How do GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts compare to other governmentwide acquisition contracts?

A GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that provides a direct contracting vehicle for a wide range of products and services, while a Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is also an IDIQ but is generally more specialized in scope, often focusing on IT solutions.

MAS contracts are managed by GSA and are continuously open for new offers, meaning firms can submit proposals at any time. A MAS contract has a five-year base period with three five-year options, for a potential total of 20 years. GWACs are also managed by agencies like GSA or NIH, but they typically have specific solicitation periods and are not continuously open. While both are IDIQ contracts, GWACs often have a more defined scope, such as IT services under specific NAICS codes, and can sometimes be more complex for smaller firms to navigate due to higher entry barriers or more stringent requirements. For example, some GWACs may require significant past performance in specific technical areas or higher bonding capacity.