GWACs Guide: Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts Explained
Complete guide to Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts. Learn about major GWACs like STARS III, Alliant 2, OASIS+, how to get on vehicle contracts, and strategies for winning task orders.
Quick Answer
Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are pre-competed IDIQ contracts that any federal agency can use to buy IT products and services. Major GWACs include STARS III (8(a)), Alliant 2 (large business), OASIS+ (professional services), and CIO-SP4 (IT solutions). GWACs provide access to multiple agencies through a single contract vehicle.
What is a GWAC?
A Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a task-order or delivery-order contract for information technology established by one agency for government-wide use. GWACs are indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts that any federal agency can use to procure IT solutions.
Unlike agency-specific contracts, GWACs are "government-wide," meaning any agency can place orders. This provides contractors with access to a broader customer base while giving agencies a streamlined procurement vehicle.
Key GWAC Characteristics
- Pre-competed: Competition occurs at GWAC award, not every order
- Government-wide: Any federal agency can place orders
- IDIQ structure: Base contract with individual task orders
- IT-focused: Must be for information technology products/services
- OMB designation: Must be approved by Office of Management and Budget
Major GWAC Programs
Several agencies manage large GWAC programs. Here are the most significant ones.
8(a) STARS III
GSA - Small Business Set-Aside
Exclusively for 8(a) certified businesses. Provides IT services and solutions across multiple functional areas and technology domains.
Alliant 2
GSA - Full and Open
Best-in-class GWAC for complex IT solutions. Includes both small business and unrestricted pools for comprehensive IT capabilities.
OASIS+
GSA - Professional Services
Next-generation of OASIS for complex professional services including management consulting, engineering, and logistics. Multiple pools for different business types.
CIO-SP4
NIH - IT Solutions
Chief Information Officer-Solutions and Partners 4. Health IT focused but available government-wide for broad IT services.
Benefits of GWACs
Benefits for Contractors
- • Access to all federal agencies through one vehicle
- • Pre-competed status simplifies ordering
- • Multi-billion dollar ceiling provides growth runway
- • Reduced competition vs. open market
- • Prestige of GWAC holder status
- • Long contract periods (10-15 years)
- • Task order experience builds past performance
Benefits for Government
- • Faster procurement (30-90 days vs. 6-12 months)
- • Pre-vetted, qualified contractor pool
- • Simplified ordering procedures
- • Competition among qualified sources
- • Dedicated program support from GWAC holder
- • Easy access to small business contractors
- • Compliance with FAR and OMB requirements
Getting on a GWAC
Winning a prime position on a major GWAC is highly competitive and requires significant preparation.
Typical GWAC Requirements
Relevant contracts of similar size/scope
Demonstrated technical capabilities
ISO, CMMI, security clearances as applicable
Audited financials, adequate working capital
Qualified staff with relevant expertise
For set-aside pools: 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.
GWAC Competition Timeline
Draft RFP Released
Industry day, comments period (3-6 months before final)
Final RFP Issued
60-90 day proposal preparation window
Proposals Submitted
Often hundreds of offerors for major GWACs
Evaluation & Award
6-18 months evaluation; multiple award decisions
Winning Task Orders
Having a GWAC is just the first step—the real revenue comes from winning task orders.
Monitor Opportunities
Track task order solicitations through the GWAC program office portal, SAM.gov, and agency procurement forecasts.
Build Relationships
Engage with agency program offices before task orders are released. Understand their needs and position yourself.
Respond Quickly
Task order competitions often have compressed timelines (10-30 days). Have response processes ready.
Competitive Pricing
Task orders are competed among pre-qualified holders. Price competitiveness matters significantly.
FAR 16.505 Fair Opportunity
For task orders over $4,500, agencies must provide all GWAC holders a fair opportunity to compete, unless an exception applies:
- • Only one source is capable
- • Urgent need exists
- • Logical follow-on to previous order
- • Minimum guarantee not yet met
GWAC Fees & Costs
Typical GWAC Fee Structure
Note: CAF rates vary by GWAC program. Check specific contract terms for exact rates.
Success Strategies
Start Early
Major GWACs are announced years in advance. Begin building required past performance and capabilities early.
Multiple Vehicles
Hold positions on multiple GWACs to maximize opportunities. Different GWACs serve different agency preferences.
Dedicated BD Team
Assign staff specifically to monitor and pursue task orders. Task order volume justifies dedicated resources.
Teaming Strategy
Team with other GWAC holders to combine capabilities and share task order opportunities.
Agency Focus
While GWACs are government-wide, focus on agencies where you have relationships and relevant experience.
Performance Excellence
Excellent task order performance leads to follow-on work and referrals across agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a GWAC and GSA Schedule?
GSA Schedules are catalog contracts for commercial items available to any company meeting requirements. GWACs are competed contracts with limited holders, focused on IT solutions, and require significant past performance.
Can small businesses compete for GWACs?
Yes, most GWACs have dedicated small business pools or are exclusively for small businesses (like STARS III for 8(a) firms). Small business set-aside pools compete only against other small businesses.
How are task orders distributed among holders?
There's no automatic distribution. Each task order is competed among holders (fair opportunity). Success depends on your capability, price, and relationship with the ordering agency.
What if I miss the GWAC competition?
Most GWACs have "on-ramp" opportunities allowing new contractors to compete for positions after initial award. Watch for on-ramp announcements and prepare to compete.
Can I subcontract under a GWAC?
Yes, if you're not a prime GWAC holder, you can partner with holders as a subcontractor on task orders. Many small businesses build experience this way before pursuing prime positions.
Find GWAC Task Orders with BidFinds
BidFinds aggregates task order opportunities from all major GWACs, helping holders find and respond to opportunities across federal agencies.
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