A contract vehicle is a pre-negotiated agreement or acquisition mechanism that allows federal agencies to purchase goods and services from approved vendors more efficiently. Vendors must qualify, apply, and be awarded a position on a contract vehicle before they can receive work under it.
Common Types of Federal Contract Vehicles
1. GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS / GSA Schedule)
Services Covered: IT, staffing, HR services, consulting, and more.
Used By: All federal agencies.
Portal: GSA eOffer
Benefits: Open continuously, 5-year term with renewals, high visibility.
2. GWACs (Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts)
Examples:
Alliant 2 / Alliant 3
CIO-SP3 / CIO-SP4 (by NIH)
SEWP (NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement)
Services Covered: IT, cybersecurity, cloud, systems integration.
Used By: All civilian and defense agencies.
Award Type: Competitive application, periodic windows.
3. IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity)
Examples: OASIS, T4NG, HCaTS, ENCORE III, 8(a) STARS
Used For: Professional services, staffing, and mission support.
How It Works: You apply during the open solicitation. Task orders are then released only to IDIQ holders.
4. BPAs (Blanket Purchase Agreements)
Examples: Agency-specific (e.g., USDA HR BPA, VA Staffing BPA)
Used By: Individual agencies.
Purpose: Streamline recurring purchases.
Award Type: Typically based on past performance and pricing competitiveness.
5. MATOCs (Multiple Award Task Order Contracts)
Similar to IDIQs but focused on construction, A&E, logistics, or niche sectors.
6. 8(a) STARS III
Used By: Federal agencies seeking IT services from SBA-certified 8(a) firms.
Eligibility: Must be SBA 8(a) certified.
Status: Opened in phases; periodic refreshes.
7. OASIS and OASIS+ (Best-in-Class)
Used For: Complex professional services (HR, logistics, engineering).
By: GSA; open to unrestricted and small business pools.
8. Agency-Specific Vehicles
T4NG / T4NG2 (VA)
HCaTS (Human Capital and Training Solutions)
EAGLE (DHS)
SEAPORT-NxG (Navy)
These are typically open via solicitation or invitation and awarded based on competitive evaluation.
🔹How to Get Listed on a Contract Vehicle
Step 1: Market Research & Eligibility Check
Assess which contract vehicles match your services and client focus.
Determine eligibility (certifications, past performance, NAICS codes).
Step 2: Register & Certify
Complete or update your:
SAM.gov registration
UEI number
NAICS code selections
SBA certifications (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, etc. if applicable)
Step 3: Develop Your Application/Proposal
Assemble past performance references, labor categories, pricing, and capabilities narratives.
Prepare all technical and compliance documentation.
Use templates and scoring guides from the issuing agency.
Step 4: Submit via Agency Portal
Vehicles like GSA MAS require eOffer submissions.
Others (e.g., SEWP, CIO-SP) use custom or FedConnect portals.
Step 5: Participate in Evaluation
Respond to clarifications or revisions.
Often includes price reasonableness checks and compliance reviews.
Step 6: Award & Onboarding
Receive award notification.
Finalize documentation and onboarding requirements.
Set up your company on the relevant ordering portals (e.g., GSA Advantage).
🔹 How to Win Work Once Listed
Getting listed is just the first step. Here’s how to win Task Orders or BPA Calls:
- Monitor Procurement Portals – Use SAM.gov, GovWin, GSA eBuy, and Agency Forecast Sites to track opportunities.
- Build Agency Relationship – Engage with contracting officers and agency small business reps.
- Respond Quickly to Task Orders – Most task orders under vehicles are competitive and time-limited.
- Team Strategically – Partner with other vehicle holders or subcontract if you’re new.
- Maintain Compliance & Reporting – Keep pricing, points of contact, and certifications updated.
🧩 Need Help?
At RFP Helper we help clients:
- Identify the right vehicles
- Build complete, compliant, and compelling applications
- Design proposal graphics & narratives
- Manage the full submission process
- Position you to win work under your awarded vehicle
