OASIS Contract On-Ramps Update: Important changes to consider

Now that the OASIS SB Pool 1 Open Season On-Ramp submission deadline has come and gone, we wanted to take a moment to share what we’ve learned over the past few weeks since the original On-Ramp solicitation was posted. 

Several revisions related to teaming, in particular, were significant for those considering a future OASIS On-Ramp.  In short, GSA has loosened how they evaluate teaming arrangements – allowing offerors to form Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs) that enable them to use the past performance of their partner for an OASIS proposal submission.  This is an important change that may open up the OASIS contract vehicle to many that were previously shut out.  We’ve provided a detailed summary of this change below. 

Over the next few weeks and months, GSA will be releasing a series of Open Season On-Ramps for their OASIS Unrestricted (UNR) and OASIS Small Business (SB) contract vehicles:

The quarters noted above are based on the government fiscal year.  These dates are subject to change so it will be a good idea to follow the solicitations closely on FBO.

After solicitations have been released, proposals are generally due in 45 to 60 calendar days, so turnaround times are quick.  If you are considering submitting an offer it is critical that you begin reviewing your ability to submit a successful offer now.  

Baker Tilly has developed a proprietary Self-Scoring Proposal Optimization Tool (SPOT) that analyzes contracting data and determines the most favorable combination of relevant experience projects.

Winning an OASIS Award through Strategic Teaming

It is no secret that the “best-in-class” OASIS contract vehicle is highly exclusive.  With a limited number of contracts awarded on each OASIS pool, prospective contractors must prove that they are highly qualified in the areas of relevant experience, past performance, systems and certifications.  While subject to change on future On-Ramp solicitations, on previous iterations of the unrestricted vehicle, prime offerors were essentially on their own (with few exceptions) to score points on the proposal.  However, on OASIS Small Business (SB), the solicitation allows contractors to team with one or more contractors to earn points in areas where they are lacking.  As long as contractors stay within the requirements identified in the solicitation, the right capture strategy may be the most important factor in getting your company onto the OASIS SB vehicle.