Alliant 2 and Alliant 3 GWAC: Complete Guide to GSA's IT Services Contract

Alliant 2 is a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) that provides federal agencies with access to comprehensive IT services. Awarded in 2018, Alliant 2 replaced the original Alliant contract and represents one of the largest and most flexible IT services vehicles in the federal government.

Alliant 2 supports the full spectrum of IT services — from enterprise IT solutions and cloud computing to cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Unlike product-focused vehicles like NASA SEWP, Alliant 2 is service-centric, designed for IT professional services, systems integration, and ongoing IT support contracts.

Key facts about Alliant 2:

• $50 billion program ceiling. Alliant 2 has an estimated ceiling of $50 billion across all contractors over the life of the contract, making it one of the largest IT GWACs in the federal marketplace.
• 10-year ordering period. Agencies can place task orders through Alliant 2 until June 2028, with task orders extending up to five years beyond the ordering period (potential work through 2033).
• 80 prime contractors. GSA awarded Alliant 2 to 61 large business contractors and 19 small business contractors, creating a competitive pool of IT service providers.
• Government-wide access. All federal civilian and defense agencies can use Alliant 2. This includes every cabinet department, independent agency, and military branch.
• Multiple pools. Alliant 2 is divided into pools based on business size and scope. Agencies can target their procurements to specific pools based on their requirements and small business goals.

Alliant 2 competes with other IT services vehicles like CIO-SP4 (managed by NIH), OASIS+ (managed by GSA), and agency-specific contracts. Agencies choose Alliant 2 when they need comprehensive IT services with strong contractor competition and streamlined ordering procedures.

Alliant 2 covers a comprehensive range of IT services organized into task areas. Unlike product-based contracts, Alliant 2 is designed for IT professional services, systems integration, and technology implementation projects. The scope includes:

• IT Systems Development and Integration. Custom software development, application modernization, system integration, DevSecOps, agile development, and full-stack engineering services.
• Cloud Computing Services. Cloud migration, cloud-native development, multi-cloud management, cloud security, infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and cloud optimization.
• Cybersecurity Services. Security assessments, penetration testing, security operations center (SOC) services, incident response, continuous monitoring, zero-trust architecture implementation, and compliance support (FedRAMP, FISMA, NIST).
• Data Management and Analytics. Data warehousing, big data solutions, business intelligence, data visualization, predictive analytics, data governance, and enterprise data architecture.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. AI/ML model development, natural language processing, computer vision, intelligent automation, AI ethics and governance, and emerging AI technologies.
• Enterprise IT Operations. IT service management, service desk operations, enterprise architecture, IT governance, IT asset management, and IT infrastructure support.
• Network Services. Network architecture, software-defined networking (SDN), network security, 5G implementation, edge computing, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Help Desk and End-User Support. IT service desk, technical support, user training, desktop support, and IT onboarding services.
• IT Program Management. IT project management, portfolio management, IT strategic planning, IT transformation, and program management office (PMO) services.

What Alliant 2 does NOT cover: Alliant 2 is strictly for IT services. It does not cover IT products or hardware (use SEWP or GSA MAS for products), non-IT professional services (use OASIS+), or construction and facilities work.

Alliant 2 is ideal for agencies undertaking major IT modernization projects, cloud migrations, cybersecurity initiatives, or enterprise-wide IT transformation programs. It provides the flexibility to structure multi-year, complex IT services contracts with performance-based outcomes.

Alliant 2 uses a pool structure to organize contractors by business size and scope. This allows agencies to target their task order competitions to contractors best suited for the work. The pools are:

• Pool A: Unrestricted (Large Business). Contains 61 large business contractors qualified to perform the full scope of Alliant 2 services. Pool A contractors tend to be major IT integrators and consulting firms with extensive past performance and large technical teams. Pool A is used for large-scale, enterprise-wide IT projects with no small business set-aside.
• Pool B: Small Business Set-Aside. Contains 19 small business contractors qualified to perform the full scope of Alliant 2 services. Pool B contractors must maintain their small business status throughout the contract. Pool B is used when agencies want to meet small business subcontracting goals or require small business set-asides for IT services.

Agencies can choose to compete task orders within a single pool (e.g., Pool A only or Pool B only) or open competition to both pools. When agencies have small business goals to meet, they often restrict competition to Pool B. For large, complex projects exceeding small business size standards, they typically compete within Pool A.

Small business considerations: Pool B contractors have a significant advantage when agencies are pursuing small business goals. However, Pool B contractors must maintain their small business size standards. If a Pool B contractor exceeds SBA size standards, they lose eligibility for future Pool B task orders (though existing orders continue). Learn more about size standards in our SBA Size Standards Guide.

Both pools compete on the same scope of work — the difference is business size, not technical capability. Agencies select the pool based on procurement strategy and small business goals, not on the type of work required.

Alliant 2 uses a competitive task order process. Agencies cannot simply place orders — they must compete requirements among Alliant 2 contractors. Here's how it works:

1. Agency defines requirements. The agency develops a statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS) defining the IT services needed, outcomes required, and evaluation criteria. Learn more in our Performance Work Statement Guide.
2. Agency issues Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP is posted to all Alliant 2 contractors in the selected pool(s). The RFP includes the SOW, evaluation criteria, pricing structure (typically time-and-materials or firm-fixed-price), and proposal submission requirements.
3. Contractors submit proposals. Alliant 2 contractors prepare and submit technical proposals, management approaches, past performance documentation, and pricing. Proposals can range from simple quotes for small task orders to extensive technical volumes for large, complex projects.
4. Agency evaluates proposals. The contracting officer evaluates proposals based on the stated criteria — typically technical approach, past performance, key personnel qualifications, and price. Alliant 2 task orders are usually best-value awards, not low-price-technically-acceptable (LPTA).
5. Task order award. The agency awards the task order to the contractor offering the best value. Awards can range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. Task orders can have base periods plus option years, extending up to five years beyond the Alliant 2 ordering period.

Fair opportunity requirements: Under federal acquisition regulations, agencies must provide all Alliant 2 contractors in the selected pool a "fair opportunity" to compete for task orders over $10 million. For orders under $10 million, agencies have more flexibility and may compete among a subset of contractors or even sole-source to a single contractor if justified.

Agencies can also establish Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) under Alliant 2 for recurring IT services. A BPA sets pre-negotiated rates and terms for specific types of services, allowing the agency to issue task orders under the BPA without full competition each time. BPAs provide predictable revenue streams for contractors. Learn more in our BPA Agreements Guide.

Alliant 2 was awarded in 2018 through a competitive solicitation, and the contractor pool is now closed. You cannot apply for Alliant 2 today. However, GSA is preparing Alliant 3, the next generation of the contract, which is expected to be solicited in 2026 with awards in 2027-2028.

Alliant 3 Timeline (Expected):

• 2026: GSA releases the Alliant 3 draft solicitation for industry feedback
• Late 2026 / Early 2027: GSA issues the final Alliant 3 solicitation on SAM.gov
• Mid-2027: Proposals due (typically 60-90 days after solicitation release)
• 2027-2028: GSA evaluates proposals and makes awards
• 2028: Alliant 3 ordering period begins (as Alliant 2 ordering period ends)

Preparing for Alliant 3: If you want to compete for Alliant 3, start preparing now:

• Build relevant past performance. GSA will evaluate past performance on similar IT services contracts. Focus on winning and executing IT services projects with federal agencies — ideally through other GWACs, GSA Schedules, or standalone contracts. Document your performance and ensure strong CPARS ratings. Learn more in our CPARS Guide.
• Develop technical capabilities. Alliant 3 will likely require demonstrated expertise in emerging technologies like AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Invest in certifications, training, and technical talent in high-demand areas.
• Strengthen financials. GSA evaluates financial stability as part of responsibility determinations. Ensure your company has strong financial statements, adequate bonding capacity, and sufficient resources to perform large IT contracts.
• Determine your pool. Decide whether you'll compete for the unrestricted pool (large business) or small business pool. If you're a small business, ensure your size standards align with SBA requirements and that you can maintain small business status throughout the contract.
• Monitor the draft solicitation. When GSA releases the Alliant 3 draft solicitation, review it thoroughly and submit comments. Industry feedback can influence the final solicitation. Watch GSA's Alliant page for updates.

What if I missed Alliant 2 and Alliant 3 isn't available yet? You can participate in Alliant 2 task orders as a subcontractor. Many Alliant 2 primes use subcontractors to access specialized capabilities, meet small business subcontracting goals, or expand capacity. Subcontracting allows you to build past performance on Alliant 2 work, which strengthens your competitiveness for Alliant 3.

If you're an Alliant 2 contractor, holding the contract is just the first step. Task orders are competitively awarded, and you must actively compete to win work. Here's how to succeed:

• Monitor RFPs religiously. GSA maintains an Alliant 2 RFP notification system. Set up alerts and review every RFP issued in your pool. Even if you don't bid on every opportunity, staying informed helps you understand agency priorities and evaluation trends.
• Build agency relationships before RFPs drop. Alliant 2 task orders often go to contractors who've built relationships with the agency before the RFP is released. Attend agency industry days, participate in request-for-information (RFI) processes, and conduct capability briefings with program managers. Agencies prefer to work with contractors they know and trust. Learn more in our Customer Relationship Building Guide.
• Invest in capture management. Large Alliant 2 task orders (multi-million dollar programs) require formal capture planning. Identify high-value opportunities early, develop win strategies, shape requirements through pre-RFP engagement, and build teaming arrangements before the RFP is released. Learn more in our Capture Management Guide.
• Differentiate your technical approach. Alliant 2 task orders are typically best-value awards, meaning technical approach and past performance matter as much or more than price. Develop innovative solutions, demonstrate deep understanding of the agency's mission, and show how your approach mitigates risks and delivers measurable outcomes.
• Leverage strong past performance. Agencies heavily weight past performance in Alliant 2 evaluations. Maintain excellent CPARS ratings, document successful project outcomes, and showcase similar work performed for other agencies. If you lack federal past performance, highlight relevant commercial or state/local work.
• Form strategic teaming partnerships. For large, complex task orders, consider teaming with other Alliant 2 contractors or specialized subcontractors. Teaming allows you to combine capabilities, share risk, and offer more comprehensive solutions. Learn more in our Teaming Agreements Guide.
• Price competitively but not recklessly. While price matters, Alliant 2 is not a race to the bottom. Agencies want value, not just the lowest price. Price your proposals to be competitive while maintaining healthy margins. Underbidding and losing money on performance damages your reputation and long-term viability.
• Respond to debriefings. If you lose a task order, request a debriefing from the contracting officer. Debriefings provide insights into why you lost and what to improve for next time. Learn from losses and adjust your approach. Learn more in our Debriefings Guide.

The most successful Alliant 2 contractors treat the GWAC as a business development platform requiring continuous investment in capture, agency relationships, and proposal excellence. Winning consistently on Alliant 2 requires a proactive, strategic approach — not a passive "wait for RFPs" mindset.

GSA is preparing Alliant 3 to replace Alliant 2 as its ordering period ends in 2028. While the final solicitation has not been released, industry expectations based on GSA statements and market trends suggest:

• Expanded scope. Alliant 3 will likely include emerging technologies like advanced AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, edge computing, and other innovations not fully addressed in Alliant 2.
• Increased small business participation. GSA has indicated a desire to increase small business awards in Alliant 3, potentially expanding the small business pool or creating additional set-aside categories.
• Longer contract term. Alliant 3 may have a longer ordering period than Alliant 2's 10 years, potentially 12-15 years, to reduce the frequency of re-competitions and provide more stability for contractors and agencies.
• Streamlined ordering procedures. GSA may introduce simplified ordering mechanisms for recurring services or low-dollar task orders to reduce administrative burden on agencies.
• Enhanced performance metrics. Alliant 3 may include more rigorous performance tracking and accountability mechanisms, rewarding high-performing contractors with preferential access to opportunities.

How to prepare: Monitor GSA's Alliant 3 announcements closely. When the draft solicitation is released, participate in industry days, submit feedback, and begin assembling your proposal team. Alliant 3 will be highly competitive — the contractors who start early, build strong past performance, and invest in proposal development will have the best chance of winning awards.

Subscribe to GSA's updates at gsa.gov/alliant to receive notifications when the Alliant 3 solicitation is released.