I firmly believe picking other’s nits, grammatical and otherwise, is petty and small as the issues raised. I wrote that because I’m about to do exactly that.
This GSA page explains the Multiple Award Schedule’s new program evaluation services subgroup, presumably “sub” to category 541611 for contractor support with “program evaluation activities to meet agency evidence-building needs.” The description would seem to include Evidence Act support, a government-unique requirement that wouldn’t have a ready market for commercial services (but that’s a Part 12 matter), but that spans the management consulting skillset. GSA just harmonized the Schedules; it must be time to fragment.
The subgroup isn’t part of the MAS contract’s official structure, and ordering must follow FAR § 8.405’s rules requiring all received quotes be fairly considered [FAR § 8.405-1(d)(4)]. Here’s how GSA’s webpage instructs agencies how to award using the subgroup:
Publish solicitations on eBuy under SIN 541611.
Specify in the solicitation text that the requirement is open only to holders of the Program Evaluation Services subgroup, and that proposals will only be accepted from approved subgroup holders.
First off, a passing glance at FAR subpart 8.4 reveals a discussion of quotes, not proposals. Second, the agency must instruct offerors that only quotes from offerors who hold the subgroup will be evaluated. Not accepting a “proposal” is not an option where the regulation says all quotes received.
As always, should you have questions about this, contact us.