MAPS Contract Guide: Key Insights for IT and Professional Services Businesses
ACTIONS
MAPS is a new Multiple Award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract designed to provide streamlined access to professional services for Army customers, Program Executive OfficeS (PEOs), DoD agencies, and other federal agencies. This contract vehicle combines the ACC-APG’s Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) and the CHESS’ Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – 3 Services (ITES-3S) contract vehicles. The estimated value of MAPS is $50 billion, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses in these fields to benefit and deliver quality services to various agencies.
The services include a variety of information technology (IT) and engineering services ranging from technical services like engineering, manufacturing readiness, to research, development, testing, cybersecurity, cloud services, helpdesk services, and more. MAPS will be the Army’s single source for professional services, while providing multiple North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to ensure acquisition categories best align with requirements. The new contract also aligns with the Army’s ongoing digital transformation and efforts to implement Agile throughout the acquisition process.
The second draft of the much-talked-about MAPS was released on 13th December 2024. This blog is based on the latest draft and highlights its key components, how to prepare, and what to prepare for.
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Latest Updates:
June 19, 2026:
Clarification Issued for Qualifying Project Form NAICS Selection
The Government has issued a clarification regarding Attachment 0003 Amd 04 – Qualifying Project Form, specifically Item #9.
According to the clarification, Item #9 does not contain all available NAICS code options permitted under Solicitation Section L.2.3.2.5.
Key Updates:
- The clarification applies to Attachment 0003 Amd 04 – Qualifying Project Form
- The issue relates to Item #9, which does not include all permissible NAICS code options in the dropdown
- If an offeror’s Qualifying Project uses a permissible NAICS code under Section L.2.3.2.5 that is not available in the dropdown, the offeror should enter that NAICS code in the fillable section under Item 9a
- This clarification is intended to help offerors properly document eligible Qualifying Projects when the applicable NAICS code is missing from the dropdown selection
Offerors should review their Qualifying Project forms carefully and ensure that any permissible NAICS code not listed in Item #9 is clearly entered in Item 9a before submission.
June 18, 2026:
Amendment #10 Issued to Clarify Financial Services Scope
The Government has released Amendment 0010 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006). This amendment clarifies the scope language in Section C, specifically related to financial services.
Key Updates:
- Amendment 0010 has been issued
- The amendment clarifies the financial services scope in Section C
- The change appears on page 7 of the solicitation
- No other aspects of the solicitation have changed, and the solicitation remains as reflected under Amendment 009
- The solicitation includes five primary NAICS codes, although the SAM.gov system constraints allow only one NAICS to be displayed
- On SF33 Block 3, the amendment number may be reflected with the 0010 suffix, but the solicitation number remains W15P7T26RA006
Important Information for Offerors
Offerors who submitted their proposal in accordance with Amendment 009 before the release of Amendment 0010 do not need to resubmit simply to update the amendment number on the SF33. However, any offeror submitting after the release of Amendment 0010 should ensure the SF33 is the most recent version.
This update is a targeted clarification rather than a broad solicitation revision. Offerors should review the updated financial services scope language and confirm that their submission package reflects the applicable SF33 version based on when they submit.
June 15, 2026:
Attachment 0002 Clarification Issued
The Government issued a clarification regarding Attachment 0002 – Scorecard, specifically item #6, after noting that the existing language had caused confusion for some offerors.
Key Clarification:
- Offerors do not receive credit for a non-relevant project, regardless of the past performance score
- If CPARS is available, the Government will use CPARS
- If no CPARS is available, the offeror may submit PPQs
- This clarification does not amend the solicitation or attachments
- Offerors may use either the June 2 or June 15, 2026 version of Attachment 0002, with the understanding of the corrected note
This update serves as a clarification only and does not require a formal solicitation amendment or replacement of the applicable attachment version.
June 02, 2026:
Amendment #9 Issued with Updated Scorecard
The Government has released Amendment 0009 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006). All solicitation documents have been posted for offeror review.
Key Updates:
- Amendment 0009 has been issued
- All solicitation documents are attached for review
- The only attachment update in Amendment 0009 is Attachment 0002 – Scorecard
- All proposals must be resubmitted using the latest version of the solicitation and attachments
- On SF33 Block 3, W15P7T26RA0060009 is identified; however, the solicitation number remains W15P7T26RA006, and the “0009” suffix only reflects the amendment number
This is another compliance-sensitive update for MAPS offerors. Because all proposals must be resubmitted using the latest solicitation and attachments, contractors should review the updated Scorecard carefully and ensure their final submission package aligns with Amendment #9 before upload.
May 22, 2026:
Amendment #8 Issued and Proposal Resubmission Required
The Government has released Amendment 008 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), following the earlier notice that a substantive amendment would be issued after Amendment #7.
Key Updates:
- Amendment 008 has been issued
- Updated solicitation documents and attachments have been released for offeror review
- The solicitation number remains W15P7T26RA006; the “0008” suffix in W15P7T26RA0060008 only reflects the amendment number
- All proposals must be updated and resubmitted using the latest solicitation documents and attachments
- The proposal due date remains June 22, 2026
This is an important compliance update for all MAPS offerors. Unlike the previous extension notice, Amendment #8 requires offerors to revisit their submission package and resubmit using the latest documents and attachments. Contractors should carefully review the amended solicitation package, update applicable forms, and ensure their final submission aligns with the most current requirements.
May 20, 2026:
Amendment #7 Issued and Proposal Due Date Extended to June 22
The Government issued Amendment 007 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), officially extending the proposal submission deadline to June 22, 2026.
Key Updates:
- Amendment 007 issued
- The proposal due date has been extended to June 22, 2026
- The amendment appears to be limited to the due date extension
- A more substantive Amendment 008 is expected to follow
- Offerors should continue monitoring SAM.gov for further documentation and instructions
This update formally confirms the extension previewed on May 19 and gives offerors additional time to finalize, revise, or strengthen their MAPS submissions before the new deadline.
May 19, 2026:
Amendment #7 Forthcoming with 30-Day Extension Planned
The Government announced its intent to release Amendment 007 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006) and stated that the proposal submission deadline would be extended by 30 days.
Key Updates:
- Amendment 007 is forthcoming
- The proposal due date is expected to be extended by 30 days
- Formal amendment documentation has not yet been released
- Offerors were advised to continue monitoring SAM.gov for the official amendment release and further instructions
May 8, 2026:
Proposal Due Date Extended to May 20 and Amendment #6 Issued
The Contracting Office has released Amendment 006 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), extending the proposal submission deadline and providing updated solicitation documents for offeror review.
What’s Included in This Update:
- Summary of key changes released
- Amended solicitation document issued
- Proposal submission deadline extended to 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- SF33 clarification: Block 3 reflects W15P7T26RA0060006, but the solicitation number remains W15P7T26RA006; the “0006” suffix only denotes the amendment number
Offerors who have already submitted a proposal are not required to resubmit because of this extension. However, offerors may choose to submit a revised proposal. Any revised submission will replace the previously submitted proposal in the portal.
May 5, 2026:
Amendment #5 Issued with Q&A Released
The Contracting Office has released Amendment 005 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), along with the official responses to all MAPS solicitation questions.
What’s Included in This Update:
Proposals remain due no later than 5:00 PM ET on May 8, 2026.
This update is especially important for offerors finalizing their submissions, as the released Q&A may clarify proposal instructions, attachment requirements, evaluation expectations, and compliance-sensitive details. Contractors should carefully review Amendment #5 and the Q&A document before submitting to ensure their proposal package reflects the latest guidance.
April 30, 2026:
Amendment #4 Issued with Revised Solicitation Documents and Attachments
The Contracting Office has released Amendment 0004 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), along with a summary of key changes, an amended solicitation document, and revised attachments.
Key Updates Included in Amendment #4:
- Summary of key changes released for offeror review
- Amended solicitation document issued
- All revised attachments made available
Important Proposal Preparation Instructions:
Attachment 0002 – Scorecard
- Small Business, Emerging Large Business, and Large Business Offerors must use Attachment 0002 – Amendment 04
- Commercial-Sector Vendor Offerors must continue to use Attachment 0002 – Amendment 02
Attachment 0003 – Qualifying Project Form
- All Offerors must use Attachment 0003 – Amendment 03
- Exception: If the Qualifying Project is LOE-Based, Amendment 02 may be used
This update is important for proposal compliance because offerors must ensure they are using the correct attachment versions based on their business category and Qualifying Project type. Contractors pursuing MAPS should carefully review Amendment #4 and validate their submission package before final upload.
April 23, 2026:
A bid protest has been filed regarding the MAPS solicitation (W15P7T26RA006).
On April 23, 2026, MetroStar Systems, LLC filed a protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (File No. B-424433.1), challenging aspects of the MAPS solicitation.
Key Details:
- Solicitation Number: W15P7T26RA0060002
- Agency: U.S. Army Materiel Command, Department of the Army
- Protest Status: Open
- Decision Due Date: August 3, 2026
Timeline Impact:
- The anticipated MAPS award timeline is now expected around August 2026, subject to the outcome of the protest
April 22, 2026:
Proposal Due Date Extended and Amendment #3 Issued
The Contracting Office has released Amendment 0003 to the MAPS Solicitation (W15P7T26RA006), along with updated solicitation documents and attachments.
Timeline Update:
- Proposal Submission Deadline Extended: May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Q&A Responses Expected: By April 24, 2026
Key Updates Included in Amendment #3:
- Release of:
- Summary of key changes
- Amended solicitation document
- All updated attachments
Updated Proposal Instructions:
- Small Business, Emerging Large Business, and Large Business Offerors must use Attachment 0002 – Amendment 03
- Commercial-Sector Vendor Offerors must use Attachment 0002 – Amendment 02
- All Offerors must submit Attachment 0003 – Amendment 03, unless the Qualifying Project (QP) is LOE-based, in which case Amendment 02 may be used
This amendment introduces updated submission requirements and extends the proposal timeline, making it critical for offerors to review and align with the latest versions of all solicitation documents and attachments.
April 16, 2026:
Clarification on Qualifying Project Form (Attachment 0003 AMD 02)
The Contracting Office has issued a clarification regarding Attachment 0003 (Amendment 02) – Qualifying Project Form for the MAPS solicitation.
According to the update, some offerors have reported a functionality issue when printing the form to PDF, specifically related to checkbox fields in:
- Item 003
- Item 021
The Government has reviewed the issue and confirmed that it is not affecting all offerors.
Key Clarification:
- Offerors who have not experienced the issue, or who were able to proceed using a workaround, are not required to use a revised version of the form for submission
This update serves as a technical clarification rather than a formal solicitation change, and does not impact submission requirements or timelines.
Contractors should ensure their submitted forms are complete and accurate, regardless of the version used.
April 14, 2026:
The agency has issued an update regarding Attachment 0003 AMD 02 – Qualifying Project Form. They received questions related to the wrapped text functionality in Part 2, and the issue has now been resolved. The corrected version is available in the Attachment/Links section of the posting.
April 9, 2026:
Amendment #2 Issued with Updated Solicitation Documents and Attachments
A new modified solicitation notice has been posted on SAM.gov as a related notice for the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) opportunity.
The notice announces the issuance of Amendment 0002 to the MAPS Solicitation, Solicitation No. W15P7T26RA006. According to the update, the following documents have been revised and reissued for industry review:
- Summary of key changes
- Amended solicitation document
- All amended attachments
Contractors pursuing MAPS should review the amended solicitation package carefully to identify any updates to proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, or required attachments before submission.
April 7, 2026:
Amendment #1 Issued to Refine Final RFP Instructions
The Contracting Office released Amendment #1 to the final MAPS solicitation on April 7, 2026. The amendment updates Section L – Instructions to Offerors, Section M – Evaluation Factors, Attachment 0001 – Cover Letter, and Attachment 0002 – Scorecards.
According to the update, the purpose of the amendment is to revise proposal instructions and evaluation-related details, including updating information to reflect the CPARS date being three years prior to May 1, 2026, as well as CUI-related supporting documentation submission requirements.
Importantly, the amendment does not change the current solicitation timeline:
- Questions Due: April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Proposal Submission Due: May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
This update appears to be a refinement amendment rather than a major structural change, meaning offerors should carefully review the revised instructions, cover letter, and scorecards to ensure proposal compliance under the final RFP.
April 1, 2026:
Final MAPS RFP Released
On April 1, 2026, the U.S. Army released the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) contract vehicle.
- Proposal Deadline: May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Solicitation Status: Final RFP issued (no further draft iterations expected)
- Official Listing: Available on SAM.gov
What Changed in This Update
This update marks the official transition from draft RFP to final solicitation, confirming that:
- The Army has incorporated feedback from prior draft releases
- All sections, including evaluation criteria and submission instructions, are now finalized
- Contractors now have a fixed proposal window leading up to the May 1 deadline
Why This Matters
With the final RFP now released, MAPS has moved into the active proposal submission phase, where:
- All proposal requirements are locked in
- Contractors must align fully with finalized instructions and evaluation criteria
March 30, 2026:
MAPS Solicitation Is Now Live
The Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) solicitation is officially live, marking the shift from draft analysis to full proposal execution.
While the final release closely mirrors Draft 6, the most significant development is the compression of the timeline.
Key Dates to Know
- Questions Due: April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Proposal Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
March 27, 2026:
Final Draft 6 Released with Clarifications
The Contracting Office has released a modification confirming the Final (6th) Draft of the MAPS RFP, providing additional clarification and expanded language ahead of the anticipated Final RFP release. This update builds on prior industry feedback and recent draft iterations, signaling continued refinement of the solicitation rather than a structural change.
Key Highlights:
- Final Draft 6 released (March 27, 2026) with updated and clarified RFP language
- Expanded guidance provided around:
- Joint Ventures (JVs)
- Emerging Large Businesses and their role within the acquisition
- The update reflects ongoing incorporation of industry feedback from prior drafts and engagement sessions
Timeline Status
- The schedule for the Final RFP remains on track for late March to early April 2026
- This aligns with prior Government indications of a near-term transition to the Final RFP phase
This update does not introduce major structural changes but provides important clarifications that will directly impact proposal strategy, particularly for joint ventures and companies transitioning into emerging large business categories.
Vendors should carefully review Draft 6 to ensure alignment with the latest eligibility, structuring, and positioning requirements ahead of the Final RFP release.
March 20, 2026
Acquisition Strategy Document Released
The Department of the Army has released a formal acquisition strategy and consolidation justification document for the MAPS program, providing additional clarity into how the contract vehicle will be structured and executed.
While the consolidation of RS3 and ITES-3S into MAPS was previously indicated, this update provides the official written determination and supporting rationale behind that strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- The consolidation has been formally determined to be “necessary and justified” based on completed market research
- The strategy is expected to:
- Reduce overall procurement and administrative costs
- Eliminate duplicative contract vehicles and management overhead
- Improve operational efficiency and mission performance
- The document outlines both quantifiable and non-quantifiable benefits, reinforcing the long-term value of a unified contract vehicle
This update does not introduce new requirements but provides greater transparency into the Government’s acquisition approach, confirming that MAPS is being structured as a single, integrated replacement for multiple legacy vehicles.
Vendors should interpret this as a strong signal that the Government’s consolidation strategy is now fully validated and moving forward with defined intent.
March 10, 2026
MAPS RFP Draft 5, Virtual Listening Session & Survey!
The MAPS RFP Draft 5 has been released, following a thorough review of industry feedback. This updated draft reflects refined acquisition criteria designed to better align with industry needs and expectations.
To help stakeholders better understand the latest updates, a Virtual Listening Session will be held on Thursday, March 12th, at 1:00 PM EST. During this session, the contracting team will walk through the new draft, explain the changes, and clarify the reasoning behind them. You can join the session via the link provided in the SAM posting.
In addition, the Government is requesting your input through a survey that will play a key role in shaping the Final RFP. Your feedback is essential to ensure the RFP aligns with the needs of the industry, so please take the time to answer the survey questions thoroughly.
For more information and to access the survey and session link, visit: MAPS RFP Draft 5, Virtual Listening Session & Survey!
February 4, 2026
Requirements Revisions and Timeline Changes
The U.S. Army has issued another update to the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) solicitation, confirming additional requirement revisions and a further shift in the acquisition timeline. Officials indicated that the solicitation remains under active review as they evaluate extensive industry feedback and revise RFP language.
This marks another pause in the MAPS acquisition, which has experienced multiple start-and-stop adjustments since its initial release.
Timeline Update
During the January 28, 2026, Industry Day, the Government stated that the final solicitation would be released on February 2, 2026, with proposals due by March 4, 2026. According to a February 1 SAM.gov notice update, those dates are no longer valid.
The Government now intends to:
- Release another Draft RFP
- Follow with the Final RFP
- Provide an updated acquisition timeline
All actions are expected to occur within the current quarter.
Officials cited the volume and substance of industry engagement as a key driver for the delay, noting that they received several hundred questions during Industry Day, in addition to written responses submitted following the mid-January Draft RFP release.
Proposed Requirement Revisions Under Review
The Contracting Office confirmed that multiple revisions are forthcoming, though final language has not yet been issued. Areas identified for refinement include:
Emerging Large Businesses:
The Government plans to revise language related to the inclusion and eligibility criteria for Emerging Large Businesses. Officials indicated that revisions may account for contractor growth over the life of the 10-year, $50B contract.
Qualifying Projects (QP) and Subcontractor Experience:
The Government is reconsidering current restrictions on Qualifying Projects. Under the existing Draft RFP, offerors may not use subcontractor experience. Officials indicated this requirement is under review and may be revised.
Current Draft QP criteria include:
- Single contract or task order (prime or commercial)
- Minimum $2.5M value
- At least one year of performance
- Period of performance ending no more than four years prior to final solicitation
- NAICS alignment with the applicable MAPS Domain
Off-Ramp Criteria
Officials are refining off-ramp provisions. The current Draft RFP requires vendors to bid on at least 50% of opportunities within their awarded Domain, with additional off-ramp triggers including contractor-caused cost overruns and vacancy rates. These provisions are expected to be clarified or restructured.
Commercial-Sector Vendor Requirements
Outcome-based service requirements for Commercial-Sector Vendors are also under review. These vendors, which have not performed federal contracts or subcontracts within the last four years, will continue to compete alongside large and small businesses. The Government intends to award 10 Commercial-Sector vendors per Domain.
While these changes remain preliminary, they indicate the Government is actively adjusting the MAPS framework in response to industry feedback.
Vendors should continue monitoring upcoming Draft RFP releases and prepare for further engagement opportunities as the solicitation evolves.
February 1, 2026
Post-Industry Day Signals & Timeline Shift
Following recent MAPS Industry Day discussions, the Government has formally acknowledged industry feedback and indicated that several meaningful refinements to the MAPS solicitation are under active consideration. While these changes are still preliminary, they signal a more flexible and performance-driven acquisition approach.
Preliminary Adjustments Under Consideration
The Government outlined potential updates in the following areas:
- Emerging Large Businesses: Introduction of defined inclusion criteria
- Subcontractor Experience: Certain offerors may be permitted to leverage subcontractor past performance for qualifying projects
- Outcome-Based Requirements: Additional refinements anticipated for Commercial-Sector vendors
- Off-Ramp Terms: Clarifications and structural adjustments expected
Although no final decisions have been issued, these early indicators suggest the MAPS framework may evolve to better reflect real-world performance and delivery models.
Timeline Update
The schedule previously shared during Industry Day is no longer valid. The Government now intends to:
- Release another Draft RFP
- Follow with the Final RFP
- Publish a revised acquisition timeline
All of the above actions are expected to occur within the current quarter.
Vendors are encouraged to closely monitor upcoming releases and prepare for additional opportunities to engage as the MAPS solicitation continues to mature.
January 23, 2026
The Contracting Office has officially released the updated MAPS Draft RFP (Draft 4), along with the supporting documents and Q&A link, all of which are now available for review.
Key Highlights:
- Questions/Comments Deadline: January 27, 2026, by 2:00 PM EST. All submissions will be addressed during the upcoming Industry Day/Industry Update.
- Planned Awards: Each domain will include a minimum of 50 awards, with allocations as follows:
- 15 Large Businesses
- 10 Commercial Sector Vendors
- 25 Small Business Reserves, including:
- 5 Small Business (SB)
- 4 Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- 3 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- 3 HUBZone Small Business
- 5 Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
- 5 8(a) Small Business
- Industry Day (In-Person) Notes:
- The event is proceeding as scheduled, but weather conditions are being monitored.
- Carpooling is strongly encouraged, and attendees should plan to arrive early due to potential delays at the security gate.
- Pre-registration for gate access is recommended, in accordance with visitor guidelines.
Please begin reviewing Draft 4 and the newly released documents. All questions and comments must be submitted by the January 27 deadline for consolidation. Be sure to take part in the upcoming Industry Day to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
December 19, 2025
Acquisition Proceeding with Industry Event on January 28, 2026
The U.S. Government has confirmed that the MAPS acquisition will proceed as planned! After thorough consideration, the Government has decided to move forward with the initiative, and an upcoming industry event is scheduled for January 28, 2026. This event will be held at no cost and is open to both industry professionals and government representatives.
Event Details:
- Date: January 28, 2026
- Participation: Both in-person and virtual options are available
- Registration: All attendees must register for participation, with in-person attendance limited to two representatives per company.
- Note: This event is in line with FAR 15.201 and is informational. It does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. Attendance is voluntary and does not impact any potential future solicitations.
For more information and to submit questions, please visit the following SAM.gov link.
We encourage all interested parties to register early and stay engaged with this important opportunity.
June 12, 2025
The Contracting Office has clarified that the MAPS initiative has not been cancelled. Instead, it is currently undergoing a period of “reflective delay”—a term used by the agency to indicate a strategic pause rather than a termination. No timeline has been provided for next steps or resolution. Jeannette Brush has been named the designated point of contact (POC) for any MAPS-related inquiries.
Vendors and stakeholders are advised to remain attentive for further updates, especially as this contract vehicle holds strategic significance for the acquisition of professional services across federal agencies.
March 26, 2025
MAPS Delayed Due to Executive Order Review
The U.S. Army has issued Update 8 regarding the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) contract vehicle.
In response to the recent Executive Order titled “Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement,” the Army is currently reviewing the potential impacts of this policy on the MAPS initiative.
- As a result of this review, there will be a delay in both the Pre-Solicitation Meeting and the release of the Final Draft RFP.
Stay tuned for further information as the MAPS procurement strategy evolves in response to this new directive.
March 21, 2025
MAPS Draft 4 Coming Soon + Pre-Solicitation Conference Announced The Government has announced two major updates regarding the upcoming MAPS solicitation:- Draft 4 Release – Final Planned Draft: The highly anticipated Draft 4 of the MAPS Solicitation is set to be released early next week. This draft will be the final planned version before the official solicitation release, offering Industry a last opportunity to review and prepare.
- MAPS Pre-Solicitation Conference – April 2, 2025: To further support Industry understanding of the solicitation, the Government will host a virtual Pre-Solicitation Conference:
- Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Time: 10:30 AM Eastern
- Platform: Microsoft Teams Live Event
- A detailed walkthrough of each section of Draft 4 of the MAPS Solicitation
- Responses to commonly submitted questions
- Interactive Q&A session allowing Industry participants to ask live questions during the event
- Closes: Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern
- Register here: MAPS Pre-Solicitation Conference Registration
February 14, 2025
UPDATE 6: MAPS RFP Draft 3 Released – Feedback Due by February 14, 2025
The Government has released Draft 3 of the Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) RFP. Offerors are requested to review the draft and submit feedback via the designated Microsoft Form by 5:00 PM EST on February 14, 2025.Key Updates in Draft 3
- Incorporates industry feedback from previous drafts.
- Refines evaluation criteria and performance requirements.
- Clarifies compliance and reporting obligations.
- Adjustments to contract structure and ceiling values.
- Review Draft 3 – Access the latest version on SAM.gov.
- Submit Feedback – Complete the Microsoft Form provided in the update.
- Deadline – Ensure all responses are submitted by 5:00 PM EST, February 14, 2025.
What is Included in MAPS IDIQ?
MAPS covers a wide range of knowledge-based support services that include:
- Technical Services: Engineering, logistics, manufacturing readiness, technology insertion, integration, and interoperability.
- Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Services: Basic research, applied research, experimental/developmental research, modeling and simulation, prototyping and fabrication support, and exploratory research.
- Management and Advisory Services: Acquisition and strategic planning, financial services, training services, education services, program management, quality assurance, and risk management.
- High-Level IT Services: Intelligent Automation, cloud services, component framework, big data and analytics, quantum computing, business process reengineering, network/systems operation and maintenance, integration and consolidation, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.
- Low-Level IT Services: Help desk support, independent verification and validation, IT supply chain management, IT management services, business process reengineering, network/systems operation and maintenance, and general IT services.
What Do You Need for Your MAPS Contract Submission?
Below is a table that explains the various documents and volumes to be included in the proposal package:
[IMAGE: Army MAPS Contract]
Here is a detailed explanation of these sections:
1. Cover Letter
- Point of Contact for Proposal:
- Domain(s) Proposed To: Clearly state the specific MAPS Domain(s) on which the Offeror is bidding.
- Company Name: The official name of the Offeror’s company.
- Business Size: The business size classification of the Offeror.
- CAGE and Parent CAGE Code: The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code of the Offeror and any parent companies.
2. Gate Criteria
Offerors must complete Attachment 0001, “Gate Criteria Questions,” and provide all necessary supporting documentation with their proposal. The Gate Criteria will be used by the government to determine whether the proposal will be moved into the next stage by the agency. This includes:
- Active Secret Facility Clearance
- Active ISO 9001:2015 certification.
- CMMC Level 2 or higher certification.
- Government Approved Accounting System.
- Acceptable CPARS Ratings.
For small business offerors, in addition to the above, they must also submit the following:
- Documentation of their active Small Business Certification.
- Have a higher threshold for acceptable CPARS ratings.
3. Volume I – Systems, Rates, and Certifications
All the offerors who claim points on the scorecard for the Systems, Rates, and Certifications must provide proof in this volume.
Government Approved Systems and Rates:
Offerors must provide documentation to support any claims of government-approved systems or rates, including:
- Approved Purchasing System: Verification from DCMA or a Cognizant Federal Agency (CFA).
- Approved Rates: Verification of Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRA), Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRR), and/or Approved Billing Rates from DCAA, DCMA, or a CFA.
- Approved Estimating System: Verification from DCAA, DCMA, or a CFA of an audited and accepted estimating system.
- Property Management System: Verification from DCMA or a CFA of an audited and accepted property management system.
- Earned Value Management System: Verification from DCMA or a CFA of an audited and accepted earned value management system.
Certifications:
Offerors must provide documentation for any certifications claimed beyond those required in Attachment 0001, such as:
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 or higher.
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
4. Volume II – Past Performance
The agency will evaluate past performance factors using Qualifying Projects (QPs). Offerors can submit up to three distinct QPs for each domain, each meeting specific criteria:
- A single contract (prime, subcontract, or commercial), a Task Order under an IDIQ, BPA, or Basic Ordering Agreement, or a Task Order under a Federal Supply Schedule contract.
- Minimum total contract value of $2 million.
- At least one year of performance, but not over four years of the final proposal submission due date identified in the RFP.
- The NAICS code must be the same as one of the five NAICS codes aligned to the MAPS domains.
For each Qualifying Project, the following information must be provided:
- Specific contract/agreement number (subcontractors must submit a copy of the agreement).
- The dollar value of the contract
- NAICS code
- A brief description of the work performed and a mapping to the PWS to demonstrate relevance to the domain.
- Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 0002) if the QP is not in CPARS or has no specific NAICS code.
5. Volume III – Technical
Recruitment: Overview of processes for recruiting and hiring staff for specialized and non-specialized labor categories, addressing:
- How qualified candidates will be recruited?
- How key positions will be recruited and staffed?
- Timeline for recruiting and staffing positions.
- The number of recruiter positions staffed.
- Presence of a Human Resources department and its organizational structure.
Retention: Overview of processes for retaining employees, including:
- Explanation of how the company supports internal and professional development.
- Mentorship programs offered to employees.
- Specific processes used to retain employees.
Risk Management: Overview of policies and procedures for identifying, mitigating, and managing risks, including:
- Proactive risk management strategies
- Current Organizational Conflict of Interest plan.
6. Small Business Subcontracting Plan
This plan will only be required for the offerors that are Large Businesses concerns for any NAICS within the proposed domains.
Key Points for the Preparation of MAPS Contract
- The agency intends to make a total of 100 awards, 20 awards per domain. Each domain will have small business reserve requirements. According to the agency, “an offeror that is determined to be a responsible source, submits a technically acceptable proposal that conforms to the requirements of the solicitation, has one of the top 20 scores in the Domain”
- Gate criteria is mandatory, and the government will first assess all the responses to decide whether a proposal will be moved to the next level.
- In addition to the clearances, certifications, and systems, special focus has been placed on the CPARS Ratings for past performances. For large businesses, the Offeror will be excluded from evaluations if 40% or more of the element ratings are MARGINAL or below. For small businesses, if 60% or more of the element ratings are MARGINAL or below, the offeror will be excluded from evaluations.
- The government has detailed how the systems, certifications, past performances, technical volumes, and other factors will be rated.
- For past performances, offerors will get points based on their relevance to the technical capabilities under the domain they are proposing. NAICS alignment, recency, and performance quality will also be points that an offeror can get.
The initial drafts on the MAPS IDIQ clearly indicate that the agency is looking to secure services from contractors who have approved systems, secure data protocols, and good past performance. Contractors looking to bid for this IDIQ must ensure they can satisfy all the criteria listed in the gate criteria questions and have valid proof. To provide proof of past performances, contractors need to get their CPARS or any other documentation that will suffice the need. The government is also looking at contractors with clear organizational structures, recruitment, and retention plans and can provide clear risk mitigation strategies.
Regarding MAPS, Danielle Moyer, executive director of ACC-APG, said, “The creation of MAPS is a great example of the government seeing the potential to bring efficiencies together and communicating its ideas to our industry partners early. Over the last four months, we sought out and read hundreds of responses from industry, which confirmed our thoughts. Reducing duplication of effort, while saving the government and industry both time and money, made this decision a no-brainer.”
Going after MAPS can be complex and time-consuming, especially for small businesses. Our team here at iQuasar simplifies the process for you. We have successfully supported small businesses bidding for complex contract vehicles such as SEWP VI, OASIS+, PACTS III, Polaris, and other IDIQs and GWACs. We are constantly tracking updates to these contract vehicles. Our team of experts will supervise the entire process by helping you evaluate your eligibility, increase your readiness levels, prepare a custom-made proposal development strategy to your firm’s unique requirements, and create a high-quality and compliant response to help you win. Please feel free to contact us to find out more.