The ongoing government funding negotiations have caused significant delays in advancing major federal procurement opportunities. While agencies have struggled with the restrictions imposed by continuing resolutions, the General Services Administration (GSA) has made strides in the OASIS+ program. This program provides a lifeline for agencies requiring essential services, but many other significant solicitations remain stalled.

Progress Amidst Stagnation: OASIS+ Awards Move Forward

Despite the slow progress in other areas, GSA announced over 1,900 total awardees for its OASIS+ contracts in December 2024. These contracts span both unrestricted and small business vehicles, with rolling on-ramps planned for companies that missed the initial award. OASIS+ offers agencies a versatile contracting vehicle for engineering, professional, and technical services, particularly crucial as government operations continue under a stopgap spending measure through mid-March 2025.

Key Points About OASIS+:

• Awardees: 559 unrestricted contract awardees, bringing the total to 588, along with 1,376 small business contracts.

• Diversity of Contracts: Includes vehicles for women-owned small businesses, HUBZone businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and 8(a) firms.

• Scope and Duration: Covers eight service markets with no fixed ceiling and a potential 10-year contract term.

Bloomberg Government’s Top 20 Opportunities: Little Movement

Other significant opportunities in Bloomberg Government’s Top 20 list have seen minimal advancement since November. The most notable addition, JWCC Next, could extend the $9 billion ceiling for the incumbent Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract. However, agencies are largely unable to initiate new requirements under the current funding restrictions.

Key Highlights from the Top 20 Opportunities:

1. Army MAPS: The Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services announced significant updates, including plans for 100 awards across five market domains.

2. Army MSD: Draft documents for the $10 billion Modern Software Development solicitation revealed a focus on consolidating software development across platforms.

3. Special Operations Forces GLSS: Industry Q&A and site tours continue as the $8 billion Global Logistics Support Services RFP is anticipated in FY 2025.

4. RMADA 3: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a draft RFP for analytical services supporting health-care program innovation.

Developments in Major IT Contracts

Several large-scale IT solicitations are also navigating pre-RFP stages or amendment updates. These include:

• Alliant 3: GSA released a pre-proposal conference and an amendment requiring public disclosure of greenhouse gas emission goals, with proposals due in February 2025.

• SEWP VI: NASA extended its proposal due date to February 17, 2025, and released amendments and updates to supply chain risk management requirements.

• Polaris: GSA announced additional successful offerors for its small business pool, focused on emerging technologies like AI, edge computing, and cybersecurity.

Looking Ahead

As agencies await final fiscal 2025 appropriations, the procurement landscape may undergo further shifts. President-elect Donald Trump’s government efficiency initiative may introduce funding cutbacks, agency re-allocations, and stricter requirements for new contract starts. Contractors are bracing for potential changes in priorities and funding availability in the coming year.

Author Credit: This blog post is based on reporting by Paul Murphy and Maika Ito from Bloomberg Government, with additional insights into federal procurement trends.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guidance. For specific contract-related concerns, consult with a qualified expert or legal professional.