Project Title: GSA - OEM and VAR Vendor Assessment Initiative - Market Research RFI Only. Short Description: GSA - OEM and VAR Vendor Assessment Initiative - Market Research On behalf of the IT Vendor Management Office (ITVMO) , GSA is conducting the following research: The ITVMO is conducting research as part of an assessment of the challenges OEMs, VARs, and Agencies face in using small business VARs and the development of guidance and recommendations on how to increase the number and utilization of small and SDB business VARs in the federal IT marketplace. Response Due Date: 6/7/2024 at 5:00 PM eastern daylight time Link to SAM.gov posting: RFI POC: Clarence Harrison Jr at ITVMO (
[email protected] ) This REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. THIS REQUEST IS NOT A SOLICITATION. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT A PROPOSAL. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 15.201(e), A RESPONSE TO THIS RFI/SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT AN OFFER AND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FORM A BINDING CONTRACT. Applicable NAICS Codes: 513210 - Software Publishers 518210 - Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services 541519 - Other Computer Related Services 541519 (Exception) - Information Technology Value Added Resellers 334111 - Electronic Computer Manufacturing All responses shall be submitted on the following form: https://feedback.gsa.gov/jfe/form/SV_5dQorj3Q7eDJKvA (Click the link below or Copy and paste link in browser) In the event this form is not accessible, please complete the following questions via Microsoft word (three (3) page limit) to
[email protected] . Questions: OEM and VAR Relationships 1. If you are a small business VAR or reseller, what challenges have you experienced with your OEM relationships (for small VAR or resellers only) ( Short Answer Response Only) 2. Technical Questions - Y/N Responses Only a. Does your OEM actively identify opportunities that are set aside for small VARs from their large VARs (Y/N) ? b. Are there socioeconomic factors that your OEM uses to determine which of their partners compete for a work / contract (Y/N) ? c. Does your OEM limit or restrict what government acquisition vehicles you can be on (Y/N) ? d. Does your OEM manage, direct, or approve what work (e.g., task orders) you compete for (Y/N) ? Value Added Services 3. What are the value added services you directly provide as a VAR (e.g., sales, services, training)( Short Answer Response Only) ? 4. What challenges do you have in recruiting and retaining skilled labor to provide and support value added services ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 5. As a business, how do you see your business developing over the next 5 to 10 years? What is your ultimate business endstate (e.g., reseller, VAR, professional services) ( Short Answer Response Only) ? Operations and OEM Partners 6. If you are a small business VAR or reseller, are you focused on large business OEMs or small/medium sized OEMs (for small VAR or resellers only) ( Short Answer Response Only) ? OEM Partner Networks a. Are you a member of your OEM’s Partner Networks? b. Is there a cost to join the network? c. If there is a cost, do you expect to achieve a return on your investment? d. Did you find value in these partner networks to help you become an effective VAR or reseller? 7. If you are a small business VAR or reseller, what challenges have you experienced doing business with the federal government ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 8. How has the Federal Government's National Cybersecurity Strategy March 2023 “Section 3 Shape Market Forces to Drive Security and Resilience " impacted government procurements and the VAR / OEM agreements ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 9. As a VAR or reseller, how has the Federal Government's transition from on-prem IT solutions to off-prem, cloud based IT solutions, impacted or changed your business ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 10. If you are a small business VAR or reseller, what recommendations do you have regarding the NAICS for IT VARs (for small VAR or resellers only)( Short Answer Response Only) ? 11. What are the challenges with obtaining a letter of supply from an OEM ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 12. Do you have any recommendations on ways to help more small businesses become a VAR or reseller for an OEM ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 13. What is your preferred IT Best-In-Class Vehicle (ex.GSA MAS, GSA GWACs, NASA SEWP, NITAAC) to utilize ( Short Answer Response Only) ? 14. What questions and/or information should we have asked in this RFI that would help promote small business entry into the VAR/reseller marketplace( Short Answer Response Only) ? 15. Is your company interested in a follow-up, virtual roundtable or one-on-one meeting to further discuss the details in your response( Technical - Y/N)?