Chantilly, VA., Aug. 1, 2011 -- TowerStrides Inc, a Government provider of web, cloud and emerging technologies, has received a long-awaited GSA STARS II contract award. The 8(a) STARS II GWAC is designed to promote small business utilization when purchasing information technology (IT) services or IT services-based solutions for the federal government. The 8(a) STARS II program is reserved exclusively for qualifying certified 8(a) small business concerns as the prime contractors per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 19.8.

This GWAC adds to the arsenal of solutions that GSA can deliver to its Federal customers. TowerStrides currently delivers on awards such as the GSA IT 70 Schedule, Navy Seaport-e, BPA's from Dept of Health and Human services. These contracts have assisted federal and state agencies in meeting directives around secure information sharing, cloud first policy etc.

"Through this vehicle, Federal agencies can access TowerStrides' skills, capabilities, leadership, and industry certifications with minimal start-up time, thus enhancing their ability to implement responsive, leading edge, and cost-effective solutions in a timely manner." said Vijay Raghavan , President and CEO of TowerStrides.

In Vivek Kundra's 25-point plan it was noted that "Small businesses in the technology space drive enormous innovation throughout the economy. ...While large firms drive many incremental improvements to the status quo, smaller firms are more likely to produce the most disruptive and creative innovations. In addition, with closer ties to cutting edge, ground-breaking research, smaller firms often have the best answers for the Federal Government." TowerStrides applauds government leaders for the foresight to bring contract vehicles like the 8(a) STARS II to assure small business continues to lead innovation in meeting government technology challenges.

"We have waited patiently for this important contract award decision. We sense the frustration agencies have in being encumbered by large integrators who prefer that the status quo continue. We are truly excited to have a contract vehicle in place that will allow agencies to procure the services we are known for: cloud, open source adoption, security or next generation network solutions. These are unprecedented times for agencies -- that have less budget to meet mission and suffer from contract protests and blocking efforts in adopting new ways to meet IT directives. STARS II is a big step in resolving these issues and we are proud that the GSA has recognized our capabilities with this award," said Sanad Pushpakaran, COO of TowerStrides.

About GSA STARS II

Is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract vehicle with a five-year base with one five-year option. It has a $10 billion program ceiling with limited protestability. It allows for Directed Order Authority & Directed task orders up to $4 million each for federal civilian and Department of Defense activities. 8(a) STARS II allows for 8(a) socioeconomic credit transferrable to the agency, pre-competed, easy-to-use contracting, with access to proven 8(a) small business technology providers. It has shortened procurement lead times and a low user access fee (0.75 percent) built into contractor's ceiling prices.