DHS signs up for OASIS

Following in the footsteps of the Army and Air Force, the Department of Homeland Security signed a memorandum of understanding committing DHS to the General Services Administration's $60 billion One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services contracts.

The move is significant for GSA's OASIS contract because it shows a significant commitment by the largest civilian department, Jim Ghiloni, professional services program management executive and OASIS program director at GSA, said in an interview with FCW.

DHS has already been using OASIS for its Technical, Acquisition and Business Support Services, a department-wide, multiple-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract that provides technical, acquisition and business support services.

Ghiloni said he expects about $250 million annually from DHS under the OASIS memorandum. He said the Army and Air Force could each bring in $500 million per year.

DHS said it would be using the contracting vehicle, including both unrestricted and small business contracts, department-wide.

OASIS is GSA's next-generation take on large contracting vehicles and its development incorporated unprecedented input from industry, as well as federal agencies, including online communities and groups established to discuss the complexities of the contract and services. GSA said the OASIS "solution contract" gives the government maximum flexibility at the task-order level, ensuring customers can access the right mix of suppliers and solutions to meet their professional service needs, including multi-disciplinary requirements.

"It's no surprise that OASIS and OASIS SB are emerging as the solutions of choice for agencies like DHS, Army, and the Air Force. These contracts provide agencies with more flexible full-service options while driving down costs for our federal partners,” GSA Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Thomas A. Sharpe Jr. said in a statement.