NASA SEWP Explained: The Government's Largest IT Contract Vehicle

NASA SEWP, Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement, is one of the most widely used IT contract vehicles in the federal government. It provides a streamlined way for government agencies to purchase IT products, software, and related services from pre-competed contract holders, without running a full procurement from scratch every time.

If you work in government IT procurement or sell technology to government agencies, SEWP is a contract vehicle you need to understand. It processes billions of dollars in orders annually, serves virtually every federal agency, and extends access to state, local, and education (SLED) buyers. Yet many companies outside the federal contracting space have never heard of it.

This guide covers what SEWP is, how it works, who can use it, and how vendors can get on contract.

What Is NASA SEWP?

SEWP stands for Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement. It is a multi-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

In plain terms, SEWP is a pre-competed contract that allows government agencies to buy IT products quickly and at competitive prices. Instead of running their own lengthy procurement processes, agencies can issue orders directly to SEWP contract holders, companies that have already been vetted and awarded positions on the contract.

SEWP is specifically categorized as a GWAC, which means any federal agency can use it. This distinguishes it from agency-specific contracts that only the issuing agency can access. For a broader look at how contract vehicles work, see our guide to government contract vehicles.

Key Facts About SEWP

Full name: Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
Managed by: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Contract type: Multi-award IDIQ GWAC
Current iteration: SEWP V (with SEWP VI in development)
Scope: IT hardware, software, cloud solutions, and related services
Available to: All federal agencies, plus state, local, tribal, and education entities
Annual order volume: Over $10 billion in recent years
Number of contract holders: Approximately 145 companies on SEWP V
Fee: 0.39% of order value (one of the lowest among GWACs)

History and Evolution of SEWP

SEWP has gone through five major iterations since its inception, each expanding in scope, scale, and the number of agencies it serves.

SEWP I (1993)

The original SEWP contract was created by NASA to meet its own internal IT procurement needs. At the time, it was a relatively small vehicle focused on scientific computing equipment and workstations. Only NASA centers could place orders.

SEWP II (1998)

The second iteration expanded SEWP's scope beyond NASA. Other federal agencies began using the contract, and the product categories grew to include a wider range of IT hardware. This was the turning point where SEWP started becoming a government-wide resource rather than just a NASA internal tool.

SEWP III (2003)

SEWP III further broadened both the product scope and the user base. More agencies adopted it as a primary purchasing vehicle for IT commodities, and the contract began processing significantly higher order volumes.

SEWP IV (2009)

SEWP IV was a major step up in scale. It expanded coverage to include software, networking equipment, and storage solutions alongside traditional IT hardware. The contract also started serving state and local government entities, dramatically increasing its reach. Annual order volumes grew into the billions.

SEWP V (2015 - Present)

SEWP V is the current iteration and by far the largest. Awarded in May 2015, it includes approximately 145 contract holders across multiple groups. SEWP V covers an extensive catalog of IT products and solutions, including cloud computing, cybersecurity tools, IoT devices, and audio/video equipment.

SEWP V has consistently processed over $10 billion in annual orders in recent years, making it one of the highest-volume contract vehicles in the federal government. The contract has a maximum ordering period that has been extended, with current performance periods running through 2025 and potential extensions.

SEWP VI (Upcoming)

NASA has been developing SEWP VI as the next generation of the contract. SEWP VI is expected to further expand product and service categories, potentially including more robust coverage of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing components, and advanced cybersecurity platforms. Vendors interested in the next iteration should monitor NASA's SEWP website for solicitation announcements and draft RFP releases.

What You Can Buy Through SEWP

SEWP covers a broad range of IT products and technology solutions. The contract is organized into product groups, each covering specific technology categories.

IT Hardware

This is SEWP's historical core. Hardware categories include:

Desktops, laptops, and tablets from major manufacturers
Servers and high-performance computing systems
Storage solutions including SAN, NAS, and flash arrays
Networking equipment such as switches, routers, firewalls, and access points
Printers, scanners, and imaging equipment
Peripherals including monitors, keyboards, docking stations, and accessories

Software and Licensing

SEWP contract holders offer a wide range of software products:

Operating systems and productivity suites
Cybersecurity software including endpoint protection, SIEM platforms, and vulnerability management
Database management and analytics platforms
Virtualization and containerization software
IT service management (ITSM) tools
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and collaboration tools
Software licenses and maintenance agreements

Cloud Solutions

SEWP V expanded significantly into cloud-related offerings:

Cloud infrastructure services (IaaS)
Cloud platform services (PaaS)
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscriptions
Cloud migration and integration tools
Hybrid and multi-cloud management platforms

Audio/Video and Communication Equipment

Video conferencing systems and room kits
Digital signage and display systems
Audio systems for conference rooms and event spaces
Unified communication platforms

Emerging Technologies

SEWP V has progressively added coverage for:

Internet of Things (IoT) devices and platforms
Artificial intelligence and machine learning hardware (GPUs, TPUs, specialized compute)
3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment
Robotics and autonomous systems components

What SEWP Does Not Cover

SEWP is primarily a products-focused vehicle. It does not cover:

Pure professional services (staff augmentation, consulting, custom development)
Telecommunications services (internet connectivity, phone service)
Construction or facilities work
Non-IT commodities

However, SEWP does allow incidental services bundled with product orders, such as installation, configuration, training, and maintenance associated with purchased hardware or software.

Who Can Use SEWP

One of SEWP's greatest strengths is its broad accessibility. The contract serves a much wider buyer base than many people realize.

Federal Agencies

All federal executive branch agencies can place orders through SEWP. This includes major departments like:

Department of Defense (DoD) and all military branches
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Intelligence community agencies
Independent agencies (EPA, NASA, GSA, SSA, and others)

Federal agencies are the primary users of SEWP and account for the majority of order volume.

State and Local Governments

SEWP is available to state and local government entities through specific ordering provisions. This includes:

State agencies across all 50 states
County and municipal governments
Special districts and authorities

This access makes SEWP a valuable tool for SLED buyers looking for competitive IT pricing without running their own lengthy procurements.

Education Institutions

Public education entities can also use SEWP:

K-12 school districts
State colleges and universities
Community colleges
Education cooperatives and consortia

Tribal Governments

Federally recognized tribal governments and their organizations have access to SEWP for IT purchases.

Qualified Nonprofits and Other Entities

Certain nonprofit organizations, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and other qualified entities may also access SEWP under specific conditions.

How SEWP Works: The Ordering Process

Understanding how agencies actually place orders through SEWP helps both buyers and vendors navigate the system effectively.

Step 1: Identify the Requirement

The buying agency determines what IT products or services they need. This might come from an approved IT acquisition plan, a specific project requirement, or a routine technology refresh.

Step 2: Search the SEWP Catalog

Agencies use the SEWP website's online catalog and quotation tools to search for products. The NASA SEWP Program Office maintains an online Request for Quote (RFQ) system that agencies use to solicit pricing from contract holders.

Step 3: Request Quotes

The agency posts an RFQ through the SEWP system, specifying the products or solutions needed. Depending on the order value and agency policy, the RFQ may go to all contract holders in the relevant group or to a targeted subset.

Orders under $10,000: Agencies may obtain a single quote
Orders between $10,000 and $250,000: Agencies typically seek quotes from at least three contract holders
Orders above $250,000: Agencies follow fair opportunity procedures, giving all relevant contract holders a chance to compete

Step 4: Evaluate Quotes and Select a Vendor

Agencies evaluate the quotes based on price, technical compliance, delivery timeline, and other factors. The SEWP contract allows agencies to consider best value, not just lowest price.

Step 5: Issue the Order

Once a vendor is selected, the agency issues a delivery order against the SEWP contract. The NASA SEWP Program Office processes the order and tracks fulfillment.

Step 6: Delivery and Acceptance

The contract holder delivers the products, performs any included services (installation, configuration), and the agency accepts the deliverables.

Processing Speed

One of SEWP's biggest selling points is speed. The average processing time for a SEWP order is significantly faster than a standalone procurement. Many orders are processed in days rather than the weeks or months required for independent acquisitions. The SEWP Program Office aims to process most orders within 24 hours of receipt.

SEWP Contract Holders and Vendor Categories

SEWP V awards are organized into groups based on business size and the types of products offered.

Group A: Small Business (Various Categories)

Group A contract holders are small businesses, including those certified under specific SBA programs:

8(a) firms, see our 8(a) certification guide for details
HUBZone-certified businesses
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB)
Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB)
Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB)

Small business set-asides on SEWP help the government meet its small business contracting goals while giving smaller vendors access to a massive order flow.

Group B, C, and D: Categories by Product/Size

The remaining groups are organized by business size (small vs. other-than-small) and the technology categories they cover. Some groups focus on specific product areas like high-performance computing, while others cover broader IT product lines.

Notable SEWP V Contract Holders

SEWP V includes a mix of major IT manufacturers, value-added resellers (VARs), and specialized technology providers. Some of the well-known contract holders include:

Dell Technologies
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Lenovo
CDW Government (CDW-G)
Carahsoft Technology
Insight Public Sector
SHI International
Iron Bow Technologies

The presence of both large integrators and specialized small businesses gives agencies flexibility in sourcing.

SEWP vs. Other Government IT Contract Vehicles

SEWP is not the only option for government IT procurement. Understanding how it compares to alternatives helps buyers choose the right vehicle and helps vendors prioritize their contract pursuits.

SEWP vs. GSA Schedule (MAS)

SEWP's lower fee and faster processing make it attractive for IT product purchases specifically. GSA Schedule offers broader coverage across many categories beyond IT but charges a higher fee and can involve longer ordering timelines. For more on GSA and other vehicles, see our contract vehicles guide.

SEWP vs. CIO-SP3 / CIO-SP4

CIO-SP (Chief Information Officer - Solutions and Partners) is another major IT GWAC, managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While SEWP focuses on IT products with incidental services, CIO-SP is designed more for IT services and solutions. Agencies often use SEWP for hardware and software purchases and CIO-SP for IT professional services, consulting, and custom development.

SEWP vs. Alliant 2

Alliant 2 is a large IT services GWAC managed by GSA. It covers complex IT solutions, systems integration, and enterprise-level services. Alliant 2 is better suited for large-scale IT projects requiring significant custom work, while SEWP is the go-to for product-centric procurements.

When to Use SEWP

SEWP is typically the best choice when:

The purchase is primarily IT products (hardware, software, cloud subscriptions)
Speed is a priority
The buyer wants the lowest possible ordering fee
The requirement does not involve significant custom professional services

How to Become a SEWP Contract Holder

Getting on the SEWP contract requires competing during an open solicitation period. You cannot simply apply at any time, NASA periodically opens competition for new contract holders, typically when transitioning to a new SEWP iteration (e. g., from SEWP V to SEWP VI).

Eligibility Requirements

To compete for a SEWP contract, your company generally needs:

IT product or solution offerings that align with SEWP's scope
Past performance demonstrating successful delivery of IT products to government or commercial customers
Adequate financial capacity to handle government orders
SAM.gov registration, an active registration in the System for Award Management is mandatory for all federal contract holders (see our SAM registration guide)
Relevant certifications such as manufacturer authorizations and, for small businesses, applicable SBA certifications

The Competition Process

When NASA opens a SEWP solicitation:

Review the solicitation carefully. NASA publishes the RFP on SAM.gov and the SEWP website. The solicitation specifies product groups, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements.
Prepare your proposal. This typically includes technical volumes demonstrating your product offerings and capabilities, past performance references, pricing information, and small business documentation if applicable.
Submit by the deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.
Evaluation and award. NASA evaluates proposals using the criteria specified in the solicitation. Awards are made on a best-value basis, and multiple companies are awarded in each group.

Tips for Winning a SEWP Contract

Partner with manufacturers. Having direct manufacturer relationships and authorizations strengthens your proposal significantly.
Build past performance. If you lack federal past performance, pursue state and local IT contracts or subcontracting opportunities first. See our guide on government contracts for IT companies for strategies.
Focus on your differentiators. With 145+ companies already on SEWP V, NASA looks for vendors that bring unique product lines, specialized expertise, or strong small business credentials.
Prepare early. When SEWP VI solicitation details emerge, start building your proposal months in advance. Draft RFPs often precede final solicitations by six months or more.

If You Are Not a Contract Holder

Companies that are not SEWP contract holders can still participate in the SEWP ecosystem:

Become a subcontractor or authorized reseller to an existing SEWP contract holder
Partner with a contract holder to offer your products through their SEWP catalog
Register as a manufacturer whose products are available through SEWP resellers

This indirect approach lets you access SEWP order flow without holding the prime contract.

SEWP for SLED Buyers

State, local, and education agencies increasingly use SEWP as an efficient alternative to running their own IT procurements. Here is why SEWP is valuable for SLED buyers.

Benefits for SLED Agencies

Pre-competed pricing. Products on SEWP have already been competitively priced through the federal procurement process. SLED agencies get access to pricing that often beats what they could negotiate independently.

Reduced procurement burden. Instead of writing specifications, advertising solicitations, and evaluating bids, SLED agencies can issue orders through SEWP's streamlined system. This saves months of procurement staff time.

Compliance simplification. Using a federally competed contract vehicle provides a defensible procurement process. This can help SLED agencies satisfy their own competitive bidding requirements, depending on jurisdiction-specific rules.

Access to vetted vendors. All SEWP contract holders have been evaluated by NASA for technical capability, financial stability, and past performance. SLED agencies benefit from this vetting without conducting their own.

How SLED Agencies Access SEWP

SLED entities access SEWP through an assisted acquisition model. The process typically involves:

Contact the SEWP Program Office or work with a federal agency sponsor
Define the IT requirement and budget
Use the SEWP catalog and RFQ system to request quotes
Receive and evaluate quotes from contract holders
Issue the order and receive delivery

Some SLED entities may need to establish an intergovernmental agreement or memorandum of understanding depending on their jurisdiction's procurement regulations.

Considerations for SLED Buyers

Verify that your jurisdiction's procurement rules allow the use of federal contract vehicles like SEWP
Some states have their own cooperative purchasing agreements that may offer similar or better pricing for certain products
The 0.39% SEWP fee is typically absorbed in the product pricing and does not add cost to the buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SEWP stand for?

SEWP stands for Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement. It is a government-wide IT contract vehicle managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Is SEWP only for NASA?

No. While NASA manages SEWP, it is available to all federal agencies, state and local governments, education institutions, tribal governments, and certain other qualified entities. Any eligible buyer can place orders through SEWP.

What is the difference between SEWP and GSA Schedule?

SEWP is a GWAC focused specifically on IT products, software, and cloud solutions with a low 0.39% fee and fast processing times. GSA Schedule (Multiple Award Schedule) covers a much broader range of products and services beyond IT, charges a 0.75% fee, and includes thousands of vendors. SEWP is generally faster for IT-specific purchases.

How much does it cost to use SEWP?

SEWP charges a 0.39% administrative fee on the total order value, one of the lowest fees among government contract vehicles. This fee is typically included in the contract holder's pricing and is not charged directly to the buyer.

Can small businesses get on the SEWP contract?

Yes. SEWP V includes dedicated groups for small businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB-certified firms. Small business contract holders compete for the same orders as large businesses and benefit from set-aside requirements.

What is the current version of SEWP?

SEWP V is the current active iteration, awarded in 2015. NASA is developing SEWP VI, which will be the next generation of the contract.

Can state and local governments use SEWP?

Yes. State agencies, local governments, school districts, public universities, and tribal governments can all access SEWP. This makes it a valuable procurement tool for SLED entities looking for competitive IT pricing.

How long does a SEWP order take to process?

The SEWP Program Office aims to process most orders within 24 hours. The total delivery timeline depends on the products ordered and the contract holder's fulfillment process, but SEWP is consistently one of the fastest federal procurement channels.

How do I find out which companies are SEWP contract holders?

NASA publishes a complete list of SEWP contract holders on the official SEWP website (sewp.nasa.gov). The list includes company names, contract groups, product categories, and contact information.

How is SEWP different from other GWACs?

SEWP is product-focused, covering IT hardware, software, and cloud solutions. Other GWACs like CIO-SP and Alliant focus more on IT services and custom solutions. SEWP also has the lowest fee (0.39%) among major GWACs and the fastest average processing time.