A GWAC (Governmentwide Acquisition Contract) is a vital part of the technology purchasing process for federal agencies. These contracts provide a streamlined and efficient way for agencies to access a wide range of information technology (IT) products and services, including hardware, software, and professional services.

GWACs are a type of Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which means that they have an open-ended period of performance and allow agencies to place orders for specific quantities of goods or services as needed. This allows agencies to easily and quickly obtain the technology they need to support their operations and achieve their mission objectives.

One of the key benefits of using GWACs is that they have already undergone a thorough procurement process and have been vetted by the General Services Administration (GSA). This means that agencies can be confident that they are getting high-quality products and services at competitive prices.

Types of Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts

There are several GWACs available to federal agencies, each with its own specific focus and scope (e.i purposes). For example, the Alliant GWAC is a comprehensive IT contract that covers a wide range of IT products and services, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. The NASA SEWP contract, on the other hand, is focused on providing IT products and services specifically for the scientific and engineering community.

Here is a pretty comprehensive list of the different GWAC Contracts.

8(a) STARS III GWAC

VETS 2 GWAC

Alliant 2 GWAC

OASIS and OASIS Small Business

NASA SEWP

Navy Seaport-e

There are more GWAC’s out there, but these are the big ones. You can learn the specifics of their sales numbers using the GSA FAS GWAC Sales Dashboard.

Benefits of a GWAC

GWACs provide a number of other benefits to federal agencies, including:

1. Simplified procurement process: GWACs streamline the procurement process by providing a pre-approved list of IT products and services that agencies can easily access. This eliminates the need for agencies to go through the time-consuming process of issuing and evaluating bids for each individual purchase.
2. Cost savings: GWACs are designed to provide cost savings to federal agencies by leveraging the buying power of the entire government. This can result in lower prices for the same products and services that agencies would otherwise have to purchase on the open market.
3. Improved vendor relationships: GWACs foster strong vendor relationships by allowing vendors to build long-term partnerships with federal agencies. This can lead to better communication, more innovative solutions, and a higher level of customer service.

Overall, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are an essential tool for federal agencies looking to efficiently and effectively purchase the technology they need to support their operations and achieve their mission objectives. By providing a streamlined procurement process, cost savings, and improved vendor relationships, GWACs help agencies access the high-quality products and services they need to succeed.