The federal government is preparing the next iteration of CIO–CS (Chief Information Officer – Commodities and Solutions), now called “The Store.” It will serve as a $20B marketplace for IT hardware, software, cloud services, collaboration tools, cybersecurity solutions, and health IT support. It is designed to be a best-in-class (BIC) strategic sourcing vehicle, and historically, it has strongly favored small businesses — 68% of all CIO–CS dollars to date have gone to small firms.
CIO–CS expires in April 2026. All signs point to the General Services Administration (GSA) taking over this contract from NITAAC. That change could alter eligibility requirements, especially for contractors whose GSA Schedules and SINs don’t align with the commodities and IT services expected under this vehicle.
That is the key positioning risk: firms that wait for the RFP may discover that GSA eligibility — not technical capability — becomes the first gate.
Opportunity Snapshot
- Opportunity: CIO–CS Follow-On (“The Store”)
- Estimated Value: ~$20B (based on incumbent ceiling)
- Status: Pre-RFP
- Solicitation Estimate: Q1 FY 2026
- Award Estimate: Q3 FY 2026
- Contract Type: GWAC, IDIQ, 10-year duration
- NAICS Codes: 541519, 334111
- Scope Areas: IT hardware and devices, software, cloud services, cybersecurity, collaboration tools (including SharePoint/email), health IT, integration services
- Place of Performance: U.S. and OCONUS
Small Business Advantage
Under CIO–CS, small businesses have won 68% of all obligated dollars. That performance makes The Store one of the most accessible large-scale IT opportunities for small firms. However, if GSA assumes control, eligibility could tighten. The main risk is firms whose GSA Schedules and SINs do not align with the anticipated scope of The Store.
Why GSA’s Role Matters
GSA is expected to assume control of The Store as part of the broader shift toward Best-in-Class strategic sourcing. If that happens, eligibility will depend first on your GSA Schedule and SIN alignment, not your technical capabilities. Contractors whose scheduled do not match the anticipated scope (IT hardware, cloud, cybersecurity, collaboration tools, and health IT) may find themselves ineligible before the competition even begins.
What Contractors Should Do Now
- Review your GSA Schedule now — before the RFP drops.
- Compare your SIN coverage against likely scope areas: IT hardware, cloud, cybersecurity, health IT, collaboration tools, and related services.
- Identify teaming gaps if you do not hold required authorizations.
- Consider schedule expansion or refresh to position ahead of GSA oversight.
How OST Can Help
Firms that do not currently hold the right GSA Schedule — or do not have full SIN coverage — may not be eligible for The Store when the RFP releases. OST can help position you now, before the window narrows.
We provide end-to-end support, including:
- GSA Schedule Acquisition – We help companies get on a schedule efficiently and correctly.
- SIN Expansion and Compliance Reviews – We assess eligibility and expand your SIN coverage to match The Store’s probable scope.
- Eligibility and Authorization Gap Analysis – We compare current capabilities against what this contract is likely to require.
- Capture Strategy and Teaming Support – We help build your position early, identify teaming partners, and prepare for competition.
- Proposal Development – Full proposal teams or targeted support, including color reviews and compliance checks.
- Post-Award Task Order Strategy – For firms planning to compete across the full lifespan of the vehicle.
CIO–CS rewarded firms that prepared early. The Store will be no different — especially if GSA controls access. Contractors who wait for the RFP may be too late to enter the competition. OST can help you qualify now.
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