NASA SEWP: Complete Guide to the Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement Contract

SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) is a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. SEWP provides federal agencies with a streamlined vehicle for purchasing commercial IT products, services, and solutions.

Originally established in 1993, SEWP has evolved through multiple generations. The current contract, SEWP VI, was awarded in December 2021 and represents the sixth generation of the program. SEWP VI has a 10-year ordering period (through December 2031) with an estimated contract ceiling exceeding $50 billion across all contractors.

Key facts about SEWP:

• IT-focused GWAC. SEWP is exclusively for information technology products and services. It does not cover professional services, facilities, or non-IT products.
• Over $3 billion in annual sales. Federal agencies spend billions annually through SEWP contracts, making it one of the highest-volume IT contract vehicles in the federal marketplace.
• Government-wide access. All federal agencies can use SEWP. While managed by NASA, SEWP is available to every cabinet department, independent agency, and military branch.
• Commercial focus. SEWP is designed for purchasing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) IT products and commercially available IT services, not custom development or research and development.
• Competitive pricing. SEWP contractors compete on every task order. Agencies issue RFQs to multiple SEWP contractors and award based on best value, driving competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

SEWP competes with other IT GWACs like Alliant 2, CIO-SP4, and GSA IT Schedule offerings. Agencies choose SEWP when they want streamlined IT procurement with strong vendor competition and minimal administrative burden.

SEWP VI covers a comprehensive range of IT products and services organized into four broad areas:

• IT Hardware. Servers, storage systems, networking equipment, workstations, laptops, tablets, peripherals, printers, scanners, and all associated hardware components. This includes both on-premises equipment and hardware for cloud environments.
• Software. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software, software licenses, software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions, operating systems, database software, cybersecurity software, productivity suites, and specialized applications. Both perpetual licenses and subscription models are covered.
• IT Services. Services directly related to IT products, including:
  • Installation, configuration, and integration services
  • Maintenance and support services
  • Training on IT products and software
  • Cloud migration and implementation services
  • Cybersecurity implementation services
  • Data center services and colocation
• IT Solutions. Bundled combinations of hardware, software, and services designed to meet specific agency requirements. Examples include complete network refresh solutions, cybersecurity solution packages, cloud infrastructure solutions, and end-user computing solutions.

What SEWP does NOT cover: SEWP is strictly limited to IT products and services. It does not include professional services like consulting, program management, systems engineering, custom software development (not tied to a product), or ongoing managed services contracts. For those services, agencies use vehicles like Alliant 2, CIO-SP4, or OASIS+.

SEWP is ideal for agencies that need to purchase IT equipment, software licenses, or implementation services tied to specific technology products. It's less suitable for ongoing IT support, staff augmentation, or custom development projects.

SEWP is a government-wide contract vehicle, meaning all federal agencies are authorized to use it. This includes:

• Civilian agencies. Every cabinet department and independent federal agency can place orders through SEWP — Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, and hundreds of others.
• Department of Defense. All military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force) and defense agencies can use SEWP for IT procurement. While DoD has its own IT contract vehicles, SEWP provides an alternative that many DoD contracting offices prefer for commercial IT purchases.
• NASA. As the managing agency, NASA is a major SEWP user. SEWP supports IT procurement across all NASA centers and mission directorates.
• Legislative and Judicial branches. Congress, the Government Accountability Office, the Library of Congress, and federal courts can all use SEWP for IT purchases.

State and local governments cannot use SEWP. Unlike GSA Schedules, which allow cooperative purchasing by state and local governments for certain categories, SEWP is restricted to federal agencies only.

Agencies choose SEWP for IT procurement because:

• Streamlined ordering procedures reduce procurement timelines from months to weeks
• Pre-competed contractors ensure competitive pricing and compliance
• SEWP's focus on commercial IT aligns with agencies' need for COTS solutions
• NASA's program management provides strong oversight and support to ordering agencies

For contractors, this government-wide access means a SEWP contract provides exposure to IT opportunities across the entire federal marketplace — not just one agency.

SEWP is a competitively awarded GWAC with defined on-ramp periods. Unlike GSA Schedules, which accept applications on a rolling basis, SEWP contractors are selected through periodic competitive solicitations. Here's how it works:

• On-ramp solicitations. NASA periodically issues SEWP solicitations (called "on-ramps") when new contracts are needed or existing contracts expire. The most recent solicitation, SEWP VI, was released in 2020 with awards made in December 2021. The next on-ramp will likely occur when SEWP VI approaches its end of ordering period or if NASA determines additional contractors are needed.
• Competitive evaluation. SEWP solicitations are full and open competitions evaluated on technical capability, past performance, and price. You must submit a detailed proposal demonstrating your ability to deliver IT products and services, your past performance on similar contracts, and your proposed pricing structure.
• Multiple awards. SEWP uses a multiple-award structure, meaning NASA awards contracts to numerous contractors (SEWP VI has over 100 awardees). This ensures agencies have competition and choice when placing task orders.
• Small business set-asides. SEWP VI includes a significant small business component. A portion of the contracts are set aside for small businesses, and NASA evaluates small business participation as part of the award criteria. Small businesses with strong IT product capabilities and past performance are competitive for SEWP awards.

If you missed the SEWP VI on-ramp, you have two options:

1. Wait for the next on-ramp. Monitor NASA's procurement forecast and SAM.gov for announcements of future SEWP solicitations. NASA typically announces on-ramps well in advance to allow contractors time to prepare proposals.
2. Subcontract with current SEWP contractors. You can partner with existing SEWP contractors as a subcontractor, reseller, or authorized dealer. Many SEWP primes use subcontractors to expand their product offerings or access specialized capabilities. This allows you to participate in SEWP task orders and build the past performance needed for future on-ramps.

To position yourself for future SEWP on-ramps, focus on building past performance in IT product delivery, establishing manufacturer partnerships or authorized reseller status, and developing strong financial and operational infrastructure to support government contracts.

Once an agency decides to use SEWP for an IT procurement, the ordering process is streamlined and competitive:

1. Agency issues an RFQ. The contracting officer posts a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to all SEWP contractors (or a subset based on product category). The RFQ includes technical requirements, statement of work, evaluation criteria, and delivery timeline.
2. SEWP contractors respond. Contractors submit quotes including proposed pricing, technical approach, product specifications, delivery schedule, and any value-added services. Quotes are typically due within 10-30 days depending on complexity.
3. Agency evaluates quotes. The contracting officer evaluates quotes based on the criteria in the RFQ — typically best value considering price, technical capability, past performance, and delivery. SEWP is not always low-price wins; agencies consider the overall value proposition.
4. Task order award. The agency awards the task order to the SEWP contractor offering the best value. Task orders can range from a few thousand dollars for simple hardware purchases to tens of millions for complex IT solution deployments.

Ordering thresholds and competition requirements:

• Under $10,000 (micro-purchases). Agencies can place orders with any SEWP contractor without competitive quotes. These are the fastest, lowest-friction orders.
• $10,000 to $250,000 (simplified acquisition). Agencies typically request quotes from at least three SEWP contractors and award based on best value.
• Over $250,000. Agencies must provide all SEWP contractors a fair opportunity to compete and use more rigorous evaluation procedures. These orders often require detailed technical proposals in addition to pricing.

SEWP also supports Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for recurring IT purchases. An agency can establish a BPA with one or more SEWP contractors, pre-negotiating terms and pricing for defined product categories. Once a BPA is in place, the agency can issue individual calls without full competition, streamlining repeat purchases.

Holding a SEWP contract does not guarantee sales. SEWP is highly competitive — every task order involves multiple contractors competing for the work. Here's how to win consistently:

• Monitor SEWP opportunities aggressively. NASA provides a SEWP RFQ notification system at sewp.nasa.gov. Set up email alerts for your product categories and respond to every relevant opportunity. Speed matters — the contractors who respond fastest with competitive pricing often win.
• Build manufacturer relationships. Strong partnerships with leading IT manufacturers (Dell, HP, Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, etc.) give you access to competitive pricing, demo equipment, technical support, and manufacturer co-marketing resources. Agencies often prefer contractors who are authorized resellers or certified partners for the products they're buying.
• Offer value beyond price. While price is always important, agencies also evaluate technical approach, delivery speed, warranty and support services, and past performance. Differentiate your quotes by offering value-added services like free installation, extended warranties, technical training, or faster delivery timelines.
• Develop agency relationships. Proactively reach out to IT contracting officers and program managers at your target agencies. Let them know you're a SEWP contractor, what products and services you offer, and how you can support their mission. Many SEWP awards go to contractors who've built trust with the agency before the RFQ is even posted.
• Respond to every RFQ. Even if you don't win, every quote you submit builds your reputation with the agency and helps you understand their evaluation criteria. Contractors who consistently submit competitive, compliant quotes build relationships that lead to future wins.
• Leverage small business status. If you're a small business SEWP contractor, highlight this in your quotes. Many agencies have small business subcontracting goals and preference programs that give small businesses a competitive advantage.
• Pursue BPAs for predictable revenue. Once you've won a few task orders with an agency, propose a Blanket Purchase Agreement for recurring IT purchases. BPAs reduce the agency's procurement burden and create a predictable revenue stream for you.

The most successful SEWP contractors treat the contract as a business development platform, not a passive revenue source. Invest time weekly in monitoring opportunities, building manufacturer partnerships, and cultivating agency relationships. Consistent effort compounds into consistent wins.

SEWP is one of several major IT contract vehicles available to federal agencies. Understanding how SEWP compares to alternatives helps you decide where to focus your business development efforts:

• SEWP vs. GSA IT Schedule. Both provide access to IT products and services, but GSA IT Schedule (now part of GSA MAS) is open to ongoing applications, while SEWP has periodic on-ramps. GSA Schedule covers a broader range of IT services; SEWP is more focused on products and product-related services. Many contractors hold both.
• SEWP vs. Alliant 2. Alliant 2 is focused on IT professional services (development, integration, managed services), while SEWP is focused on IT products. Alliant 2 is better for custom software development and ongoing IT support contracts; SEWP is better for hardware, software, and implementation services. Different use cases, minimal overlap.
• SEWP vs. CIO-SP4. CIO-SP4 (managed by NIH NITAAC) covers IT services including development, integration, and support. CIO-SP4 has a strong services focus; SEWP has a strong products focus. Agencies choose CIO-SP4 for IT services contracts and SEWP for product procurement.
• SEWP vs. standalone procurements. Agencies can always conduct standalone IT procurements posted on SAM.gov. They choose SEWP when they want faster procurement timelines, competitive pricing from pre-vetted contractors, and reduced administrative burden. SEWP simplifies IT buying.

If you're an IT product reseller or systems integrator, SEWP is one of the most valuable contract vehicles to hold. If you're a professional services firm focused on custom development or managed services, focus on Alliant 2, CIO-SP4, or GSA MAS professional services SINs instead.

Learn more about IT contracting strategies in our IT Contracting Guide.

SEWP contractors have ongoing compliance obligations similar to other GWACs:

• Quarterly sales reporting. You must report all SEWP sales to NASA within 30 days after each calendar quarter ends. Reports include order details, dollar values, and customer agency information. Consistent failure to report can result in contract termination.
• Contract Access Fee (CAF). SEWP charges a small administrative fee (typically less than 1%) on all sales. This fee funds NASA's program management and is paid quarterly based on reported sales. The CAF is lower than GSA's 0.75% Industrial Funding Fee.
• Maintain SAM.gov registration. Keep your SAM.gov registration active at all times. An expired SAM.gov registration will prevent task order awards and can lead to contract termination.
• Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance. IT products sold through SEWP must comply with the TAA, meaning they must be manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or a TAA-designated country. Non-compliant products cannot be sold through SEWP.
• Respond to NASA communications. NASA conducts periodic compliance reviews and may request updated financial statements, certifications, or other documentation. Timely responses are required to maintain good standing.
• Maintain past performance. Agencies report SEWP contractor performance in CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System). Strong performance ratings improve your competitiveness for future task orders. Learn more in our CPARS Guide.

Set up calendar reminders for quarterly reporting deadlines and CAF payments. Treat your SEWP contract as a high-value business asset requiring regular attention. The compliance burden is minimal — a few hours per quarter — but neglecting it can cost you the contract.