CATS (Consulting And Technical Services)

What is CATS (Consulting And Technical Services)?

CATS (Consulting And Technical Services) is a commonly used acronym for a type of government contract vehicle. These contracts are used by state and local governments to streamline the procurement of a broad range of professional consulting and technical services, primarily focused on information technology (IT).

Definition

Consulting And Technical Services (CATS) contracts are pre-competed, multiple award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts established by government entities, such as state governments, to provide a streamlined method for agencies to procure qualified vendors. These contracts offer a catalog of pre-vetted vendors and pre-negotiated rates for various consulting and technical services. They allow government agencies to quickly and efficiently obtain the expertise they need without undergoing a lengthy and resource-intensive individual procurement process for each project. The specific terms and conditions, including the scope of services and eligible users, are defined in the individual CATS master contract.

The legal and regulatory basis for CATS contracts varies depending on the jurisdiction that establishes them, but they are generally governed by state or local procurement laws. For government contractors, understanding CATS contracts is important because they offer a significant avenue for providing services to state and local government clients. By becoming a CATS vendor, a contractor gains access to a pool of potential projects and a streamlined process for bidding on and winning government contracts.

Key Points

• Pre-vetted Vendors: CATS contracts provide a list of pre-qualified vendors. This saves time for government agencies.
• Streamlined Procurement: CATS contracts offer a simplified procurement process. Agencies can quickly obtain services without lengthy solicitations.
• Broad Scope of Services: CATS contracts encompass a wide range of consulting and technical services, especially in IT.
• Multiple Award: Typically, CATS contracts are awarded to multiple vendors, creating a competitive environment.

Practical Examples

1. State Government IT Modernization: A state government needs to modernize its legacy IT systems. It uses its CATS contract to quickly procure a consulting firm to assess the current environment, develop a modernization strategy, and implement the necessary changes.
2. Local Government Cybersecurity Enhancement: A local government wants to improve its cybersecurity posture. It uses its CATS contract to engage a cybersecurity firm to conduct a vulnerability assessment, develop a security plan, and provide ongoing security monitoring services.
3. Educational Institution Software Development: A state university needs to develop a new student information system. It utilizes the state's CATS contract to hire a software development firm to design, develop, and implement the system.