DHS OASIS TASK ORDER SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THE RIGHT VEHICLES

The Department of Homeland Security awarded a $937 million task order against GSA’s OASIS contract this week, perhaps the largest single order made against an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.  The award, for DHS’ Global Threat Mitigation Program, was made to Booz Allen Hamilton.  It is just the latest in a series of examples of why companies need to have the right contract vehicles, in addition to the right solutions.  GSA’s FEDSIM organization was able to work closely with DHS to identify the scope of work and conduct a complex procurement.  In previous similar IDIQ news this year, both the Army and Air Force made significant commitments to buy through OASIS on an on-going basis.  Similar discussions are thought to be underway with various DOD service branches for the upcoming Alliant II contract.

Federal agencies like using these ready-made contracts because they reduce procurement lead times and, in the case of GWAC’s like OASIS and Alliant, reduce protest exposure.  If the choice comes down to conducting a full-blown procurement or using an existing vehicle, your customer may choose the latter, especially if time and workload are issues.  Make sure your company is placed so that your potential customer can easily find, and do business, with you.