On February 11, 2026, OST Global Solutions hosted a focused, strategy-driven webinar on the Army’s $50B Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services, better known as MAPS. With the final RFP released on February 2 and proposals due March 4, the session provided critical guidance for firms navigating one of the largest and most consequential IDIQ opportunities in the federal marketplace.
Following the Army’s January Industry Day, several key updates have clarified the path forward. MAPS will result in 250 total awards across five domains, effectively consolidating RS3 and ITES-3S into a single, large-scale contracting vehicle. With only weeks between RFP release and submission deadline, the webinar was designed to help companies move from uncertainty to decisive action.
Understanding the MAPS Structure
The session began with a breakdown of the MAPS structure and award strategy. With approximately 50 awards per domain, competition will be substantial. Attendees learned how the Army is thinking about domain coverage, contract consolidation, and how this structure impacts positioning decisions for both incumbents and new entrants.
Small Business Positioning
One of the most important takeaways was the significant opportunity for small businesses. Historically, small businesses have secured the largest share of awards on similar vehicles. The discussion addressed how small businesses can leverage conversion mechanisms, certifications, and strategic teaming to strengthen their position. Firms were encouraged to evaluate their eligibility early and conduct an honest gap assessment before committing resources.
Domain Alignment and Qualification Criteria
The Army has established clear gate criteria across certifications, systems, and clearances. Many otherwise qualified firms fail not on technical capability, but on compliance and qualification requirements. The webinar highlighted where companies are most likely to encounter disqualifiers and how to proactively address those gaps before submission.
Teaming Strategy and Prime Decisions
With limited time remaining, teaming decisions must be intentional. The session explored when it makes sense to prime versus team, how to avoid last-minute misalignment, and why early clarity on domain alignment is critical. Firms were encouraged to focus on strategic fit rather than reactive partnerships formed under deadline pressure.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Drawing from experience supporting complex, multi-domain IDIQ pursuits, OST shared lessons learned from prior large-scale vehicles. Preventable compliance issues, documentation gaps, and rushed teaming arrangements continue to disqualify otherwise competitive firms. Preparation and disciplined execution remain the differentiators.
Who Benefited Most
This session was particularly valuable for small and mid-sized businesses evaluating MAPS eligibility, large firms planning multi-domain coverage, business development and capture leaders responsible for IDIQ strategy, and companies previously awarded on RS3 or ITES-3S.
Why This Matters Now
With 250 awards at stake and compressed timelines, MAPS is both a massive opportunity and a significant risk if approached without clarity. Firms must quickly determine whether to pursue, where to compete, and how to structure compliant, competitive proposals.
OST Global Solutions has supported over $200B in government contract wins, including complex IDIQs across multiple domains. The team is actively supporting MAPS pursuits, providing gap analysis, teaming strategy development, and win theme creation to help firms navigate the tight submission window with confidence.
If MAPS is part of your 2026 pipeline, now is the time for decisive action. Strategic positioning today will determine whether your firm secures a seat on this $50B vehicle.
For more information on how OST can support your MAPS pursuit, book a call today.
