In the realm of federal procurement, innovation and flexibility are the new norms. With the advent of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) new contract vehicle, GSA OASIS Plus, the landscape is set to transform dramatically. As a replacement for the traditional OASIS, this new and improved contract vehicle offers a wider array of services and functions, promising to revolutionize procurement in the federal space.

Key Takeaways

• GSA OASIS+ is a flexible IDIQ multiple-award contract vehicle aimed at streamlining federal procurement, enabling acquisition of a wide range of services without a program ceiling, and strengthening small business opportunities.
• OASIS+ accommodates the delivery of both commercial and non-commercial services, providing enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and innovation in federal procurement compared to traditional contracting methods.
• Proposals for GSA OASIS+ follow a self-scoring evaluation system, with a focus on criteria such as past performance, project experience, and compliance, supporting joint ventures and teams in the bidding process.

Exploring the New Horizons of GSA OASIS+

As the federal government seeks to streamline its procurement processes, the GSA has introduced OASIS+. This contract vehicle is a game-changer in the procurement arena, offering a more flexible and innovative approach to contracting services. Its key features include:

• Use of Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts
• Adherence to a multiple-award structure
• Significantly enhanced flexibility for federal agencies

The general services administration has not specified a program ceiling for OASIS+, indicating its extensive potential for contract work.

The main goal of implementing OASIS+ is to transform the procurement process by accommodating various contract pricing types and a combination of commercial and non-commercial services. This offers unparalleled flexibility, broadening the procurement process to encompass a wider variety of services and functionalities, including management consulting services. The introduction of OASIS+ marks the dawn of a new era in federal procurement, one that is more responsive to the changing needs of federal agencies and industry partners.

The Genesis of OASIS+

The creation of GSA OASIS+ was driven by the need for a more convenient contract mechanism for procuring non-IT services and facilitating the growth of small businesses. It was designed to:

• Maximize opportunities for contractors
• Provide integrated solutions for professional service-based requirements
• Broaden contract access to qualified companies

By offering small businesses opportunities to compete for federal contracts through a dedicated part of the contract vehicle, GSA OASIS+ is paving the way for greater access to government contracts for complex professional services.

GSA OASIS+ has a significant role in improving the United States government management. It:

• Makes federal agencies’ access to top-value IT solutions easier
• Strengthens opportunities for small businesses in federal contracting
• Incorporates flexibility to adjust the included domains based on evolving customer needs and utilization
• Becomes a valuable tool for the office of professional services
• Underscores the commitment to providing flexible and innovative solutions that cater to the ever-changing needs of the marketplace.

The Structure of OASIS+

The design of OASIS+ includes various domains, each encompassing multiple NAICS Codes, thus covering a wide range of professional services and human capital needs. However, it’s important to note that NAICS codes do not have a direct relationship with OASIS+. The GSA is unable to assign multiple NAICS codes to OASIS+ in FPDS, despite OASIS+ covering a variety of services.

IDIQ contracts within the framework of OASIS+ denote a contractual arrangement that permits the delivery of an unspecified quantity of goods or services over a defined period. There are six individual IDIQ contracts in OASIS+, each with its own solicitation ID and SAM.GOV entry. These contracts are classified into 8(a) Small Business, HUBZone Small Business, and unrestricted categories, thus expanding the participation of small businesses in OASIS+ contracts.

OASIS+ Versus Traditional OASIS

OASIS+ brings forth a range of new features, significantly differentiating it from the traditional OASIS. It provides a more adaptable scope compared to traditional OASIS, enabling partnerships or teaming to achieve eligibility, thereby enhancing flexibility in the procurement process. Also, it accommodates ancillary support components, something not included in the traditional OASIS contract.

This new contract vehicle offers a combination of commercial and non-commercial services, making it specifically designed to provide adaptable and innovative solutions for intricate professional and engineering services. The introduction of OASIS+ promises to be a game-changer in the procurement of complex services, offering greater flexibility and a wider range of services compared to the traditional OASIS contract vehicle.

Advantages of Utilizing OASIS+ for Federal Agencies

OASIS+ brings several advantages to federal agencies, including:

• Supporting complex services
• Eliminating redundant contracts
• Offering a 10-year open contract program with access to a combination of commercial and non-commercial services

What distinguishes OASIS+ from other government-wide acquisition contracts and multiple award contracts is its focus on a company’s ability to meet technical requirements and offer a fair and reasonable price. This fosters innovation and enhances flexibility in the solutions provided to federal agencies.

OASIS+ offers the following benefits for federal agencies:

• Boosts efficiency in federal procurement processes
• Streamlines the acquisition process
• Simplifies the buying experience
• Provides easy access to high-quality contract pricing options

These benefits make OASIS+ a valuable tool for federal agencies seeking to streamline their procurement processes and access a wider range of services.

Enhanced Flexibility and Innovation

One of the key advantages of OASIS+ is the enhanced flexibility it brings to federal procurement. OASIS+ offers greater adaptability in federal procurement processes through:

• Supporting complex services
• Eliminating redundant contracts
• Enabling the expansion of scope as customers identify new federal service needs
• Organizing under industry functional areas
• Providing flexibility for all contract types

These distinctive characteristics enable greater adaptability in federal procurement processes.

OASIS+ is not only about flexibility but also about innovation. It introduces innovative solutions to federal procurement by offering a new contract vehicle that enables federal customers to procure innovative solutions from highly qualified businesses over the next ten years. Compared to other procurement methods, OASIS+ offers heightened flexibility and innovation. It allows the utilization of various contract pricing types, including fixed price, time and material, and cost. It also allows for the adaptation of new scope areas to accommodate evolving customer needs.

Streamlining Complex Service Procurement

OASIS+ simplifies the complex service procurement process by speeding up the selection of contractors, simplification of the proposal process, elimination of duplicate contracts, and provision of a streamlined solution for both commercial and noncommercial requirements. The OASIS+ procurement process distinguishes itself from traditional methods by utilizing technology and automation to enhance the efficiency of federal procurement. This includes reducing paperwork and manual tasks, providing a centralized platform for vendors and agencies, promoting transparency and competition, and integrating innovative procurement techniques.

The essential steps in the OASIS+ procurement process comprise:

1. Acquisition planning
2. Contractor lineup development
3. Reopening solicitations for qualified offerors
4. Determining order requirements
5. Proposal evaluation and selection
6. Contract negotiation and award
7. Ongoing contract management

By streamlining these processes, OASIS+ optimizes the procurement process, saving time and resources for federal agencies.

Key Features of OASIS+ Contracts

OASIS+ contracts offer a range of unique features that make them highly advantageous for federal agencies. They offer a diverse array of services, such as:

• Program management services
• Management consulting
• Logistics services
• Engineering
• Science
• Finance services

To encourage the participation of small businesses, OASIS+ offers small business credit to customer agencies, promotes competition, and optimizes opportunities for oasis small business contracts subcontracting. Task orders under OASIS+ contracts may also incorporate incentives and performance-based measures.

A unique feature of OASIS+ contracts is the tiered access fee structure, projected to vary from 0.1 percent to 0.75 percent depending on the obligation level. This structure has been developed to enhance contract utilization. Furthermore, there is no maximum dollar ceiling amount for OASIS+ contracts, providing significant flexibility in contracting large, complex services.

Scope and Scale of Services Offered

OASIS+ contracts cover a broad scope of services, including:

• Management and advisory
• Technical and engineering
• Research and development
• Intelligence services
• And more

Specific NAICS Codes incorporated in OASIS+ include, for example, 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, which encompass a wide range of scientific services.

The range of services offered by OASIS+ includes:

• Dynamic addition or removal of domains based on evolving customer needs and usage throughout the contract’s duration
• Adaptability to stay relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the marketplace
• Facilitation of the procurement of a range of services, such as professional services, complex services, and those that aid in the consolidation of contracts, thereby streamlining the procurement process.

Incentives for Small Businesses

One of the key features of OASIS+ is the incentives it provides for small businesses. The incentives include:

• The removal of award caps, allowing increased opportunities for small businesses to engage in federal procurements without predefined limits.
• Specific policies aimed at ensuring that small businesses play a significant role in the procurement process.
• Allocating a dedicated portion of the program for small businesses.
• Provisions for different categories of small businesses such as Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned.

These incentives are designed to encourage the participation of small businesses in the OASIS+ program.

OASIS+ promotes the growth of small businesses by offering a comprehensive solution for complex service requirements, encompassing various technical disciplines and mission spaces. This allows small businesses to extend their scope and engage in a wider range of federal procurement opportunities, creating an environment conducive to the development and success of small businesses.

How Industry Partners Can Engage with OASIS+

Industry partners have multiple avenues to engage with OASIS+. They can:

• Prepare for the final RFPs by reviewing the Draft RFPs and understanding the scoring criteria
• Assess the market and identify customer needs
• Map their service offerings to meet those needs
• Stay engaged with updates from GSA
• Attend virtual events and webinars
• Register and submit their proposal when the final RFP is released.

To stay informed about OASIS+ program updates, industry partners can use platforms such as the OASIS+ Interact community, the OASIS+ Submission Portal, and industry blogs and websites. Industry partners must adhere to the necessary steps to engage with OASIS+ and keep abreast of program changes to optimize their success rate.

Preparing for the Final RFPs

As industry partners prepare for the final RFPs, they should concentrate on a few critical areas, including human capital categories. The fundamental components of an OASIS+ proposal submission consist of:

• Relevance
• Integrated Experience
• Management & Staffing
• Specialized Functional Experience

The evaluation criteria of OASIS+ impact the preparation of the final RFPs by providing guidance to offerors on the factors that will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.

Industry partners should also be aware of common errors to avoid when preparing for OASIS+ RFPs. These include:

• Failure to research customers and competitors
• Neglecting to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) and/or not attending the Industry Day
• Not allowing suppliers sufficient time to prepare proposals
• Failing to adhere to guideline requirements and deadlines

To aid in the preparation process, industry partners can access resources like Trident Proposals and the GSA website, which offer information and updates on OASIS+.

Staying Informed Through Program Updates

Keeping updated on OASIS+ program updates is important for industry partners. The designated communication platforms for OASIS+ program updates encompass the GSA website, social media channels, and government contracting news sources. OASIS+ program updates are released at regular intervals, with past updates having been rolled out in months like September 2023 and November 2022.

Failing to stay updated on OASIS+ program changes can have significant ramifications for industry partners, including:

• Missed business opportunities
• Non-compliance issues
• Decreased competitiveness
• Potential harm to their reputation

Therefore, it is essential for industry partners to stay informed and updated about the latest developments in OASIS+.

Navigating the Evaluation Process for OASIS+

The evaluation process for OASIS+ includes a number of critical criteria. These include project experience, relevant qualifications, corporate level qualifications, applicable certifications, and meeting minimum requirements. Each domain on OASIS+ has specific evaluation criteria and relative evaluation credit. The essential factors to consider in the evaluation process of OASIS+ include providing supporting documentation for the patient’s current condition and plan of care, ensuring accurate coding and compliance with OASIS-E, offering sufficient training to prevent errors and delays, ensuring alignment between the OASIS assessment and the actual patient condition, and utilizing OASIS data elements for systematic comparative measurement of patient outcomes.

The preparation for the evaluation process also necessitates the development of strategies for joint ventures and teams. Typical obstacles include the demonstration of collective past performance, experience, business systems, certifications, meeting the requirements for a GSA MAS Contract, compliance with joint venture regulations, addressing bid protests and potential violations, and incorporating pricing in award evaluations. For joint ventures and teams, effective strategies in the OASIS+ evaluation process involve establishing a team to enhance services and scores, selecting suitable projects or partners, following OASIS+ guidelines, and engaging in thorough planning and communication.

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

Grasping the evaluation criteria is important for companies aiming to secure OASIS+ contracts. The defined evaluation criteria for OASIS+ contracts consist of qualifying project experience, federal prime contractor experience, and cost/price evaluation. Proposals for OASIS+ contracts are scored using a self-scoring method, with the scoring criteria varying by domain.

The primary considerations in the assessment of OASIS+ proposals consist of:

• Optimization
• Past performance
• Partnering
• Compliance
• Outsourcing

By understanding these evaluation criteria, companies can tailor their proposals to meet these requirements and increase their chances of securing an OASIS+ contract.

Strategies for Joint Ventures and Teams

For joint ventures and teams, maneuvering the OASIS+ evaluation process may pose distinct challenges. These include the demonstration of collective past performance, experience, business systems, certifications, meeting the requirements for a GSA MAS Contract, compliance with joint venture regulations, addressing bid protests and potential violations, and incorporating pricing in award evaluations. To overcome these challenges, joint ventures and teams can employ strategies such as identifying complementary companies, mapping service offerings to customer needs, adhering to OASIS+ guidelines, staying engaged in the solicitation process, and seeking expert assistance.

The experience of individual partners or team members is assessed to determine their eligibility for the contract. Agencies must evaluate the experience of each joint venture partner and consider it as part of the joint venture. The evaluation also includes team members, including those from joint ventures and small businesses. Understanding these evaluation criteria and developing strategies to navigate them can help joint ventures and teams increase their chances of securing an OASIS+ contract.

OASIS+ Timeline and Milestones

OASIS+ has a schedule of crucial dates and milestones that industry partners should monitor. Significant milestones in the implementation of OASIS+ encompass the assessment of proposals, contract awarding, and ensuring the readiness of OASIS+. The contract has a modified period of performance strategy, comprising a five-year base period and a five-year option period, extending the contract until March 2025.

Industry partners can follow and observe future contracting opportunities in OASIS+ by:

• Using the GSA website for the forecast of contracting opportunities
• Using the OASIS+ Submission Portal
• Staying updated through regular communication and engagement with GSA

Keeping track of these key dates and milestones can help industry partners stay informed and competitive in the OASIS+ procurement process.

Key Dates to Remember

Industry partners should be aware of several significant dates related to the OASIS+ procurement process. The OASIS+ RFP was released in June 2023, and the ultimate deadline for OASIS+ RFP submissions was September 13, 2023. Since the release of the RFP, there have been updates to the OASIS+ RFP, with Amendment 0002 issued in August and Amendment 0003 issued in September.

Remembering these key dates is important for industry partners to ensure they meet all deadlines and stay updated on any changes or amendments to the RFP. Staying informed about these key dates can help industry partners navigate the OASIS+ procurement process and increase their chances of securing an OASIS+ contract.

Monitoring Future Contracting Opportunities

Monitoring future contracting opportunities is vital for GSA contractors to maintain competitiveness and stay informed. Contractors can establish alerts for OASIS+ contract opportunities by registering on the OASIS+ Submission Portal (OSP) and reviewing the solicitation requirements on SAM.gov. They can monitor upcoming GSA OASIS+ contracting opportunities through dependable sources like the GSA Small Business Forecast of Contracting Opportunities, GSA OASIS and OASIS Small Business portal, and GSA Vendor Support Center.

There are several anticipated developments in the OASIS+ contracting landscape that contractors should take note of. These include the elimination of maximum value for individual master contracts and task orders, as well as the emphasis on ensuring OASIS+ is ‘open for business’ in FY 2024. Contractors should also remain informed about significant challenges and opportunities in federal contracting for 2023. By staying informed about these future opportunities, GSA contractors can stay competitive and maximize their chances of securing an OASIS+ contract.

Summary

To sum up, OASIS+ represents a revolutionary shift in federal procurement, offering enhanced flexibility, innovation, and streamlined processes. With its wide scope of services and incentives for small businesses, OASIS+ is set to transform the contracting landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for industry partners. As the procurement landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and prepared will be key for firms looking to secure OASIS+ contracts. With its innovative features and benefits, OASIS+ is indeed the future of streamlined federal procurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GSA's Oasis+?

GSA's Oasis+ is designed to provide a more efficient purchasing experience by accommodating various contract pricing types and service combinations.

What are the reporting requirements for GSA oasis?

You are required to report new task orders within 30 days in CPRM and to report invoices quarterly afterward. Compliance with these reporting requirements is essential for maintaining your GSA OASIS contract.

How does OASIS+ enhance flexibility in federal procurement?

OASIS+ enhances flexibility in federal procurement by providing support for complex services, eliminating redundant contracts, and enabling the expansion of scope as customers identify new federal service needs. This allows for more efficient and adaptable procurement processes.

What are the key features of OASIS+ contracts?

OASIS+ contracts offer a diverse array of services, incentives for small businesses, a tiered access fee structure, and no maximum dollar ceiling amount, making them a flexible and appealing option for a wide range of organizations.

How can industry partners engage with OASIS+?

Industry partners can engage with OASIS+ by preparing for the final RFPs, staying informed about program updates, and following the necessary steps to engage with OASIS+. This will ensure a smooth and effective partnership.