The client had a substantial portfolio of technology-driven training solutions and related services. They held numerous multi-million-dollar contracts and possessed all the necessary industry certifications, credentials, government-approved business systems, and security clearances—earning a perfect score in nearly every evaluation criterion under the Management and Advisory (M&A) domain.

However, an inherent challenge existed across all their contracts. Training was their core focus, and nearly all of their contracts reflected this specialty. The client, however, aimed to bid under the Technical & Engineering (T&E) and Research & Development (R&D) domains. While they were involved in R&D across physical, engineering, life sciences, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and related fields, the relevant verbiage was missing from the eligible contracts that otherwise met value and scalability criteria.

Moreover, subcontracting arrangements could not resolve this issue, as none of their contracts satisfied domain relevancy for T&E and R&D. Faced with these challenges, the client began reconsidering their decision to bid under the T&E and R&D domains in OASIS+.

Our client came to us when the RFP was in the solicitation stage, requesting eligibility evaluation, capture management, and proposal development services. We began with several strategic meetings involving assessment, identification, and mapping of the best combination of qualified contracts. After these meetings, we developed a comprehensive proposal development plan to help the client win one of the contracts under this multiple-award solicitation. Our proposal roadmap consisted of the following components:

1. Phase 0 – Eligibility Assessment (Qualification)

GDIC conducted a comprehensive assessment to determine whether the client met the minimum scoring threshold, evaluating key criteria such as the size, relevance, and scalability of past contracts within applicable service domains. We also verified compliance with socioeconomic qualifications, regulatory requirements, and essential industry credentials.

As expected, the client had already achieved a perfect score of 50 under the M&A domain. However, they did not have any Qualified Performances (QPs) with a NAICS code and/or scope of work that matched the T&E or R&D domains. Our next objective was to identify QPs and develop the necessary artifacts and supporting evidence.

The client’s trust in GDIC’s expertise and proven track record gave us the confidence to proceed, allowing us to craft a strategic approach aimed at achieving success.

2. Phase I – Collect & Verify Evidence for the Target Score

The GDIC Proposal Team referred to the FPDS portal to extract a list of all recent contracts exceeding $2.5 million and further filtered them based on scalability and NAICS/PSC codes. Since FPDS does not explicitly detail the scope of work relevant to the OASIS+ target domains, we conducted extensive research using SAM.gov, GovWin, and other sources to retrieve the necessary documentation. Additionally, we collected invoices and looked for any technical roles or labor categories relevant to the proposed domains.

For each potentially relevant contract, we performed a thorough keyword analysis to identify tasks applicable to T&E and/or R&D. We collaborated with the client’s delivery teams to validate relevancy and gathered sufficient evidence of work performed in both domains. To ensure full coverage, we developed a strategy for completing J.P-3 forms for each identified QP.

Leveraging our proprietary AI tool, extensively trained for OASIS+ evaluations, we systematically extracted and populated relevant data from the available artifacts under the proposed domains in the Unrestricted (UNR) category. The tool optimized the best combination of qualified contracts, exceeding the score threshold of 42, and successfully meeting the criteria not only for M&A, but also for T&E and R&D domains.

3. Phase II – Proposal Package Development

In this phase, we tagged, highlighted, and cross-referenced artifacts for the shortlisted QPs under OASIS+ to ensure clarity, accuracy, and full compliance with GSA’s evaluation criteria. We populated J.P-3 forms for each domain using relevant scope of work language and attributes extracted from the contract documentation. We also helped the client prepare justifications for each proposed QP, which were essential in securing signatures from the respective Points of Contact (POCs).

The OASIS+ scoring system on the Symphony Portal required bidders to submit clear and verifiable evidence supporting qualifications, past performance, and technical capabilities. Proper tagging and highlighting were crucial to help evaluators quickly locate and verify key information across extensive documentation, minimizing the risk of omissions.

For each evaluation factor, we cross-referenced artifacts across multiple sections of the proposal to ensure consistency and demonstrate alignment with scoring requirements. This minimized ambiguity, enhanced the credibility of claims, and improved the likelihood of earning maximum points.

Although pricing was not scored, reasonableness was mandatory. We advised the client and cross-verified their proposed price, comparing it against benchmarks such as Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and prevailing market rates.

Our QA Team conducted PINK, RED, and GOLD reviews to ensure the proposal package was compliant and that the required score was achieved. While the client had already surpassed the threshold for OASIS+ UNR in M&A, T&E, and R&D domains, we built a powerful evidence package that successfully mapped relevancy for non-obvious domains. Our organized approach ensured that the client didn’t lose any points, significantly boosting their chances of award.

4. Phase III – Proposal Upload & Post-Upload QA

GDIC used a comprehensive checklist—covering artifact mapping, standardized naming conventions, tagging, and submission order—to ensure a seamless and accurate upload. Our team collaborated via Microsoft Teams, using shared-screen coordination to keep the client informed throughout the submission process.

An error-free, well-structured, and fully compliant submission was critical to avoid disqualification or scoring penalties. GDIC’s QA Team performed both a pre-upload package review and a final compliance review in the Symphony Portal to ensure all artifacts were accurately uploaded, tagged, and cross-referenced.

5. Post-Submission Services

Following the client’s submission, GDIC provided continued support throughout the evaluation process. We helped respond to inquiries from the contracting officer, facilitated acknowledgment of new amendments, managed requests for proposal validity extensions, and supported necessary contract adjustments.

We also assisted in responding to clarifications related to the compensation plan, overtime policy, and pricing basis. Our team continued to collaborate via Microsoft Teams to upload clarifications, submit artifacts, and process signed amendments efficiently.

As the government announced contract awardees in multiple phases, our client was successful in all three proposed domains: M&A, T&E, and R&D.

GDIC concluded this several-month engagement by conducting a full review, capturing lessons learned, and identifying strategic insights to enhance future proposal success.