GWACs

GWACs, or government-wide acquisition contracts, are U.S. federal procurement vehicles used to obtain information technology and related services across multiple agencies. They are typically indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts that establish a pool of pre-qualified contractors and allow agencies to issue task or delivery orders without starting a new competitive process for each purchase. GWACs aim to streamline procurement, ensure consistency with federal policies, and reduce lead times for complex IT acquisitions.

Most GWACs are administered by the General Services Administration (GSA), though some are managed by other agencies, such as NASA or the Department of Defense, and may be open to eligible federal customers beyond traditional IT activities. Each GWAC defines its own scope, pricing mechanisms, intellectual property terms, and security requirements, including compliance with federal cybersecurity standards and frameworks. Orders placed under GWACs are usually competed within the approved pool of awardees, with government efficiency and fairness as guiding principles.

Major examples of GSA-administered GWACs include Alliant and Alliant 2, which cover a broad range of IT services and solutions; 8(a) STARS III, which emphasizes participation by small and disadvantaged businesses; and VETS 2, which targets veteran-owned small businesses. Other agency-led GWAC programs operate on similar models, offering a streamlined path to procure IT goods and services while maintaining compliance with federal procurement rules.

Benefits of GWACs include faster procurement cycles, standardized terms and conditions, built-in competition among qualified vendors, and support for large, complex IT programs. Limitations can include constraints on non-IT purchases, the need for clear requirements to maximize value, and the necessity for agencies to follow each vehicle’s specific ordering and pricing rules.