Task Order Contracts Guide 2025: IDIQ & Task Order Competition
Complete guide to task order contracts and IDIQ vehicles. Learn how task orders work, fair opportunity competition, and strategies for winning task order awards.
Quick Answer: What is a Task Order?
A task order is a specific work order issued under an existing IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract. Task orders define the scope, period, and price for a particular project. Agencies issue task orders to pre-qualified contractors on the IDIQ vehicle.
What is a Task Order?
Task orders are used to procure specific work under an umbrella IDIQ contract. The IDIQ establishes terms and conditions; task orders define actual work requirements.
Task Order vs Delivery Order
Task Order
Used for services - defines specific work to be performed
Delivery Order
Used for supplies - specifies products to be delivered
Understanding IDIQ Contracts
IDIQ Contract Types
Single-Award IDIQ
One contractor receives all task orders - no competition
Multiple-Award IDIQ (MAC)
Multiple contractors compete for each task order
BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement)
Simplified ordering against GSA Schedule or existing contracts
Common IDIQ Vehicles
Fair Opportunity Competition
FAR 16.505 requires agencies to give all IDIQ contractors a "fair opportunity" to be considered for each task order, with limited exceptions.
Fair Opportunity Process
- 1.Agency issues RFQ to all IDIQ holders
- 2.Contractors submit quotes/proposals
- 3.Agency evaluates based on stated criteria
- 4.Award made to best value or lowest price
Fair Opportunity Exceptions
Agencies may limit competition when:
- • Urgent need exists (unusual/compelling urgency)
- • Only one contractor can perform the work
- • Task order is for $3,500 or less (micro-purchase)
- • Logical follow-on to previous work
Strategies for Winning Task Orders
Success Factors
Respond Quickly
Task order RFQs often have short turnaround times
Know Your Competition
Understand other contractors on the vehicle
Build Relationships
Engage with agency program offices before RFQs drop
Price Competitively
Many task orders are LPTA (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find task order opportunities?
Monitor the IDIQ vehicle portal, check SAM.gov for requirements, and use tools like BidFinds that aggregate task order opportunities across vehicles.
Can I protest a task order award?
Task orders over $10 million can be protested to GAO. Smaller task orders may be protested to the agency or, in some cases, to the contracting officer.
What if I'm not on the IDIQ?
You cannot compete for task orders unless you hold a position on the IDIQ. Watch for on-ramps or new vehicle competitions to get on IDIQs in your market.
Find Task Order Opportunities
Discover task orders across IDIQ vehicles and federal agencies.
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