IT’S ABOUT TO GET A LOT MORE CROWDED AT THE OASIS AS GSA RAMPS UP

Can you parallel park a camel?  GSA officials have said that they may have as many as 800-900 OASIS contractors once they are finished adding new smaller businesses and promoting current OASIS smalls to the unrestricted contract.  Of these, about 500 companies would be on OASIS small business and its derivatives, with the rest being incumbents on the unrestricted vehicle or newly promoted companies to it from among the current OASIS small business contract.  GSA is also contemplating the creation of OASIS small business “pools”.  At least one, for example, would be an 8(a) pool.  To attract this many companies, the agency is being very flexible in how prospective contractors can show that they meet experience requirements.  Team member or partner experience can be used in specific circumstances, opening the door wider to newer companies that may, themselves, have fairly narrow areas of expertise. Despite this openness, successful firms know that there is a big difference between obtaining a contract and doing business through it.  Each step requires a specialized skill set.  That’s important to keep in mind whether your company is pursuing a new OASIS contract, being promoted, or working with a partner who is entering into this segment for the first time.