Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts

Government‑Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are pre‑competed, multiple‑award indefinite‑delivery/indefinite‑quantity contracts that federal agencies use to purchase information technology (IT) and professional services. Because the contracts are already competed among a pre‑qualified pool of vendors, agencies can issue task or delivery orders quickly, often in days rather than months, providing a streamlined path to buy mission‑critical IT systems and services.

GWACs operate under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and are recognized by the Office of Management and Budget as "best‑in‑class" contract vehicles. They allow ordering agencies to purchase from a government‑wide contract that sets minimum and maximum order quantities (or values) and defines an ordering period. Vendors selected to participate must meet rigorous criteria for technical capability, past performance, cybersecurity and socio‑economic qualifications, creating a trusted marketplace that fosters competition among qualified suppliers.

For small businesses and large IT contractors alike, GWACs represent major opportunities. They provide a steady pipeline of task orders over the contract’s life and reduce the administrative burden of responding to separate full and open competitions. At the same time, agencies benefit from price transparency, fair competition among qualified vendors and assurance of compliance with statutory requirements such as cybersecurity and socio‑economic goals.

What Is a GWAC?

A Government‑Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a task‑order or delivery‑order contract that allows federal agencies to acquire information technology (IT) solutions and professional services from a pre‑qualified pool of vendors. Instead of issuing a full and open competition every time a program needs IT services, agencies place orders against the GWAC as needs arise. The GWAC sets a total contract ceiling and ordering period, but it does not commit the government to purchase a fixed quantity until an individual task or delivery order is issued.

Established by one agency and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as a “best‑in‑class” vehicle, a GWAC is open for use by any federal agency. Vendors compete during the initial GWAC solicitation and must demonstrate technical capabilities, past performance, cybersecurity controls and socio‑economic qualifications to earn a spot on the contract. Once awarded, contractors compete for task or delivery orders under the GWAC, ensuring agencies continue to receive competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Key Components of GWA

• Pre-qualified vendor pool – Only contractors that meet rigorous criteria for technical capability, past performance, cybersecurity and socio-economic qualifications can join a GWAC, creating a trusted marketplace.

• Multiple-award IDIQ – GWACs are multi-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, meaning multiple companies hold the base contract and compete for individual task or delivery orders. This fosters competition and diversity of solutions.

• Specialized IT scope – GWACs are authorized for IT solutions and professional services, including systems design, software development, cybersecurity, cloud services and emerging technologies.

• Indefinite delivery and quantity – Each GWAC sets a total ceiling value, minimum obligations and an ordering period, but agencies place task or delivery orders only when needs arise, providing flexibility without committing to specific quantities.

• Best-in-class classification – GWACs are recognized by the Office of Management and Budget as “best-in-class” vehicles, ensuring that purchases meet governmentwide standards for cost-effectiveness, security and socio-economic goals.

How GWACs Work

A GWAC operates under a base contract that establishes the overall scope, ordering period and maximum contract value. Before placing orders, agencies typically obtain a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) from the GWAC program office to ensure the requirement falls within scope.

Once a DPA is issued, the ordering agency issues a task or delivery order that defines the statement of work, performance schedule, pricing and terms. Because the base contract has been pre-competed among the GWAC’s vendor pool, agencies can solicit proposals or quotes and award an order much faster than through a full and open competition. Contractors may be asked to submit technical and cost proposals and can negotiate terms within the GWAC’s parameters.

Each GWAC sets a contract ceiling and minimum guarantee over its ordering period, which may span several years and include options. Agencies only place task or delivery orders as needs arise, allowing flexibility without committing to a fixed quantity at the time of award. Task orders cover services, while delivery orders are used for supplies and hardware.

GWACs vs. GSA Schedules and Other IDIQs

While GWACs are a type of multiple‑award IDIQ contract, they differ from general IDIQs and from the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. A MAS contract is an open‑ended catalogue of pre‑negotiated prices for commercial products and services spanning dozens of categories, from office supplies to facilities management. Companies that meet basic requirements can obtain a MAS schedule and sell to any government agency at published rates.

In contrast, GWACs focus on information technology solutions and professional services. Vendors undergo a rigorous selection process and must meet stringent technical and cybersecurity standards to be included. Agencies compete task or delivery orders among the GWAC vendor pool, whereas MAS orders are generally placed at or below schedule prices with minimal competition. Other IDIQ vehicles, such as the OASIS contract for complex professional services, cover specialized sectors but are not limited to IT. Understanding which vehicle best aligns with your offering helps tailor your federal sales strategy.

Examples of Best-in-Class GWACs

• NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise‑Wide Procurement) – This government‑wide acquisition contract provides IT hardware, software and services. It is known for a streamlined ordering process and includes a broad range of product resellers and integrators, with designated small business set‑aside groups.

• GSA Alliant 2 – Alliant 2 is a $50 billion ceiling GWAC for complex and emerging IT services, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity and cloud solutions. It offers flexible contract types, encourages competition among qualified large and small businesses and supports long‑term modernization efforts.

• NIH CIO‑SP3 – The National Institutes of Health’s CIO‑SP3 and CIO‑SP3 Small Business contracts provide ten task areas covering everything from health IT and managed services to cybersecurity and cloud. The contract supports both large and small business tracks to promote broad participation.

• 8(a) STARS III – Designed for 8(a) certified small businesses, this GWAC offers federal agencies access to custom IT solutions with a $50 billion ceiling. Orders may be directed to a single contractor up to certain thresholds, helping agencies meet socio‑economic goals while accessing innovative technology partners.

• VETS 2 – This service‑disabled veteran‑owned small business (SDVOSB) GWAC provides a vehicle for IT services and cybersecurity solutions from veteran‑owned firms. It enables agencies to meet SDVOSB contracting goals while benefiting from experienced technical talent.

Benefits of GWACs

Agencies leverage GWACs because they streamline the procurement of complex IT solutions and ensure compliance with federal acquisition rules. Contractors also benefit from improved market access and simplified task order competition.

• Simplified and faster procurement – Because the base contract has been pre‑competed, agencies can issue task or delivery orders quickly, often reducing procurement cycles from months to weeks.

• Price competitiveness and cost control – Ordering among a fixed pool of qualified vendors encourages competitive pricing and provides agencies with visibility into spending ceilings and volume discounts.

• Access to pre‑vetted vendors – GWAC program offices vet vendors for technical capability, cybersecurity, past performance and socio‑economic qualifications, giving agencies a trusted set of suppliers and reducing risk.

• Support for socio‑economic goals – Many GWACs include set‑aside tracks for 8(a) firms, service‑disabled veteran‑owned businesses, and other small business categories, allowing agencies to meet statutory goals.

• Compliance assurance – Best‑in‑class GWACs meet stringent government-wide standards for security, accessibility, and acquisition compliance, ensuring that orders align with federal IT policies and regulations.

For vendors, participating in a GWAC opens a steady pipeline of task orders and reduces the burden of pursuing standalone contracts.

• Streamlined market access – Being part of a GWAC allows contractors to market their offerings across the government without responding to every full and open competition.

• Reduced administrative effort – Vendors respond to task order solicitations instead of preparing lengthy proposals for each agency requirement, lowering bid and proposal costs.

• Competitive opportunities – Multiple‑award GWACs encourage competition at the task order level, giving companies opportunities to demonstrate performance and build past performance records.

• Long‑term revenue potential – GWAC ordering periods often last five to ten years with high ceilings, providing contractors with sustained opportunities and predictable revenue streams.

Tips for Winning GWAC Task Orders

• Research the demand – Monitor federal procurement forecasts and GWAC program portals to understand which agencies are using the contract and what types of IT services or solutions they need.

• Maintain current registrations – Keep your System for Award Management (SAM) registration, certifications (e.g., 8(a), SDVOSB) and small business status up to date so ordering agencies can confidently award task orders.

• Build relationships – Engage with GWAC program managers and potential ordering agencies through industry events, capability briefings and marketing outreach. Strong relationships help you stay informed about upcoming requirements.

• Respond quickly and competitively – Develop streamlined proposal processes so you can respond promptly to task order solicitations with compliant, value‑oriented solutions and competitive pricing.

• Emphasize performance and innovation – Highlight past performance under the GWAC and showcase innovative technologies or methodologies that differentiate your offerings. Agencies often select vendors based on demonstrated results and technical excellence.

• Ensure compliance – Stay current on evolving cybersecurity, supply chain and labor requirements applicable to federal IT contracts to avoid disqualification during task order evaluation.

Final Thoughts

Government‑wide acquisition contracts are powerful tools for acquiring cutting‑edge IT products and services. They combine the flexibility of indefinite‑delivery/indefinite‑quantity contracting with a pre‑screened vendor pool, enabling agencies to issue task orders quickly while maintaining competition and compliance. For vendors, GWACs offer access to a broad government customer base and a steady stream of opportunities, provided they meet rigorous technical and security standards.

When used strategically, GWACs can accelerate modernization, reduce procurement burdens and drive innovation across the federal enterprise. Whether you’re an agency seeking a fast path to secure IT solutions or a business looking to expand your federal footprint, understanding GWACs and how they compare to other contract vehicles is essential for success.