehensive portfolio, organize the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW) along with a signed copy of the Award document. This step ensures that the specifics of each project are readily available for proposal development.

6. For Non-Federal Projects - the PVF:

• Explore the uses outlined on page 1, emphasizing its role in closing gaps in the FPDS report, detailing project NAICS code, First Tier Subcontracts, and more.
• Take note of the signature blocks and ensure the Contracting Officer’s and/or COR’s current Point of Contact (POC) information is documented.

For Non-Federal Projects - the PVF:

1. Open Attachment 14 - Project Verification Form (PVF):

• This form is a linchpin for documenting and verifying essential details for Non-Federal projects. Open Attachment 14 and start reviewing the instructions provided, beginning on page 5.

2. Understanding PVF Similarity to OASIS+ J.P-3:

• Recognize the parallels between the Project Verification Form (PVF) and the OASIS+ J.P-3 process. Understanding this similarity streamlines the information-gathering process, especially if you have experience with OASIS+.

3. Explore PVF Uses:

• Dive into the varied uses outlined on page 1 of the PVF instructions. Emphasize its role in closing gaps in the FPDS report, providing project NAICS codes, detailing First Tier Subcontracts, and more. This step ensures that your Non-Federal projects are robustly documented.

4. Signature Block Attention:

• Take note of the signature blocks within the PVF. Ensure that the Contracting Officer’s and/or Contracting Officer's Representative’s (COR’s) current Point of Contact (POC) information is thoroughly documented. This information is crucial for maintaining communication channels during the proposal and contracting phases.

By following these detailed steps, you not only check the boxes for compliance but also lay a solid foundation for a proposal that stands out in the competitive landscape of PACTS III.

What's Next? Start Recruiting Subcontractors and Teammates: Stay tuned for our upcoming Articles, where we'll delve into the critical topic of recruiting subcontractors and teammates. For those eager for early insights, check out our blog post on this subject.

In the dynamic world of PACTS III, preparation is key. By taking these proactive steps now, you set the stage for a robust and compelling proposal. Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay tuned for more insights as we navigate the intricate path to success in PACTS III.