The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground has released the first draft RFP for the much-anticipated Modern Software Development Multiple Award IDIQ. This MA IDIQ contract focuses on modern software development achieved via software enablement.
Throughout the lifecycle of this RFP, we will keep you updated on three key points –
- Updates to the opportunity and requirements
- Industry feedback and expectations
- How VisibleThread can give you an advantage
The Path to the Draft
In March of this year, leaders approved a new policy directive, Army Directive 2024-02: Enabling Modern Software Development and Acquisition Practices.
This policy represents a significant effort to comprehensively adjust our legacy software development processes in line with private sector best practices. These changes will fundamentally reshape how we develop and acquire software, making us more agile and innovative.
The policy has two main goals, the second of which focuses directly on software evaluation, testing, and acquisition. By instituting lean and agile methodologies, the Army aims to align with private sector best practices.
Staying true to the promise of immediate action, an RFI for MSD was announced in May. Based on initial responses, the Army has identified several significant areas of concern. How those would be addressed was discussed at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Advance Planning Briefing to Industry (APG-APBI) in July. By tackling the topics of cost accounting, labor categories, and time-to-award, a new type of opportunity began to emerge. These efforts culminated in an official draft RFP released on August 16th.
Why is MSD Unique?
MSD is the first major vehicle from the Army that puts Directive 2024-02 into practice. The goal is to change the way that software is acquired. Key differences that were addressed in the initial stages include –
- The allowance of both cost-plus and firm-fixed-price models
- This is a direct response to industry standards and commercial preferences regarding the pricing and development of software offerings.
- Overhaul of traditional LCATs
- The Army removed the Draft Labor Category list on August 17th to revise traditional education and experience requirements.
- According to SAM.GOV, potential bidders should be on the lookout for feedback requests as the Army continues to determine the best way to employ LCATs.
- Speed to Task Order Award
- Oral presentations will replace technical volumes (APBI, July 2024).
- Pricing will be established at IDIQ to pursue the faster and more efficient award of Task Orders.
These are just a few of the many new approaches in this solicitation with more expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what we know now.
What we know about MSD
Leveraging VisibleThread
With continued change on the horizon, how can you stay ahead of the pack throughout the lifecycle of this opportunity? The VisibleThread platforms will help you to react quickly without sacrificing compliance or quality.
Here are a few examples that will be relevant as this opportunity continues to progress:
- Creating a categorized Requirements Compliance Matrix
By reducing manual processes in the initial scoping and compliance assessment, VisibleThread gives you more time for nuanced assessment and provides reliable, repeatable results.
- Keeping up with changes throughout the initial RFP and amendment phases
The Army stated they will rely heavily on industry feedback to continue shaping this solicitation. This will inevitably lead to an above-average number of changes throughout the process. Those changes come with (often tight) deadlines. VT Document Compare reports provide an immediate view of material changes via an easy-to-navigate Excel report.
- Gap Analysis and Adherence to Requirements
Beyond identifying changes, VT Discovery will help to identify gaps between the solicitation and your response. This functionality improves the overall quality and relevancy of your submission.
- Leveraging secure GenAI to Create Content and Outlines
We understand that the security of your information is a non-negotiable. By shipping a completely secure large language model, we give proposal writers access to Generative AI in your environment.
Continued Support
As we have discussed in this post, this opportunity is an indicator of what’s to come as the Army continues to march toward modernization. Change is imminent and industry feedback has already begun to shape the final RFP. The Army is leaning heavily on contractors for improvement suggestions, and we want to help you respond quickly and comprehensively.
With the initial Comment Matrix due today, and more Q&A on the horizon, we have provided resources to support your review of the draft RFP as you continue to prepare for the final. Click on the FREE DOWNLOAD button to get a shred of the RFP and PWS to support your efforts.
Feedback and Q&A cycles are notoriously short and unforgiving. As this opportunity develops, we will keep you updated as well as offer resources to decrease your time to action. For updates, industry news, use cases, and to learn why we are trusted by 11 of the top 15 defense contractors, follow our socials (conveniently linked on the left).
