GWAC Contracts Guide 2025: Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts Explained
Complete guide to GWACs (Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts). Learn about major GWACs like SEWP, Alliant, and CIO-SP3, how to get on a GWAC, and how to find task order opportunities.
Quick Answer: What is a GWAC?
A GWAC (Government-Wide Acquisition Contract) is a pre-competed IDIQ contract that any federal agency can use to purchase IT products and services. GWACs are managed by specific agencies (like NASA or GSA) but available to all agencies, with work issued through task orders to GWAC holders.
What is a GWAC?
GWACs are IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contracts specifically for information technology. They're "government-wide" because any federal agency can place orders against them, even though a single agency manages the vehicle.
How GWACs Work
Major GWAC Vehicles
SEWP V (NASA)
Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
Focus
IT products, cloud, cybersecurity
Ceiling
$40+ billion
Alliant 2 (GSA)
Complex IT solutions and services
Focus
IT services, systems integration
Ceiling
$50 billion
8(a) STARS III (GSA)
IT services for 8(a) small businesses
Focus
IT services for 8(a) firms
Ceiling
$50 billion
CIO-SP3 (NIH)
Chief Information Officer Solutions and Partners
Focus
IT services and solutions
Ceiling
$20 billion
How to Get on a GWAC
Steps to Win a GWAC Position
Monitor for Openings
GWACs periodically recompete or add new holders (on-ramps)
Meet Prerequisites
Required experience, certifications, past performance
Submit Proposal
Demonstrate technical capability and relevant experience
Win Your Position
Begin marketing and competing for task orders
Winning Task Orders
Having a GWAC position is just the beginning. You must actively compete for task orders issued against the vehicle.
Task Order Strategies
- ✓Monitor the GWAC portal for new RFQs
- ✓Build relationships with agency buyers
- ✓Team with other GWAC holders on larger opportunities
- ✓Respond quickly to fair opportunity requests
Benefits of GWAC Vehicles
For Contractors
- ✓Access to all federal agencies
- ✓Pre-qualified pool reduces competition
- ✓Multi-year contract stability
For Agencies
- →Pre-vetted, qualified contractors
- →Faster procurement timeline
- →Lower procurement costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a GWAC and GSA Schedule?
GWACs are specifically for IT and use competitive task orders. GSA Schedules cover broader product/service categories with pre-set pricing. GWACs typically have more rigorous qualification.
Can small businesses get on GWACs?
Yes. Many GWACs have small business tracks (like 8(a) STARS III) or reserve positions for small businesses within unrestricted vehicles.
How often do GWACs recompete?
GWACs typically run 5-10 years with option periods. Full recompetes and on-ramps occur periodically—monitor SAM.gov for opportunities.
Find GWAC Task Order Opportunities
Discover IT contract opportunities across federal agencies.
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