STARS III vs OASIS+: Which Contract Vehicle Should You Use?

Federal contracting officers and program managers face a critical decision when planning new IT acquisitions: which contract vehicle best fits the requirement? Two of the most prominent Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) available today are STARS III and OASIS+. Both offer access to qualified IT and professional services contractors, but they differ significantly in scope, structure, ordering procedures, and set-aside pools. This guide breaks down the key differences to help acquisition professionals make informed decisions.

Overview: Two Vehicles, Different Missions

STARS III (8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resource for Services) is a GSA GWAC specifically designed for 8(a) certified small businesses. It focuses exclusively on IT services and solutions, with a program ceiling of $50 billion. STARS III enables federal agencies to issue task orders for IT services while meeting their small business and 8(a) contracting goals simultaneously.

OASIS+ (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus) is a GSA multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (MA-IDIQ) contract that covers a broad range of professional services, including but not limited to IT. OASIS+ has no program ceiling and encompasses everything from management consulting and engineering to IT services and logistics. It includes multiple domain areas and several set-aside pools.

Scope Comparison

STARS III is scoped specifically to IT services and solutions as defined by the contract. This includes software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, IT infrastructure, and related technical services. If your requirement is purely IT-focused, STARS III provides a streamlined path to qualified small business contractors.

OASIS+ covers a significantly broader scope organized into domain areas: Management and Advisory, Technical and Engineering, Research and Development, Intelligence Services, and Environmental. IT services fall primarily under the Technical and Engineering domain but can span multiple domains depending on the requirement. OASIS+ is particularly well-suited for complex, multidisciplinary requirements that blend IT with other professional services.

If your requirement involves pure IT services, either vehicle may work. If the requirement integrates IT with non-IT professional services — such as program management, systems engineering, or intelligence analysis — OASIS+ provides broader coverage.

Set-Aside Pools and Socioeconomic Categories

STARS III is exclusively an 8(a) small business vehicle. Every prime contractor on STARS III is an SBA-certified 8(a) firm. This makes STARS III an excellent choice when agencies need to direct awards to 8(a) businesses or are looking to meet their 8(a) contracting targets.

OASIS+ offers multiple pools including Unrestricted, Small Business (SB), 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). This variety gives contracting officers maximum flexibility to target specific socioeconomic categories or compete requirements across the full industrial base.

Ordering Procedures

STARS III ordering follows FAR 16.505 procedures for task order contracts. Agencies can issue task orders through competitive procedures among STARS III contract holders or through direct awards when justified. The ordering process is designed to be streamlined, with GSA providing oversight and support. Task orders can be fixed-price, time-and-materials, labor-hour, or cost-reimbursement.

OASIS+ also follows FAR 16.505 but incorporates additional features. Agencies must establish a Fair Opportunity process for each task order and may use any evaluation methodology permitted under the FAR. OASIS+ supports all contract types and provides a Collaborative Online Order Processing (COOP) system for managing the ordering lifecycle. The platform enables electronic solicitation, proposal submission, and award documentation.

Both vehicles support the use of Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA), but the specific requirements and approval processes differ. Agencies should coordinate with their GSA points of contact early in the acquisition planning process.

Contract Ceilings and Period of Performance

STARS III has a program ceiling of $50 billion with a base period and option periods extending through 2029. Individual task orders have a maximum five-year period of performance including options.

OASIS+ has no overall program ceiling, which provides maximum flexibility for large-scale acquisitions. The contract extends through a base period and multiple option periods. Individual task order ceilings and periods of performance are established at the order level based on the specific requirement.

When to Choose STARS III

STARS III is the right choice when your acquisition involves primarily IT services, you want to direct the award to 8(a) small businesses, you need a streamlined ordering process, and you want to support small business participation goals. It is particularly effective for requirements under $10 million where speed and simplicity are priorities, though it supports larger task orders as well.

When to Choose OASIS+

OASIS+ is the better fit when your requirement spans multiple professional service domains, you need flexibility across socioeconomic categories, the requirement is complex and may involve significant non-IT components, or you anticipate a large ceiling value. OASIS+ is especially valuable for enterprise-level transformation programs that integrate technology, management, and engineering services.

Zapata Technology: Available on Both Vehicles

Zapata Technology holds prime contracts on both STARS III and OASIS+ 8(a), giving contracting officers flexibility in how they structure their acquisitions. Whether you need focused IT services through STARS III or a multidisciplinary solution through OASIS+, Zapata can serve as your prime contractor. Our contracts page provides detailed information about our contract vehicles, including contract numbers, NAICS codes, and ordering guides.

For contracting officers who are new to these vehicles or need help determining the best fit for their requirement, our Federal Contracting FAQ answers common questions about the ordering process, small business set-asides, and how to get started with a task order.

Decision Framework

When evaluating which vehicle to use, consider these questions: Is the requirement purely IT, or does it include non-IT professional services? Do you have a specific socioeconomic goal beyond 8(a)? What is the anticipated ceiling value? How quickly do you need to award? Does the requirement involve multiple functional domains?

If the answers point toward a focused IT requirement with 8(a) goals, STARS III is likely your best path. If the requirement is broader, larger, or requires flexibility across socioeconomic categories, OASIS+ offers the versatility you need. In either case, early market research and engagement with qualified contractors will help ensure a successful acquisition outcome.

Conclusion

Both STARS III and OASIS+ are powerful acquisition tools that serve different needs. Understanding their respective strengths enables contracting officers to select the vehicle that best aligns with their mission requirements, socioeconomic goals, and acquisition timeline. The Department of War and other federal agencies benefit from having both options available, and qualified contractors like Zapata Technology stand ready to deliver through either vehicle.