The Difference Between GSA MAS and OASIS+. What is Right for Your Business?
The General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus (OASIS+) programs are both pre-competed contract vehicles that simplify procurement and make it easier for companies to do business with the government. However, they can serve different purposes and are structured in unique ways. Understanding the differences can help determine which contract (or combination) can be the best fit for your organization.
Differences in Scope
MAS is a government-wide contract vehicle that covers a wide range of commercial products and services. The broad scope covers offerings ranging from cloud software and professional consulting to office furniture and building maintenance. In contrast, OASIS+ focuses exclusively on professional services.
The difference in scope is one of the main distinctions between the two. MAS is organized into large categories, each representing a broad industry area such as Information Technology, Professional Services, Facilities, Security and Furniture. Each large category is then broken down into subcategories and SINs (Special Item Numbers), which define specific scopes. OASIS+ is not applicable to product offerings and is limited only to services. It is structured around domains related to professional services classifications or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Each domain covers multiple NAICS codes to help determine the specific scope of the contract, including the following service categories:
- Management and Advisory
- Technical and Engineering
- Research and Development
- Intelligence Services
- Environmental
- Facilities
- Logistics
- Enterprise Solutions
- Business Administration
- Financial
- Human Capital
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Social Services
See full description and links to applicable NAICS Codes for each domain here.
Process for Obtaining a Contract
The process for obtaining a contract vehicle varies between MAS and OASIS+. MAS requires a formal proposal including financial responsibility and technical documentation. Contractors must also demonstrate that their pricing is fair and reasonable through a negotiation process. OASIS+ uses a self-scoring approach. Vendors obtain points based on qualifying projects and experience. GSA will validate the submitted documentation and evaluate against the scoring thresholds.
Pricing Difference Between MAS and OASIS+
Another difference is pricing. Under MAS, pricing is pre-negotiated before contract award, and the awarded rates are ceiling rates that can be discounted at the order level but cannot exceed them. GSA MAS ceiling pricing is published within the GSA eLibrary website and available to the public for review. OASIS+ pricing is not allowed to be released to the public. However, the pricing will be available to Ordering Contracting Officers or those who hold an OASIS+ delegation of procurement authority. OASIS+ pricing reflects ceiling rates based on the highest-qualified employees within a given labor category, working in the highest-paid area within CONUS, on a highly complex requirement, excluding secret, top secret or secret compartmented information and OCONUS work.
Contract Duration Difference Between MAS and OASIS+
The contract duration will also depend on the contract vehicle. MAS contracts can potentially allow for a 20-year term, starting with a five-year baseline and three 5-year option periods. While OASIS+ operates up to a 10-year period, starting with a five-year base period plus a five-year option.
The decision between MAS and OASIS+ can depend on available offerings, capabilities and strategy. MAS can serve as a starter contract for companies entering the federal market, as it allows for a broad range of offerings. OASIS+ is focused on complex professional services. Having both contracts can be an advantage and open additional opportunities to do business with the government.
If you are considering which contract vehicle is best for your company, reach out to The Gormley Group. Our team can help determine the best fit based on your experience and qualifications. Contact us at info@gormgroup.com or at 202-833-1120.
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