GWAC (Government Wide Acquisition Contract)

What is GWAC (Government Wide Acquisition Contract)?

A Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a pre-competed, multiple-award contract vehicle used by federal agencies to procure a wide range of services and solutions, most commonly in the IT and professional services domains. GWACs streamline the procurement process, offering agencies a convenient and efficient way to access qualified contractors and pre-negotiated terms.

Definition

GWACs are established and managed by designated federal agencies (such as GSA or NASA SEWP). These agencies conduct a competitive solicitation process to award contracts to multiple vendors. Unlike single-award contracts, GWACs allow agencies to issue task orders to any of the awarded contractors, fostering competition and ensuring best value. The legal basis for GWACs stems from the Economy Act and other procurement statutes, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden in government contracting. GWACs are especially valuable for agencies needing access to specialized skills, innovative technologies, or rapid procurement cycles. Because GWACs are pre-competed, agencies avoid the lengthy process of full and open competition for each individual task order, saving time and resources.

Key Points

• Pre-Competed: GWACs are competitively awarded, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and providing a pool of qualified vendors.
• Multiple Award: Multiple contractors are awarded a GWAC, fostering competition at the task order level and enabling agencies to select the best value solution.
• Broad Scope: GWACs often cover a wide range of services and solutions, allowing agencies to address diverse needs under a single contract vehicle.
• Streamlined Procurement: GWACs offer a streamlined procurement process, reducing administrative burden and accelerating the acquisition cycle.

Practical Examples

1. IT Modernization: An agency needs to modernize its legacy IT infrastructure. Using a GWAC focused on IT solutions, they can quickly solicit proposals from pre-vetted contractors with expertise in cloud migration, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
2. Professional Services: An agency requires project management support for a large-scale initiative. They can issue a task order under a professional services GWAC to obtain qualified project managers and consultants.
3. Emergency Response: During a natural disaster, an agency needs rapid access to communication and logistical support. A GWAC specializing in emergency response services allows them to quickly mobilize resources and address urgent needs.