Guide to Government Contract Vehicles

In the most recently reported year, the US government spent more than $750 billion on contracts. These contracts cover the spectrum of things to buy, from highly specialized military planes all the way down to leadership development courses or cafeteria food. 

‍

That’s a lot of contracts every year. And while the federal government has rules and regulations in place to try to ensure money is spent equitably and accurately, it would be incredibly inefficient if they had to work through all that red tape and regulation to negotiate contracts for every single purchase. That’s why smart people have established government contract vehicles, and we’re here to help you understand what those are and how to get them. 

‍

So welcome to your ultimate guide to government contract vehicles! 

‍

If you’re here, you’re probably interested in cracking the code of federal government contracting. The good news is that by the end of this page, you’ll have a solid understanding of what government contract vehicles are, the types available, and why they matter in the procurement process. You get the added benefit of this guide, including our experience and knowledge (with a dash of snark to keep things interesting) of navigating the GovCon landscape.

‍

Ready to get started? Let’s go.

‍

What are Government Contract Vehicles

‍

Government contract vehicles are tools used by federal agencies to streamline the procurement of goods and services, ranging from information technology to professional services and even cybersecurity. They are pre-negotiated agreements that federal agencies use to purchase products and services without having to go through the lengthy bidding process every single time. The contracts work for a small business trying to land their first government contract or a giant aiming to work with the Department of Defense (which really, really loves these contract vehicles). 

‍

These vehicles simplify the buying process for federal agencies, streamlining government purchases to ensure agencies get what they need without the typical red tape or inefficiently redundant processes of contracting similar services or goods. 

‍

Federal government contract vehicles are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which ensures that the process remains fair and competitive. These contracts can be found on specific agency websites or federal procurement databases like SAM.gov. 

‍

For contractors, these contract vehicles can be an excellent way for your company to streamline the contracting process and start working with federal agencies—a way to get in on the action without repeatedly jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

‍

‍

‍

Types of Government Contract Vehicles

‍

Now that we’ve established what these vehicles are, let’s dive into the different types. Each type serves a unique purpose and caters to specific procurement needs. Understanding these can help you determine where your business fits in the grand scheme of federal contracting and how you can get started offering support services or goods to the federal government.

‍

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA)

‍

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a streamlined method for acquiring recurring supplies or services. Established between a government agency and a vendor, a BPA simplifies the procurement process for items or services needed on a regular basis. Instead of issuing a separate contract for each order, the agency can place orders directly under the BPA, reducing administrative efforts and expediting fulfillment. BPAs can be awarded to single suppliers or as a multiple award contract to multiple vendors.

‍

BPAs are commonly used for items like office supplies, consulting services, maintenance services, and even IT support. For instance, a federal agency might set up an agency-specific BPA with a vendor for cybersecurity software, ensuring they can quickly respond to emerging threats without the delay of negotiating new contracts each time. By using BPAs, agencies can lock in favorable pricing and terms, providing both cost savings and efficiency. 

‍

Popular BPAs

‍

• 2GIT: This contract covers the purchase of new IT equipment, maintenance, and repair services, spare parts, software licenses, and additional order-level materials needed for equipment modernization and next-generation solutions.
• Laptops and desktops: This BPA includes contracts for acquiring audio and video equipment, computers, monitors, peripherals, and related IT hardware. 
• Software purchase agreements:These agreements facilitate the procurement of software products and services, covering areas like database management, enterprise management, and information assurance. 
• Emergency lodging: In an emergency, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to negotiate contracts for employees to stay somewhere, so this BPA provides temporary lodging solutions during emergencies. 

‍

‍

‍

Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs)

‍

Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are the heavy hitters of federal government contract vehicles and becoming increasingly more popular by the second. Managed by a single agency but available for use by all, GWACs make it easy for federal agencies to tap into a broad range of IT services and solutions without reinventing the procurement wheel each time.

‍

GWACs are particularly useful for large-scale IT projects, such as a solicitation for implementing next generation software systems or deploying a new cybersecurity framework across multiple departments. They offer pre-negotiated terms, competitive pricing, and (most importantly) a streamlined approach to procurement that federal agencies appreciate, making the procurement process faster and more predictable. Agencies use GWACs to ensure they have access to the latest technology services while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

‍

Popular GWACs

‍

• Stars III: This GWAC, with a ceiling of $50 billion over a five-year base and an optional three years, is designed for small businesses offering IT solutions and services.
• Alliant 2 (A2): Offered through the GSA, Alliant 2 provides comprehensive IT solutions, covering everything from hardware to services. This contract vehicle had its ceiling recently raised to $82.5 billion, and will be replaced by the Alliant 3 GWAC, which the government is currently competing.‍
• SEWP: NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) covers a wide array of IT products and services, including security tools and cloud-based services.

‍

‍

‍

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts

‍

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts are highly flexible agreements that allow federal agencies to procure an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a specified period. These contracts are ideal for projects where the exact amount of work or supplies needed isn’t known upfront but is expected to be significant over time. The DoD is the most frequent user of IDIQ contracts, issuing 68% of them. About ⅔ of IDIQ obligations are for services, and ⅓ cover supplies.

‍

IDIQ contracts can be either single-award, where one vendor is selected, or multiple-award, where several vendors are chosen to compete for individual task orders. They are commonly used for work in consulting, defense, or information technology, where requirements can evolve. For example, an agency might use an IDIQ to maintain and upgrade its artificial intelligence infrastructure, issuing task orders as new needs arise. 

‍

Single-Award IDIQs

Single-award IDIQs are often used for specific projects, such as constructing a new government facility or developing a specialized IT system for a single agency.

‍

Multiple-Award IDIQs

Multiple-award IDIQs allow agencies to select from a pool of pre-approved vendors, providing flexibility and competitive pricing for a variety of projects. Agencies might look to this contract vehicle for consulting services, web design, or training. 

‍

Popular IDIQs

• SeaPort-NxG: Navy SeaPort-Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) contract is a multiple-award contract that provides the US Navy with engineering and program management services.
• GSA Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design IDIQ: This contract facilitates federal agencies in procuring a wide range of services for projects including building renovations, new constructions, or general design services.
• OASIS: The OASIS (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services) IDIQ contracts are multi-award contracts for program management, engineering, logistics, and financial management.

‍

‍

‍

Multi-Agency Contracts (MACs)

‍

Multi-Agency Contracts (MACs) enable multiple federal agencies to procure goods and services under a single contract. These contracts foster collaboration between agencies and are designed to improve efficiency, reduce redundancy, and (most importantly) get better pricing. 

‍

Many of the contracts we’ve already listed above, like OASIS, fall into this category. 

‍

GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)

‍

Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) are long-term contracts that provide federal agencies with access to millions of commercial products and services at pre-negotiated prices. MAS contracts simplify the procurement process by providing a list of vetted vendors with established pricing and terms. This reduces the time and effort needed to negotiate individual contracts.

‍

‍

‍

Benefits of Using Contract Vehicles

‍

Why should you care about government contract vehicles? Agencies like them when they enjoy efficiency, cost savings, and not pulling their hair out over complex procurement processes. For other organizations, especially small businesses looking to break into federal contracting, these vehicles can be your best friend. You get to bypass some of the more tedious, drawn-out bidding processes and jump straight into providing your expertise to federal agencies. Plus, with pre-negotiated pricing and terms, you can focus more on delivering top-notch services and less on red tape. Sounds like a win-win, right?

‍

‍

How to Win a Contract Vehicle

‍

Winning a government contract vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart. These proposals are big, complicated, and require a level of preparation that makes cramming for finals look like a walk in the park. Lately, a new trend has taken the world of contract vehicles by storm: self-scoring proposals. What does that mean? Glad you asked.

‍

Self-scoring systems require contractors to evaluate their own proposals based on predefined criteria—like past performance, certifications, and technical expertise. You essentially tally up your own scorecard to prove you’re the best choice, all while knowing that a contracting officer will double-check your math. It’s high-stakes, and the margin for error? Pretty much zero.

‍

So, how do you win? Here’s the deal:

‍

• Preparation is everything. You need to have your past performance records, certifications, and qualifications organized and ready to go. Think of it like assembling your greatest hits album—only the best (and most relevant) tracks make the cut.
• Strategy matters. These vehicles aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is your business. Align your proposal with the specific requirements of the solicitation and the mission of the agency.
• Compliance is king. Contracting officers don’t mess around when it comes to following the rules. Make sure your proposal checks every box, from technical responses to formatting.
• It’s a team sport. No one wins a contract vehicle solo. You need a rockstar team to manage, write, and review every aspect of your submission.

Here’s the kicker: developing a proposal for a contract vehicle like Alliant 3 or OASIS+ is a serious lift. These aren’t quick-turn RFPs—they’re behemoths that require careful planning, collaboration, and execution. But the payoff? Totally worth it. Winning a contract vehicle positions your company as a trusted federal partner, opening doors to opportunities that can transform your business for years to come.

‍

‍

How Summit Strategy Supports Government Contractors

‍

At Summit Strategy, we know that navigating government contract vehicles can feel like climbing a mountain without a map. From figuring out which vehicle is the right fit for your business to tackling the massive lift of proposal development, we’ve got you covered.

‍

Here’s how we help:

‍

• Strategic Guidance: We’ll help you identify the right contract vehicles to pursue, aligning with your capabilities and business goals.
• Proposal Development: From self-scoring methodologies to compliance reviews, we know how to craft proposals that get noticed and win.
• Preparation & Organization: We help you gather and organize everything you need, like past performance data and certifications, so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
• Long-Term Positioning: Winning a contract vehicle is just the beginning. We’ll work with you to develop strategies that keep you competitive and maximize your opportunities over the life of the vehicle.

‍

Ready to take the next step? Visit our Contract Vehicle Hub to learn more about the vehicles we specialize in and how we can help your business succeed.

‍

‍

‍

Whether you're aiming to secure a GWAC, IDIQ, or MAC, our expertise ensures you’re always a step ahead. Let’s win together.

Contact us today and take the first step towards winning government contracts!

‍