Unlocking the Benefits of Partnering for the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity.

The General Services Administration (GSA) created the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) or OASIS Plus program to provide federal agencies with a streamlined process for acquiring complex professional services. The OASIS Plus program reduces duplication of contracting efforts. It offers a broad and diverse pool of small business providers. It also improves the quality of services acquired. However, navigating the OASIS+ program can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses. The scoring system might be tough to overcome for smaller companies. Larger enterprises might want to expand into new domains (essentially industries). Partnering is a great way to unlock the benefits of the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the benefits of partnering for the OASIS program, finding the right partner, and developing a successful partnership. If you’re a small business seeking to participate in the OASIS program, read on to learn more about how partnering can help you succeed. Large companies can also use this article to streamline their partnering process to expand into other domains in OASIS+.

Table of Content:

1-Introduction to the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity

2-What is partnering in the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

3-What are the benefits of partnering in the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

4-How does partnering work in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

5-What are the different scenarios for partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

6-What types of companies are good partners for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

7-How to find and approach potential partners for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

8-Tips for successful partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity

9-Conclusion and next steps

1. Introduction to the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity

GSA OASIS Plus is a unique opportunity for businesses looking to work with the government and provide professional services. The OASIS+ program promotes small business participation in government contracting and offers a wide range of services across many industries.
This program is open to all businesses, regardless of size or location. It provides access to a wide range of federal agencies that require professional services to meet their needs. The OASIS+ program was created to streamline the acquisition process for government agencies, providing greater efficiency in procuring professional services.
The benefits of working with the government through the GSA OASIS Plus program are numerous. Firstly, it provides access to a vast network of potential client agencies that require professional services. Additionally, getting on this vehicle can help businesses to develop a reputation for quality work and build a long-term relationship with the government.
Another benefit of partnering with the government through the GSA OASIS Plus program is the potential for increased revenue. The government is a substantial buyer of professional services. Thus, businesses that partner with the government can benefit from a steady stream of contracts and revenue. OASIS+ does not have a ceiling budget (the previous OASIS had a ceiling of $60B, which has been surpassed already).
In conclusion, the OASIS+ program is an excellent opportunity for businesses looking to partner with the government and provide professional services. The program offers a range of benefits, including access to a vast network of potential clients, the potential for increased revenue, and the opportunity to develop a reputation for quality work.

2. What is partnering in the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

Partnering in the OASIS+ opportunity refers to two or more companies forming a team or joint venture to pursue a contract. It allows companies to pool their resources and capabilities to offer a more comprehensive solution to the government. Partnering can be particularly beneficial for companies that lack the necessary expertise or resources to pursue a contract independently. But the main reason for partnering at the IDIQ level is to get over the minimum acceptable score threshold of 36 for small businesses and 42 for large companies.
The GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity program encourages partnering by allowing companies to form joint ventures or subcontracting relationships with other companies.
Partnering also allows companies to share the risks and costs of pursuing a contract. By working together, companies can spread the financial burden of proposal development, and other costs associated with pursuing a contract. Additionally, partnering can help companies to mitigate the risks associated with performing work in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Overall, partnering can be an effective strategy for companies pursuing the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. By working together, companies can boost their overall score to above the minimum threshold at the IDIQ level to be awarded a contract. Subsequently, they can offer a more comprehensive solution at the task order level. This includes sharing risks and costs, and increasing their chances of winning a task order.

3. What are the benefits of partnering in the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

Partnering can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to participate in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. By forming a partnership, companies can combine their strengths and capabilities to create a more competitive proposal, i.e., a better score at the IDIQ level and a better solution at the Task Order level.

At the IDIQ level:

• One of the most significant benefits of partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity at the IDIQ level is to supplement the partner’s or partners’ contracts to your own and increase the chances of success.
• Partnering can be especially beneficial to small businesses that do not have the 5 Qualifying Projects (or QPs) that are the crux of the scoring system in OASIS Plus.
• Not only can you use Qualifying Projects interchangeably, but also you can use Federal Experience Projects (FEPs) from different partners.
• Regarding the scoring system, there is no distinction as to whose projects you are using. In a joint venture, it can be from any of the JV members, and in a prime/sub relationship, these contracts can come from the prime or subcontractor(s). In fact, as far as the RFP is concerned, you can have all your contracts from your subs and still get an acceptable score and be awarded a contract at the IDIQ level.

At the Task Order level:

• Partnering provides the ability to offer a more comprehensive solution. By partnering with another business with complementary capabilities, businesses can offer a broader range of services that can better meet the client’s needs. This can also help differentiate the proposal from others that provide only a limited range of services.
• Partnering can also help to reduce the risk associated with pursuing large contracts. By sharing the workload and responsibilities, businesses can mitigate the risk of being unable to deliver on the contract requirements. This can be especially important for small businesses that may not have the experience or resources to handle large contracts independently.
• Another benefit of partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity is the ability to leverage the expertise of other businesses. By partnering with a company with deep experience in a particular area, businesses can tap into that expertise and offer a more robust proposal. It can also help to build relationships with other firms in the industry, which can lead to future partnerships and collaborations.

In conclusion, partnering can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to participate in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. By combining strengths and capabilities, companies can create a more competitive proposal, offer a more comprehensive solution, reduce risk, and leverage expertise. Partnering may be worth exploring if you’re considering pursuing GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. In fact, it can play a critical role in your winning a seat on this opportunity.

4. How does partnering work in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

Partnering in the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity effectively expands your business capabilities and maximizes your chances of success. The program encourages small businesses to partner up with larger, more experienced companies to bid on contracts. Thus, this is a win-win for both parties involved.
Small businesses can benefit from their expertise, resources, and established reputation in the industry when they team up with larger firms. Larger companies, too, have a better chance of winning contracts by partnering with smaller businesses that offer niche expertise, and innovative solutions.

There are two types of partnerships allowed on OASIS Plus:

a) Joint Ventures

b) Prime/Sub Relationship

a) Joint Ventures:

Two or more companies can form a Joint Venture (JV). There are several factors involved that you should be aware of:

• OASIS Plus allows both old and newly formed joint ventures to participate in the opportunity.
• Joint ventures can be populated or unpopulated; both are acceptable in OASIS Plus.
• If you are participating in the small business tracks of OASIS Plus, all the JV members must be small under the NAICS codes you are targeting for that domain.
• If you want to create a WOSB/HUBZone/8(a) JV, there is a catch. The SBA and the respected offices that must approve your registration have a large backlog. Thus, if you are in the process of forming the JV, you will not have time to get your JV registered by SBA before the OASIS Plus due date.
• For small business JVs, all you have to do is register the JV in SAM and do not have to get other agencies involved. Therefore, you have time, even now, to form these JVs and get them registered in SAM.
• Contracts from any of the JV members can be used for Qualifying Projects (QPs) and Federal Experience Projects (FEPs).
• Systems, Certifications, and Clearances from any of the JV members can be used to claim the points under this factor.

b) Prime/Sub Relationship:

The Prime/Sub teaming arrangement may be formed between two or multiple companies. One company will act as the prime, and the other company(ies) will be subcontractors to the prime. So, when awarded at the IDIQ level or Task Order level, the contract is in the prime company’s name. There are several factors involved that you should be aware of:

• OASIS Plus allows both old prime/sub teaming arrangements and newly formed prime/sub relationships to participate in the opportunity.
• Who will be the prime and who will be the sub is a business decision between the participating companies. The government does not give any extra points to the format of the prime/sub relationship. So an arrangement in which the prime is the larger company has no extra benefit to a vice-verse arrangement. All that counts at the IDIQ level is the score. Of course, at the Task Order level, the team’s solution, past experience/performance, and composition all have a weight.
• For the small business tracks of OASIS+, all subcontractors must also be small under the NAICS codes for that domain. So your sub cannot be a large business.
• For the prime/sub teaming arrangement, you do not have to register anything with SBA or SAM. However, you must provide subcontractor consent letters and subcontracting agreements as part of you your proposal.
• Contracts from any subcontractors can be used for Qualifying Projects (QPs) and Federal Experience Projects (FEPs).
• However, Systems, Certifications, and Clearances can only come from the prime. Even if the subcontractor(s) do have some of these capabilities, you cannot claim that score unless it comes from the prime.

c) General Notes:

Partnering involves identifying a company that complements your business and submitting a proposal as a joint venture or prime/sub arrangement. The agreement between the companies should outline the responsibilities of each partner, the scope of work, the cost-sharing arrangements, and other issues as spelled out in the OASIS Plus RFP. The program has strict rules and regulations that govern teaming arrangements, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in disqualification from the program.
Overall, partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity can unlock many benefits for your business, from expanding your capabilities to winning new contracts. It’s an opportunity worth exploring, and with the right partner, it can lead to long-term success.

5. What are the different scenarios for partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

Different scenarios create the need for partnering in GSA OASIS Plus. Here we will concentrate on the IDIQ level because the contract allows you to partner with anyone you want at the Task Order level.

Here are the conceivable scenarios and how companies should act in each:

a) Prime SBs looking for partners:

In this scenario, you are a small business, and you have done your initial assessment of your score and have found out that you are below 36 – the minimum threshold – and thus need to partner with another company to boost your score. In this case:

• Focus on where you are the weakest on the QPs. Even if you have your own 5 QPs, but your score is low, try to bring in a partner(s) who can replace your lowest scoring QPs.
• Try to boost your score by using partners who can add to your FEP points, especially if you cannot claim points under the TOs for MA-IDIQ subfactor.
• If the number of your own QPs is low, you might have a problem finding one company to provide all the rest. For example, if you have 1 or 2 QPs but are adamant about being Prime. In that case, it would be prudent to approach multiple companies with 1 or 2 contracts and add them up.
• As you can see, it is assumed that you have initially assessed your score. If you have not done this or don’t know how to do it, then you should get it done by a third-party company. Otherwise, you wouldn’t know if you are below the threshold and thus need a partner, and you wouldn’t know what to look for in your partners to boost your score.
• Conversely, you need to ensure that your candidate partners have also done a preliminary assessment of their score so you can know positively what they are bringing to the table. You don’t want to face a situation in which, after going through the logistics of your partnering agreement with the company, you realize that your partner will not increase your score enough to exceed the threshold.

b) SBs looking to Sub to Primes:

In this situation, you are a small business with few – perhaps 1-3 Qualifying Projects (QPs) and would prefer to sub to other companies instead of going as prime. In this case:

• Ensure you can properly present your case and strengths to the Prime.
• You should focus on selling any contracts you have that can be used as QPs and then, as a secondary focus, your Federal Experience Projects (FEPs) and specifically TOs under MA-IDIQ, if any.
• Don’t look for your largest projects only. Sometimes a smaller project that has, for example, used more FTEs than your larger projects or covered surge or other scoring factors will give you a higher score. So, work on the maximum score each of your projects might bring, and then submit your case.
• Don’t forget that you can use subcontracts to primes and commercial contracts; sometimes, they will give you a higher score than your primes.
• Discuss the needs of your prime and see if you can help them in other domains as well. There have been times when a sub has brought in enough contracts in another domain, and the prime has also become interested in participating in that domain.

c) Cross-Domain Partnerships:

In this situation, two companies (large or small) can partner and lend each other contracts so that the partnership can participate in multiple domains. This way, each company’s coverage of opportunities expands in multiple domains. For example, assume that your main domain is Management and Advisory, but you have also performed two contracts under Technical and Engineering. Another company’s main domain is Research and Development, but they, too, have performed three projects in Technical and Engineering. So, if you form a partnership (JV or prime/sub) with the other company, the combined contracts from your company and their company can bring an acceptable score for the Technical and Engineering domain. In this way, both companies will be awarded in the T&E domain, opening up a new expanse of opportunities for both of them.

d) Cross-Track Partnership:

What is usually called “tracks” is called “solicitations” in the OASIS Plus RFP, but for clarity, we will use the word “tracks” here. OASIS Plus has six different tracks: Unrestricted, Total Small Business, SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, and 8(a).

I have seen many scenarios in which companies partner to be able to expand their reach in different “tracks.” For example, an SDVOSB company has a good score in the Management and Advisory Domain. Another WOSB company has three contracts only but wishes to go after the same domain. So they form a partnership, and the SDVOSB company lends the second company two contracts, so the WOSB company can also be awarded. This is a win-win scenario because the WOSB company is awarded despite not having the 5 QPs, and the SBVOSB company expands into the WOSB realm and can participate in the upcoming Task Orders there as well.

Note that there is no restriction if the same contracts (here, the 2 contracts that the SDVOSB company lent to the WOSB company) are used in two different tracks.

e) Startup Company Partnerships:

The above Cross-Track Partnership scenario can have an extreme case in which one company has no past performance, i.e., startup companies, but has a special set-aside. In this situation, larger small businesses might bring their contracts behind this startup and use their special set-aside standing to expand their own market. At the same time, the startup will be awarded –as prime – a lucrative OASIS Plus contract that they can get revenue from and use as past performance for future contracts.

f) Large Businesses:

In this scenario, a large business might want to expand into other domains and use partners (JV member or subs) to complement its own contracts and score in the new domains. Note that:

• Many small businesses have QPs that are large enough and relevant to the domains you might be after. So, use SBs (if other large enterprises are not interested) to fill the gaps and get your score up to be awarded on extra domains. This way, you can increase the number of domains you are going after.
• Although these partner SBs are using their projects in other tracks and set-aside submissions, you can use their projects if they are not directly participating in the Unrestricted track.
• Also, if you are low on points on the TO side (FEPs), by all means, use SB partners.

In summary, for this section, there are many scenarios in which the use of partnering is the only way to ensure an award of the contract. Thus, the general recommendation to all businesses is: USE AS MANY PARTNERS AS IS LOGISTICALLY POSSIBLE TO BOOST YOUR SCORE AND BE ABOVE THE MINIMUM THRESHOLD.

6. What types of companies are good partners for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

So, how do you select the best partner(s) for GSA OASIS Plus opportunity? When it comes to partnering for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity, choosing the right type of partner is essential. As we focus on selecting partners at the IDIQ level, the keyword is “score.” Thus, the selection criteria are which partner will increase your score to push you above the minimum threshold. Those who want to subcontract to other primes might have different motives. Essentially, they are not concerned with points but with picking a prime with which they can create a strategic bond.

The latter is a business decision, so let’s concentrate on the former. That is when you want to pick a partner to increase your score.

The critical factor here is to do an eligibility/score assessment for yourself and your partner.

The Prime:

You need to do an eligibility/score assessment to understand where you stand regarding your score. Are you way below the minimum threshold? Or are you right on top of it (which still means you need partnering as you need some cushion points)? Or are you way above the minimum score and hence don’t need any partnering?

You need to understand which of our 5 QPs are the weakest, where you stand on the FEPs, etc. In this way, you would know which partners to go after.

The Sub:

Since you want to join a prime’s team, you, too, need to perform an eligibility/score assessment for your contracts. This way, you can explain what you are bringing to the table and how you can help increase the overall score. It is crucial to be proficient in how the scoring system in OASIS Plus works. Thus, you can argue for your case and present an attractive proposal.

In summary, both the prime and subs should do an initial eligibility/score assessment to understand where they stand. The prime should insist that its candidate partners have a sound eligibility/score assessment done for their own contracts as well. You as the prime would then know whether and how you could use their past performed projects towards maximizing your score.

7. How to find and approach potential partners for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity?

Finding and approaching potential partners for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity is an important step towards unlocking the benefits of partnering.

a) Traditional ways to find partners:

There are multiple ways that you can go after finding partners:

• One way to start is by leveraging your existing network. Reach out to companies or individuals you have worked with previously. Then ask if they would be interested in partnering with you on this opportunity.
• Another way is to attend industry events and conferences, where you can meet and network with other businesses in your industry. This is a great way to find potential partners who share your goals and values.
• Additionally, you can use online resources such as LinkedIn and other social media platforms to search for potential partners.

b) GDI Consulting’s Solution:

The problem in most of the above cases is that:

1) you don’t know if the target company has any eligible contracts in your target domain or if they are interested in your track.
2) Also, some of these methods are extremely slow. And time is of the essence now!

So, to alleviate this situation, GDI Consulting has created a unique online portal for partnering. This portal is geared towards similar RFPs such as OASIS Plus, Alliant 3, PACTS III, … This free portal allows you to search for companies based on domains as well as tracks (set-asides). Thus you can quickly find your target companies and start direct communication with them (through the portal or off of it). Here is the link to this free portal: https://partneringhub.gdicwins.com

c) Communicational with partners:

Once you have identified potential partners, it’s essential to approach them in a professional manner. Start by introducing yourself and your company, then explain why you think your partnership would benefit both parties. This is where having done an eligibility/score assessment is extremely beneficial to both sides. They can speak on concrete facts and quickly find out whether they can work together.

Be sure to highlight any relevant experience or expertise you have and explain how these assets can contribute to the partnership. Also, be clear about your expectations and goals for the partnership. Be open to discussing how you can work together to achieve these goals. A successful partnership requires open communication, mutual trust, and a shared vision for success. By following these tips, you can find and approach potential partners for the OASIS+ opportunity and unlock the benefits of partnering.

8. Tips for successful partnering in GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity

Partnering can be an effective way to unlock the benefits of the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. However, it is important to approach partnerships strategically to ensure they are successful. Here are some tips for successful partnering in the OASIS+ opportunity:

1. Identify complementary strengths: Look for partners who bring complementary strengths to the partnership. In this way, you can increase your score and ensure you are above the minimum threshold.
2. Establish clear roles and responsibilities: It is essential to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each partner in the partnership. This can help to avoid confusion or misunderstandings later down the line.
3. Communicate regularly: Communication is key to any successful partnership. It would be best if you established regular check-ins between partners to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Also, ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
4. Establish trust: Trust is essential in any partnership. You should take the time to get to know your potential partners. You can then establish a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.
5. Have a clear exit strategy: While your partnership might start with the best of intentions, things don’t always work out. It is important to have a clear exit strategy in place in case things don’t go as planned.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when partnering towards the OASIS+ opportunity. Remember, partnerships can be a powerful way to unlock the benefits of OASIS+, but success requires careful planning and execution.

9. Conclusion and next steps

In conclusion, partnering for GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity can be a highly beneficial move for businesses looking to grow and expand their reach. It represents a “booster” for getting a foothold on this significant opportunity for the next 10 years. By partnering with other businesses, you can leverage each other’s strengths and expertise. This translates into a winning score. Also, the combined resources and capabilities allows you to perform larger, more complex task orders once you are awarded the IDIQ.
However, it’s important to carefully assess potential partners and ensure that your goals and values align before entering into any partnerships. Additionally, it’s crucial to have clear and transparent communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and a solid agreement in place. This avoids any misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
Once you establish the need, the next step is to start finding and communicating with potential partners. The use of GDIC’s free partnering portal can be expedite  finding proper partners. With the right partner, you can take your business to the next level for the next 10 years.

We hope you enjoyed our article on the benefits of partnering for the GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. Remember to use these tips and tools as you consider partnering for the upcoming GSA OASIS Plus Opportunity. Good luck!