Larry Allen on the Federal Drive: Stop CIO-SP4 and start fresh

The NIH Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center (NITAAC) continues to struggle awarding CIO-SP4, three-and-a-half years after issuing the RFP. Persistent delays, protests, and evolving IT demands have stalled the program, leading Larry Allen, president of Allen Federal Business Partners, to recommend starting over on FedNewsNetwork’s Federal Drive.

Allen highlighted how protests have paralyzed CIO-SP4, many from unresolved questions about joint venture regulations and small business participation. Meanwhile, the evolving technology landscape has outpaced the outdated 2020 solicitation. He noted parallels to GSA’s decision to cancel the Alliant 2 Small Business contract and pivot to Polaris, which will beat CIO-SP4 to market and suggested NITAAC separate CIO-SP4 into separate small and unrestricted tracks.

With CIO-SP3 extended multiple times, Allen urged NIH to prioritize efficiency over persistence, warning that restarting would take two years but would ultimately result in a better contract vehicle. NIH’s pending leadership change—NITAAC Director Brian Coodger is leaving to lead acquisition at HRSA—offers an opportunity for a fresh approach.