The federal government is the largest buyer in the world, spending more than $760 billion on products and services each year. Working with the federal government is lucrative yet challenging for small businesses. Every year, the government releases hundreds of opportunities, including numerous contract vehicles that ensure a streamlined acquisition process for agencies. More recently, the government’s focus has been to either rely on existing governmentwide acquisition contracts for procuring goods and services instead of issuing their own agency-specific contract vehicles, and consolidating their existing contracts into one large contract vehicle.
Contract vehicles present lucrative opportunities, unlocking a vast realm of sustainable business growth. Federal agencies use these vehicles to streamline acquisition and establish a select pool of specialized, high-quality sellers. This blog examines some of the most awaited contract vehicles in 2025, including MAPS, CIO-CS “The Store”, MSD MAIDIQ, SOFGSD, and CenTAM. Let’s dive right in!
Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS)
Overview:
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. 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.
Scope:
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.
Benefits of MAPS for Small Businesses:
The agency has clearly defined that they intend to make 100 awards in total, 20 per Domain, and each domain has small business reserve requirements. For small businesses, it will be a great opportunity to provide services that include various information technology (IT) and engineering services ranging from technical services like engineering and manufacturing readiness to research, development, testing, cybersecurity, cloud services, helpdesk services, and more.
Latest Developments on MAPS:
The government released the second draft sections L&M of the RFP on December 13, 2024. Feedback concerning the Draft Sections is due by 4:30 PM ET on January 13, 2025. The Solicitation for MAPS is expected to be issued in February 2025, with Proposals due in March 2025. Evaluations are expected to be completed by July 2025, and awards will be announced in August 2025. You can also track the complete progress here.
Chief Information Officer – Commodities Store “THE STORE”
Overview:
CIO-CS is the next iteration of the Chief Information Officer Commodity Solutions. The current iteration is a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year optional period with a maximum dollar value of $20 Billion. The current CIO-CS contract was awarded in 2015 and will expire in 2025. 40.75% of the total dollar value for this vehicle was spent through the Small Business set-aside. CIO-CS is the successor contract to NIH’s current Electronic Commodities Store (ECS) III, which expired in November 2014.
The planned follow-on contract will continue to support NIH’s mission-critical programs and other IT-related needs across the federal government by providing the ability to quickly and efficiently procure commercial-off-the-shelf commodities and commodity-enabling solutions. These IT commodities and associated commodity-enabling services will include IT equipment aligned to health and biomedical research, scientific, administrative, operational, managerial, and information management requirements.
Scope:
The scope of CIO-CS encompasses a wide range of IT goods and services, such as related services, software, hardware, and software integration. Based on the last released Sources Sought Notice, below are the draft product categories and groups to be included:
Benefits of CIO-CS for Small Businesses:
- Set-Aside Opportunities: CIO-CS may provide small businesses with set-aside possibilities, guaranteeing that a percentage of contract wins will be set aside solely for small businesses, who will benefit from this decreased competition.
- Reduced Competition: Small businesses may occasionally see lower competition when using the CIO-CS contract vehicle compared to open-market procurements, and may have a better chance of obtaining contract awards as a result of the decreased competition.
- Long-Term Contracting Relationships: Small businesses can build enduring connections with federal agencies by securing contracts through CIO-CS. These continuing connections can pave the way for future expansion and success as well as lead to prospects for repeat business. Long-term contracting relationships help build strong past performances and lead to greater trust.
Latest Developments on CIO-CS:
Based on the latest updates, it is expected that RFP is expected to be released in early spring 2025. On March 11, 2024, the Contracting Office published a Small Business Sources Sought. Responses were due by March 25, 2024, at 4:30 PM ET.
New Modern Software Delivery Multiple Award IDIQ
Overview:
The New Modern Software Delivery Multiple Award IDIQ contract is a significant initiative designed to provide the U.S. Army with the capability to rapidly design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain mission-critical applications and systems. This multiple-award contract vehicle with a ceiling of total contract value of $50 billion aligns with Army Directive (AD) 2024-02 and the DoD Modern Software Strategy, aiming to modernize the Army by swiftly delivering software capabilities. The contract emphasizes adaptability, interoperability, scalability, and usability and is structured to allow for adjustments throughout the software lifecycle to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
Scope:
The MSD MAIDIQ contract’s scope is broad, encompassing various software-related activities:
- Software development, security, and operations (DevSecOps, DSO), which includes the use of Agile Program Management, Repo & Artifact Stores, Automated Security, Automated Testing, CI/CD Orchestration, and Active Monitoring.
- Software delivery using modern architectures, infrastructure, and platforms such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and Managed Services.
- Support for digital transformations that apply modern technologies.
The core task areas for this IDIQ include the following:
1. Agile Software Objectives
- Configuration and Integration of Software
The Contractor will provide configuration and development against existing Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS) products and environments to accelerate speed to delivery with a focus on minimizing customizations and using vendor-intended configuration practices to reduce technical debt. - Low Code Software Solution
The contractor will provide the ability to adapt or integrate an existing capability to collaboratively develop and meet operational requirements. The contractor shall ensure the software remains functional, relevant, and aligned with objectives, goals, and requirements, which may include adapting/integrating, modifying, and/or evolving on top of existing software/solution to meet operational requirements, incorporate feedback, integrate with emerging technologies or comply with regulations, standards, and laws. - Custom Software Development
Contractors will provide custom software development that supports the creation and delivery of software that meets Army requirements and is tailored to meet unique expectations, needs, objectives, innovations, and operational challenges utilizing the writing of new code.
2. Modern Software Focus Areas
- Modern Software Hosting & Operations
Contractors will focus on integrating software security, modernizing, and automating Software hosting and operations, as applicable to the order level. - Software Security
Contractors will implement software security that ensures solutions are designed, developed, deployed, and maintained with robust safeguards to protect against vulnerabilities, unauthorized access and potential threats, risks, and failures. - Data Mesh Principles
Data from software solutions developed under the MSD contract shall implement the relevant concepts found in the UDRA for the adherence to data mesh principles and apply any future data architectures to achieve the Army’s centricity objectives. - Agile Program Management
Agile Program Management activities will span across the base MAIDIQ scope. This includes the management and oversight of all activities performed and delivered by Contractor personnel, including subcontractors, to satisfy the requirements of the order-level contract.
Benefits of MSD IDIQ for Small Businesses:
The MSD MAIDIQ contract provides significant opportunities for small businesses:
- The agency intends to reserve awards for small businesses with a minimum guarantee of Ten (10) small business awards or 20% based on the total awarded IDIQ base contract awards to Small Businesses, whichever is greater of all contract awards.
- The agency also intends to set aside orders valued at $10M or less per year for small businesses, as informed by market research.
- Small Businesses may compete on unrestricted Orders without having to meet the requirements of the Limitations on Subcontracting clause.
Latest Developments on MSD IDIQ:
The contracting office released Q&As on December 20, 2024. The agency released the third draft RFP on 13th December 2024. The final RFP will be released in January 2025, with bids due in February 2025. Awards will be made in March 2025. The first Task Orders will be executed in May 2025.
Special Operations Forces Global Services Delivery (SOFGSD)
Overview:
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is establishing a new contract vehicle called Special Operations Forces Global Services Delivery (SOFGSD) to acquire knowledge-based services. This program aims to support USSOCOM’s mission to provide fully capable Special Operations Forces by ensuring they are highly trained, properly equipped, and deployed effectively. The SOFGSD acquisition is a 100% Small Business set aside, making it a significant opportunity for eligible companies. The SOFGSD contract will be an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a 10-year ordering period and the agency is intending to make a total of 15 awards based on the Highest Technical Rated Offerors. According to the SOCOM Tentative Acquisition Forecast FY24-FY28, the Government estimates the value to be $3.2 Billion.
Scope:
The scope includes a broad range of services, which are categorized as follows:
1. Education and Training Services:
- Provide support to USSOCOM organizations involved in training SOF in both garrison and field environments.
- Conduct vocational and technical training, lectures, testing, and curriculum development.
- Develop and maintain training materials, lesson plans, and web content.
- Provide cultural and language training, translation services, and expertise in foreign languages.
- Develop, modify, or support existing data models, wargames, and simulations.
- Provide subject matter experts to participate in exercises and battle staff events.
2. Management Support Services:
- Provide advice and assistance with the management and operation of SOF organizations.
- Offer strategic planning, SOF capability and structuring analysis, and advice.
- Prepare reports on issues discussed during meetings and conferences.
- Provide independent expert advisory services.
3. Program Management:
- Assist the government in completing program management, research, studies, and analysis documents, events, and activities.
- Provide mission support and planning products.
- Offer expertise in irregular warfare, information operations, and military deception.
- Conduct studies and analyses of current, future, or required capabilities.
- Provide acquisition program management expertise.
4. Engineering and Technical Services:
- Provide support for engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, and technical reviews.
- Develop, improve, or modify designs, standards, and technical processes.
- Perform technical analysis and evaluation of various technologies and systems.
- Support the development of data management portions of acquisition documentation.
- Support the development or modification of plans, architectures, frameworks, and policies.
- Perform research and analysis in support of government-led activities.
- Provide systems engineering and technical management support.
- Provide test and evaluation support.
5. Professional Services
- Provide multimedia support, graphic arts design, and photography.
- Provide physical security services and preparedness support.
- Offer support in strategic communication, public affairs, and media production.
- Provide historian expertise.
6. Intelligence Professional Services:
- Offer military intelligence, human intelligence, and geospatial intelligence services.
- Provide support for intelligence and operational planning.
- Provide civil affairs (CA) and military information support operations (MISO).
- Support mission planning, exploitation, and signature reduction.
7. Administrative and Other Services:
- Create, revise, or maintain administrative workflows and procedures.
- Research and compile material for position and concept papers.
- Prepare reports on issues discussed during meetings and conferences.
- Perform basic office management functions.
- Provide support for technical conferences and meetings.
Benefits of SOFGSD for Small Businesses:
The SOFGSD contract is specifically set aside for small businesses, which provides a significant competitive advantage. Additionally, the program aims to maximize competition and small business participation. The multiple-award IDIQ structure allows for several small businesses to receive contracts. The program intends to establish a General Pool and three Specialty Pools (Education and Training, Intelligence Support, and Exercise Support) which further increases opportunities for small businesses.
Latest Developments on SOFGSD:
The Contracting Office issued a Modification on December 17, 2024. The purpose of the Modification was to provide questions and answers. Responses to the latest RFI are due no later than January 3, 2025. A draft RFP will be released prior to the Industry Day that is anticipated to be held in March 2025 and the solicitation will also be released in March 2025.
Census Bureau Transformation & Application Modernization (CenTAM).
Overview:
CenTAM is the latest U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau’s upcoming Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) aimed to fulfill the requirement to support Decennial programs transformation to secure cloud applications and expanded use of advanced data science. These requirements will enable the secure design, operations, and management of applications and the deployment of innovative solutions to improve the Census Bureau’s ability to create high-quality data products for its stakeholders and customers.
The Census Bureau has determined that an enterprise-wide approach would be in the government’s best interest and will be transitioning the DTAM procurement to an enterprise-wide requirement now titled Census Bureau Transformation & Application Modernization (CenTAM). The Census Bureau anticipates CenTAM will be a multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) under the Special Item Number (SIN) 54151S – Information Technology Professional Services. Additionally, the Government intends for CenTAM to be a total small business set aside. The anticipated period of performance is up to 10 years with an estimated BPA ceiling of over $1B, and the projected timeline for the release of the CenTAM Solicitation is Q2 FY2025.
Scope:
- Task Area 1 – Contract Management: This area focuses on the overall management of the contract, ensuring that cost, schedule, quality, resources, budget, and financial controls are continuously monitored and reported. It includes developing a contract management plan, managing staff and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with relevant policies, and handling meetings and reporting.
- Task Area 2 – Project & Program Management: This area supports a wide range of Decennial Program projects and programs critical to planning, testing, and execution. It includes IT project and program management, training, organizational change management, and IT operational delivery management.
- Task Area 3 – Systems Engineering: This area focuses on defining needs and functions early in the development cycle. It involves systems engineering and architecture, cloud-native engineering, systems engineering management, eSDLC, tools management, and requirements management.
- Task Area 4 – Applications Management Services: This area encompasses a range of services related to application management. It includes research and development, application architecture, DevSecOps, application testing, application security, application operations and maintenance, and cloud migration.
- Task Area 5 – Advanced Data Science and Data Management: This area covers data management, analytics, reporting, and advanced analytics/data science capabilities to support the Decennial program. It includes advanced data science and data management activities that align with the Census Bureau’s enterprise standards, frameworks, and governance
Benefits of CenTAM for Small Businesses:
CenTAM will be completely set aside for total small businesses and specifically released as a multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) under the Special Item Number (SIN) 54151S – Information Technology Professional Services. The agency highly encourages the industry to collaborate and form teaming arrangements to respond to future solicitations.
Latest Developments on CenTAM:
The Solicitation remains anticipated to be released in Q2 FY2025 through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) vehicle under the Special Item Number (SIN) 54151S – Information Technology Professional Services.
Going after these contract vehicles can be complex and time-consuming, especially for small businesses. Our team here at iQuasar simplifies the process for you. We have supported and continue to support small businesses bidding on complex contract vehicles such as SEWP VI, OASIS+, PACTS III, Polaris GWAC, JETS 2.0, 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.
