Last reviewed on May 12, 2026.
What Alliant 3 is
GSA Alliant is a family of government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) for enterprise IT solutions. Alliant 3 is the third generation, succeeding Alliant 2 in covering federal demand for integrated, large-scale IT services across the civilian and defense agencies. It is operated by GSA's Federal Acquisition Service.
The Alliant series has historically been used for large, complex IT engagements — enterprise systems integration, mission-critical operations, and multi-year transformation programs. The structure favors firms that can deliver across a broad spectrum of IT capabilities rather than highly specialized boutique offerings.
Scope
Alliant 3 scope generally covers:
- Systems engineering and integration
- Software development and modernization
- Cybersecurity services
- Cloud services and migration
- Data management, analytics, and AI
- IT infrastructure operations and maintenance
- Enterprise architecture
- Network engineering and operations
- Emerging technologies and innovation services
The scope is broad enough that most enterprise IT requirements at federal agencies can be ordered through Alliant when an agency chooses to use the vehicle. The "enterprise" qualifier matters — Alliant is designed for substantial, programmatic IT work rather than discrete commodity purchases.
How Alliant compares to other IT GWACs
| Vehicle |
Sponsor |
Distinctive position |
| Alliant 3 |
GSA |
Large-scale enterprise IT solutions; complex integration |
| CIO-SP4 |
NIH NITAAC |
IT services with health-IT emphasis; many task areas |
| SEWP |
NASA |
IT products and product-based services; fast quote-driven ordering |
| 8(a) STARS III |
GSA |
8(a)-only IT services; directed-order authority |
| OASIS+ |
GSA |
Professional services (IT-adjacent and non-IT) |
| GSA MAS |
GSA |
Broadest scope, lower agency-specific support |
For agencies issuing large enterprise IT work, Alliant is often the default choice because the contract is purpose-built for that scale and complexity. Smaller IT engagements typically use CIO-SP4, SEWP, OASIS+, or MAS.
Pools and tracks
Like other major GWACs, Alliant 3 separates contract holders by size and socioeconomic status:
- Unrestricted pool. Open to firms of any size.
- Small business pool. Set aside for small business under the relevant NAICS.
- Socioeconomic pools. 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB pools may be available depending on the specific solicitation structure GSA adopts.
Task orders are competed within the selected pool. The unrestricted pool generally hosts the largest task orders; small business and socioeconomic pools host orders that the ordering agency sets aside.
What holding Alliant looks like in practice
- Heavy past performance demand. Original Alliant solicitations emphasize demonstrated enterprise-scale past performance. Smaller firms often need teaming partners or a JV structure to credibly compete.
- Self-scoring discipline. Like CIO-SP4, Alliant typically uses self-scoring against published criteria. Accuracy here is consequential.
- Active capture demand. Alliant orders rarely come unsolicited. Agency-specific capture is required to convert the contract into revenue.
- Compliance overlays. CMMC, Section 889, CUI handling, and Section 508 accessibility all flow into individual orders.
- Long contract life. Alliant contracts run for multi-year base terms with options. Holders make sustained investments in their Alliant practice rather than treating it as a tactical bid.
Compliance topics frequently triggered by Alliant orders
Common mistakes
- Bidding Alliant without enterprise-scale past performance. The contract is built around large engagements. Smaller boutique firms may be better served by CIO-SP4, OASIS+, or MAS.
- Treating Alliant as a brand rather than a relationship. Holding the contract is a starting point. Active capture is what produces orders.
- Underestimating proposal cost. Alliant pursuits are among the most expensive proposal efforts in federal contracting. Plan B&P accordingly.
- Ignoring teaming opportunities. Smaller firms can participate in Alliant orders as subcontractors to prime holders. Active subcontracting through Alliant primes can be more productive than chasing prime status directly.
- Missing on-ramp announcements. Alliant on-ramps add new contract holders periodically. Firms outside the initial award list should watch for these explicitly.