GSA’s Not-So-Secret Plan for World Domination
aka why your contracting strategy better include GSA right now
If you’re not paying attention to what GSA’s doing right now… you’re gonna miss the bus. A very big, very central, very government-wide bus.
🚨 Here’s the headline: GSA is quietly (ok, maybe not so quietly) consolidating federal contracting power under its umbrella. And it’s no coincidence. We're watching a strategic takeover unfold in real time – one vehicle, one cancellation, one reroute at a time.
What We’ve Seen
Over the last year, we’ve watched agency after agency:
- Cancel massive procurements (DHS PACTS III, Army MDMS, MDA MIOES)
- Hand over their vehicles to GSA (see: NIH CIO-SP4 → GSA)
- Pause solicitations indefinitely (looking at you, Polaris)
GSA is stepping in as the ultimate middleman, absorbing contract vehicles and steering buyers toward their preferred platforms: MAS, OASIS+, Alliant 3, Polaris, STARS III, and VETS2.
It’s no longer just about price or efficiency. It’s about consolidation + control.
What This Means for You
This isn’t the time to just "monitor" contract vehicle strategy. If GSA isn’t part of your growth plan, you are playing with fire.
💣 CIO-SP4? GSA’s got it.
💣 SEWP VI? GSA’s got it.
💣 HCaTS? Rumor is, it’s on the chopping block too, soon to be replaced by OASIS+.
💣 PACTS III + FirstSource III? Gone.
Meanwhile, GSA is doubling down on its own portfolio – with 14,000+ awards on MAS, unlimited awards on OASIS+, and hundreds more coming via Polaris and Alliant 3. This is not a coincidence.
Why They’re Doing It
This isn’t just some bureaucratic power play. There’s a method to the madness (although, it’s still a bit maddening):
- Efficiency: GSA wants fewer vehicles and more buyers using centralized tools.
- Control: With contract consolidation, GSA has more leverage and visibility into spending.
- Scalability: The MAS program can absorb a wide range of commercial offerings; OASIS+ covers the rest.
Translation? Agencies don’t need to invent new vehicles. GSA already has one for that.
Our POV
At Summit, we’re telling clients: stop sitting on the sidelines. If GSA isn't part of your FY26 strategy, you’re not playing to win. And if you’re waiting for agency-specific vehicles to drop… good luck. The shift is already underway.
Whether you're a seasoned contractor or just getting into the federal game, here's the playbook:
✅ Get on MAS.
✅ Get on OASIS+ (and prep for the next on-ramp NOW).
✅ Watch what happens with Alliant 3, Polaris, and STARS III.
✅ Be ready to shift if your target contract gets pulled, paused, or reassigned.
GSA’s not just managing contracts anymore. They’re managing the game.
Want help updating your strategy before you get left behind? We’ve got the map. You bring the boots.
Krystn Macomber
CP APMP Fellow, LEED
There’s magic in disrupting the ordinary. This is the philosophy Krystn brings to working with and empowering her clients. With a 20-year track record of helping global professional services enterprises, Krystn is redefining what’s possible for companies looking to elevate their marketing, pursuit, and business development operations. She is an industry leader, award winner, mentor, coach, and highly sought-after speaker.
Let’s be real: navigating federal contracting is about as straightforward as assembling Ikea furniture without instructions. And if you spend even a little time in this world, people start throwing out acronyms and terms that make a lot of sense to industry vets, but can feel hard to navigate when you’re new. At some point you might still have questions but feel like you’re too afraid to ask. Don’t worry, we’ll cover the basics so you can get some real answers. This guide will break it down: no fluff, just facts and definitions.
The government contracting (GovCon) industry is more uncertain than ever. Federal contract awards are stalling, procurement budgets are tightening, and competition is increasing across agencies. If your firm is struggling to keep a steady pipeline, now is the time to rethink your approach to business development (BD) and proposal management.
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