The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS), in collaboration with the Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), has announced the launch of a new acquisition vehicle named the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS). The initiative aims to consolidate two existing contracts—Information Technology Enterprise Solutions 3 – Services (ITES-3S) and Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3)—into a single, multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, providing a streamlined procurement process for various services.
Purpose of Consolidation
The creation of MAPS is intended to streamline the procurement process for the Army, Department of Defense (DOD), and other federal agencies by unifying IT and professional service acquisitions under one contract. By addressing services including cybersecurity, program management, business process reengineering, and research and development, MAPS aims to simplify the acquisition process, making it more efficient and straightforward for both the government and vendors.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
The consolidation under MAPS aims to eliminate redundancy and duplication, offering cost-saving benefits for both the government and industry partners. By merging ITES-3S and RS3, vendors will have a simplified approach, reducing the need to be listed on multiple contracts to reach their target markets. This efficiency not only saves time but also cuts costs associated with managing multiple procurement processes.
Executive Perspectives
Danielle Moyer, executive director of ACC-APG, emphasized the importance of critical thinking and collaboration in enhancing efficiencies and saving resources. Moyer highlighted the approach was supported by industry feedback, confirming the benefits of reducing duplication and improving processes. Reg Shuford, project director for Enterprise Services at PEO EIS, noted that the consolidation gathered valuable insights from government customers and vendors, paving the way for a flexible and future-ready contracting solution.
Timeline and Financials
Both ITES-3S and RS3 are set to expire in 2027, the same year MAPS will be operational. With a financial ceiling of $50 billion over ten years, MAPS will provide a long-term, comprehensive solution for professional services procurement. This substantial financial commitment underscores the importance of the initiative and the expected benefits in terms of efficiency and cost savings.
Alignment with Army Initiatives
The initiative aligns with the Army’s digital transformation goals and the implementation of Agile methodologies in the acquisition process. This aims to expedite the delivery of requirements and enhance responsiveness to emerging needs. The alignment with digital transformation goals ensures that MAPS supports the broader objectives of modernizing the Army’s capabilities and improving operational efficiency.
Industry Engagement
The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS), in conjunction with the Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), has rolled out a new procurement framework called the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS). This innovative initiative is set to merge two existing contracting mechanisms—Information Technology Enterprise Solutions 3 – Services (ITES-3S) and Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3)—into a unified, multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. MAPS aims to streamline the procurement process, enabling more efficient and cost-effective sourcing of a wide range of services. The consolidation of ITES-3S and RS3 under MAPS is expected to reduce redundancy, foster agility, and improve the Army’s ability to quickly obtain necessary professional services. This restructured approach signifies a significant step toward modernizing the Army’s acquisition strategies, enhancing overall operational efficiency, and potentially setting a precedent for future military procurement initiatives.
