My firm provides IT services under NAICS 541519, and we are trying to figure out the best way to grow our federal contracting work. We are seeing a lot of opportunities for task orders under existing IDIQ contracts, and we are also considering pursuing a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract directly. I know both are types of contract vehicle, but I am confused about the fundamental differences between them. For example, can an IDIQ be continuously open like a GSA MAS? Are there specific types of requirements that tend to go on one versus the other? We are a small business, so we are also looking at how set-asides work for each. What are the key differences between a GSA MAS contract and an IDIQ contract, and how do those differences affect strategy?
What are the key differences between a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract and an IDIQ contract?
Ask a question1 answer
A GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is a specific type of Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, but not all IDIQ contracts are GSA MAS contracts. The key difference is that a GSA MAS is a government-wide contract vehicle managed by the GSA, while other IDIQ contracts are typically agency-specific or for a narrower scope of services or supplies.
GSA MAS contracts are continuously open, meaning new offers can be submitted at any time, unlike many agency-specific IDIQ contracts which have specific proposal submission windows. Both MAS contracts and other IDIQs allow for task orders and delivery orders to be placed against them, streamlining the procurement process once the main contract is awarded. Set-asides work similarly; agencies can set aside task orders for small businesses under both types of contracts, provided the small business holds the underlying IDIQ or MAS contract. Requirements for IT services under NAICS 541519 can be found on both types of vehicles.