NASA SEWP Guide: How to Buy and Sell Through Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
Complete guide to NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) contract vehicle. Learn eligible products, how to get on SEWP, ordering process, and maximizing this $15B+ IT procurement program.
Quick Answer
NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) is a government-wide acquisition contract (GWAC) that enables federal agencies to purchase IT products, services, and solutions. With over 140 contract holders and $15+ billion in annual sales, SEWP V offers the lowest fees (0.34%) and fastest ordering of any GWAC. All federal agencies, DoD, and authorized contractors can order through SEWP.
What is NASA SEWP?
NASA SEWP (pronounced "soup") is a multi-award Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Established in 1993, SEWP provides federal agencies with streamlined access to commercial IT products and services through pre-competed contracts with vetted vendors.
The current iteration, SEWP V, runs through 2027 with potential extensions. It serves as one of the primary vehicles for federal IT procurement, handling everything from laptops and servers to cloud services and cybersecurity solutions.
SEWP Contract Groups
- Group A - Small business contractors (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone)
- Group B - Small business contractors (general small business)
- Group C - Other than small business (large businesses)
- Group D - HUBZone small businesses exclusively
Benefits of Using SEWP
Lowest Fees in Government
SEWP charges only 0.34% fee—the lowest of any GWAC. GSA Schedule charges 0.75%, and other GWACs range from 0.5% to 3%. This translates to significant savings on large purchases.
Rapid Procurement
Quotes are typically returned within 24-48 hours. Orders under $250,000 can be placed with just three quotes. The pre-competed nature eliminates lengthy source selection processes.
Pre-Vetted Contractors
All SEWP contractors have passed rigorous competition and maintain current pricing. Agencies can trust that contractors meet security, capability, and compliance requirements.
Small Business Goals
Over 75% of SEWP contract holders are small businesses. Agencies can easily meet small business contracting goals while accessing competitive IT solutions.
Who Can Use SEWP?
All federal agencies, Department of Defense components, federally funded research centers, tribal governments, and authorized federal contractors can order through SEWP. State and local governments cannot use SEWP directly but may access it through cooperative agreements with federal agencies.
Eligible Products & Services
SEWP covers a comprehensive range of IT products and product-based services. The key requirement is that orders must include a product component—SEWP is not a pure services vehicle.
Hardware
- • Servers and data center equipment
- • Desktops, laptops, tablets
- • Storage systems and NAS/SAN
- • Networking equipment
- • Printers and peripherals
- • Video conferencing systems
- • IoT devices and sensors
- • Mobile devices
Software & Cloud
- • Operating systems
- • Productivity software
- • Security and antivirus software
- • Database management systems
- • Cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
- • Virtualization software
- • Development tools
- • AI/ML platforms
Product-Based Services
- • Installation and configuration
- • Maintenance and support
- • Training (product-related)
- • Integration services
- • Migration services
- • Managed services
- • Cybersecurity services
- • Cloud migration
Services Limitation
SEWP orders must include a product component. Pure labor-hour or time-and-materials services without products are not eligible. Services should support, install, configure, or maintain a product being purchased.
How to Order Through SEWP
Ordering through SEWP uses a Request for Quote (RFQ) process through the SEWP website portal.
Register on SEWP Website
Government buyers register at sewp.nasa.gov. You'll need a valid .gov or .mil email and contracting authority information.
Search Product Catalog
Use the SEWP Product Search tool to find products and identify which contractors offer them. Filter by small business type, product category, or specific manufacturers.
Submit RFQ
Create and submit an RFQ to multiple contractors. Minimum three quotes required for orders under $250K. The RFQ includes your requirements, delivery location, and evaluation criteria.
Evaluate Quotes
Contractors respond with pricing, delivery schedules, and technical information. Evaluate based on price, technical capability, delivery, and past performance.
Issue Delivery Order
Award to the best value contractor and issue a delivery order. SEWP provides templates and the 0.34% fee is automatically calculated and included.
Order Thresholds
- • Under $25K: One quote acceptable
- • $25K - $250K: Minimum three quotes
- • Over $250K: Fair opportunity to all contract holders in selected group
- • Maximum Order: $1 billion per order (practical ceiling)
Becoming a SEWP Contractor
SEWP contracts are awarded through periodic competitive solicitations. The current SEWP V contracts were awarded in 2014, with the next generation (SEWP VI) expected in the coming years.
SEWP VI Preparation
Watch for SEWP VI solicitation announcements. To prepare:
- • Build IT product/services past performance
- • Establish manufacturer relationships
- • Obtain relevant certifications
- • Document federal contract experience
- • Maintain small business certifications
Current Subcontracting
While waiting for SEWP VI, you can participate as a subcontractor:
- • Partner with current SEWP holders
- • Provide specialized products/services
- • Build federal performance record
- • Learn SEWP processes and requirements
- • Establish customer relationships
Eligibility Requirements
- Demonstrated experience providing IT products to federal government
- Ability to provide products across multiple IT categories
- Established supply chain and manufacturer relationships
- Financial capability to handle large orders
- Valid SAM.gov registration and relevant certifications
SEWP Pricing & Fees
Fee Structure
SEWP charges a 0.34% fee on all orders, the lowest of any GWAC. This fee funds program operations and is built into contractor pricing—agencies see all-inclusive prices.
Example: $1,000,000 order
SEWP Fee: $3,400 (0.34%)
GSA Schedule would be: $7,500 (0.75%)
Savings: $4,100
Price Reasonableness
SEWP contractors must maintain competitive pricing. NASA monitors prices against market rates. Buyers should still compare quotes and can negotiate with contractors for volume discounts or special pricing.
No Additional Fees
Unlike some contract vehicles, SEWP has no additional access fees, portal fees, or administrative charges. The 0.34% covers everything including quote management, order processing, and customer support.
SEWP vs Other GWACs
| Feature | NASA SEWP | GSA Schedule | NITAAC CIO-SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Rate | 0.34% | 0.75% | 0.75% |
| Focus Area | IT Products | Everything | IT Services |
| Quote Speed | 24-48 hours | Varies widely | 48-72 hours |
| Small Business % | 75%+ | Mixed | Mixed |
| Best For | IT Hardware/Software | Diverse needs | IT Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy cloud services through SEWP?
Yes, SEWP covers cloud IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS products. Many major cloud providers (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) are available through SEWP contractors. Cloud services should be product-based subscriptions rather than pure professional services.
What's the difference between SEWP and GSA Schedule?
SEWP is specifically for IT products with lower fees (0.34% vs 0.75%) and faster quotes. GSA Schedule covers a broader range of products and services across all categories. For IT hardware and software, SEWP typically offers better pricing and speed.
How do I find small business SEWP contractors?
Use the SEWP Contract Holder Search tool and filter by Group A (socioeconomic small business), Group B (small business), or Group D (HUBZone). You can also filter by specific certifications like 8(a), WOSB, or SDVOSB.
Can state governments use SEWP?
State and local governments cannot use SEWP directly. However, some use cooperative purchasing agreements with federal agencies or purchase through authorized federal contractors with specific authorization.
When will SEWP VI be available?
NASA has not announced the final SEWP VI timeline. SEWP V currently extends through 2027. Monitor sewp.nasa.gov and beta.sam.gov for solicitation announcements when NASA opens the next competition.
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