DoD DSCA $400M–$500M IT Services IDIQ

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is preparing a new multiple-award IDIQ for IT program management, software development, and data management support, estimated at $400M–$500M. The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Acquisition Directorate is running the procurement on DSCA’s behalf, and the program office has been reviewing capability statements and shaping the strategy.

DSCA’s IM&T Directorate is the agency’s central IT provider developing, maintaining, and modernizing the digital systems behind the global Security Cooperation mission. The IDIQ consolidates that support into three functional task areas:

  • Task Area 1 — Program and Project Management Support (Agile/Scaled Agile)
  • Task Area 2 — Software Development and Sustainment (DevSecOps, CI/CD, modernization, low-code)
  • Task Area 3 — Data Management and Business Intelligence (data governance, cloud-native data architecture, AI/ML, and analytics)

The competition type is still undetermined, and this is a new requirement with no incumbent, so no contractor holds a structural advantage. WHS has a strong history of setting aside IT work (NAICS 541511/541512/541519) for small businesses, which supports early engagement to influence the set-aside decision.

OPPORTUNITY SNAPSHOT

  • Opportunity: IM&T Program, Project, Data Management, Business Intelligence Support Services and Software Development & Sustainment (IM&T IDIQ)
  • Agency: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), via Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Acquisition Directorate
  • Estimated Value: $400M–$500M
  • Estimated RFP: TBD
  • Estimated Award: 4th QTR 2026 – 1st QTR 2027
  • NAICS: 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services ($34M small business size standard)
  • Contract Type: Multiple-award IDIQ; 5-year ordering period + 6-month extension option
  • Security Clearance: Secret facility clearance required at time of proposal (WHS does not sponsor clearances)
  • Competition: TBD (Small Business Set-Aside pending final determination)
  • Place of Performance: CONUS and OCONUS

WHY THIS IM&T IDIQ MATTERS

DSCA manages U.S. security cooperation worldwide, primarily associated with foreign military sales, defense training, and capacity building across more than 160 countries. Its IM&T Directorate is the central IT provider that develops, maintains, and modernizes the systems behind this global mission.

This IDIQ covers the full spectrum of support: program management, DevSecOps, software sustainment, data governance, cloud-native platforms, AI/ML, and business intelligence.

For small businesses, the timing is the opportunity. Because the set-aside decision is still open and there is no incumbent, firms that engage now can help shape the acquisition approach rather than react to it. WHS regularly awards DevSecOps, software, and data-analytics work to small businesses under total set-asides and the 8(a) program, so the pathway is real.

Competitive teams for this IDIQ typically bring:

  • Agile/Scaled Agile delivery; DevSecOps, CI/CD, and automated testing; software development, modernization, and sustainment (including low-code); data governance and cloud-native data architecture (data lake, warehouse, mesh); AI/ML, NLP, and predictive analytics; and cleared personnel able to obtain a Secret facility clearance

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE IM&T IDIQ

This contract is designed for firms providing IT professional services in a DoD environment. Firms with experience in the following should assess their fit now:

  • Agile and Scaled Agile program and project management
  • DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and low-code development platforms
  • Software development, modernization, and sustainment
  • Data governance, stewardship, and compliance frameworks
  • Cloud-native data architecture (data lake, data warehouse, data mesh)
  • AI/ML, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and business intelligence tools
  • Firms holding (or able to obtain) a Secret facility clearance; DoD global-operations experience is an advantage for the OCONUS work

HOW OST CAN HELP

With the acquisition strategy still undecided and an RFP anticipated in 2026, now is the time to assess fit and engage the procurement. OST supports IT and professional services firms pursuing DoD IDIQ opportunities with:

  • Bid/No-Bid assessment: Evaluating alignment with the three task areas, clearance requirements, and competitive positioning
  • Capture planning: Developing win themes and positioning before the RFP drops
  • Acquisition strategy engagement: Supporting outreach and capability statement development to help influence the set-aside determination
  • Teaming strategy: Finding complementary partners via OST’s Teaming Portal (200+ partners, 90%+ in IT and professional services across DoD and HHS) to strengthen technical coverage and clearance depth
  • Proposal development: Technical approach, past performance narratives, compliance, and competitive DoD labor-rate pricing once the RFP is released

With no incumbent and the set-aside decision still open, the DSCA IM&T IDIQ is a rare chance for small businesses to shape a $400M–$500M DoD IT vehicle before the RFP lands. The firms that get a head start and confirm fit, document capability, and build cleared teams will be best positioned to compete and to influence the acquisition strategy. If this interests you, please book a call with OST Partner and President Bill Schalik via the button below.

Schedule a discussion today.