The Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) solicitation is the U.S. Army’s latest initiative to to streamline the acquisition of knowledge-based services for mission-critical support. This upcoming contract vehicle, structured as a hybrid self-scoring Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, aims to consolidate high-quality professional services across five technical domains. As we approach the expected final RFP release date, contractors can look forward to each MAPS solicitation update from the government, which will help them start preparing their proposals early.

With recent updates from the Contracting Office, including an Industry Day event on November 8, 2024, prospective contractors have fresh insights into MAPS timelines, award structures, and competition strategies. This MAPS solicitation update provides a comprehensive overview, along with advice for interested vendors on how to best position themselves for success. Given the unique structure of MAPS and its competitive framework, early preparation is crucial.

Overview of the Army MAPS Solicitation

The MAPS Solicitation is a ten-year contract expected to be valued at up to $50 billion, which consolidates prior initiatives under a single, efficient acquisition program. Managed by the Army Contracting Command (ACC), MAPS combines knowledge-based services from legacy contracts like RS3 and ITES-3S. The solicitation is structured to support Army departments and other federal agencies in diverse operational areas.

The five technical domains available for proposals include:

  1. Technical Services: Engineering, logistics, and integration support services.
  2. Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Services: Services that focus on innovation, prototyping, and scientific research.
  3. Management and Advisory Services: Strategic planning, quality assurance, and program management.
  4. High-Level IT Services: Advanced cybersecurity, big data, and AI solutions.
  5. Low-Level IT Services: Fundamental IT operations like help desk support and system maintenance.

Each domain addresses specific areas of Army mission support, and vendors may submit proposals in one or multiple domains, potentially securing multiple awards if they qualify. This broad flexibility enables vendors to engage across their specialized areas, providing tailored solutions to the Army’s evolving needs. There is brief FAQ on MAPS solicitation at the bottom of this article. For more details, you can refer to Army MAPS Solicitation Profile page on this website.

MAPS Solicitation Update:  Timeline and Key Dates

In the November 8, 2024 Industry Day, the Army Contracting Office provided a timeline for the upcoming solicitation, which helps vendors understand the deadlines and work backwards to develop a proposal plan:

  • Solicitation Release: Expected in February 2025.
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2025.
  • Evaluation Period: From March to July 2025.
  • Awards Announced: August 2025.

Given the condensed schedule, with only one month between the solicitation release and proposal submission deadlines, vendors are encouraged to begin their preparations well in advance. Reviewing and organizing relevant past performance, certifications, and compliance documents now will provide vendors with a solid foundation for a competitive proposal when the solicitation officially opens.

MAPS Solicitation Update: Number of Awards

At the November 8 Industry Day, the Contracting Office emphasized that no more than 100 awards will be granted under the MAPS solicitation. This number includes 20 awards per technical domain, ensuring a select pool of contractors who meet the Army’s high standards. By setting this limit, the Army aims to enhance competition, improve the quality of services, and expedite task order awards and contract management.

The Contracting Office noted that “limiting the number of awardees promotes better competition and allows us to solicit and award task orders more efficiently.” This cap encourages vendors to ensure their proposals meet the self-scoring requirements and stand out in technical areas where they excel. The focus on efficiency in task order solicitation and management aligns with the Army’s broader goal of streamlined acquisition and faster project deployment.

Self-Scoring System and Proposal Volumes

The MAPS solicitation employs a hybrid self-scoring system, which allows offerors to self-assess their eligibility and strengths against established criteria. This process enables the Army to evaluate proposals more efficiently and helps contractors understand where they are most competitive. There are three required proposal volumes for submission:

  1. Volume I: Systems, Rates & Certifications
    Vendors are expected to provide documentation for government-approved systems, certified rates, and relevant certifications such as CMMC Level 2 and ANSI/EIA-748. This volume establishes a baseline of eligibility, helping the Army identify contractors with the operational systems to meet federal requirements.
  2. Volume II: Past Performance
    This section allows vendors to present up to three qualifying projects (QPs) per domain, highlighting their recent, relevant, and high-quality work. Points are awarded based on:

    • Relevance to the domain’s technical needs.
    • NAICS alignment with the proposed domain.
    • Recency and quality, with higher points for projects that have strong past performance ratings.
  3. Volume III: Technical
    Offerors outline recruitment, retention, and risk management plans. Each section is rated based on confidence levels, and points are awarded for demonstrating strategies to attract and retain qualified personnel and mitigate risks proactively.

Each volume must adhere to strict formatting and content guidelines. Vendors should familiarize themselves with these requirements as early as possible to ensure they meet all compliance standards.

MAPS Solicitation Update: Small Business Set-Asides

The Army MAPS Solicitation includes reserved awards for small businesses in each technical domain. Although the exact number of set-aside awards was not specified at the Industry Day, the Contracting Office confirmed that a portion of each domain’s awards will be designated for small businesses. This ensures that small businesses have an opportunity to compete on a level playing field, providing specialized services to the Army alongside larger contractors.

Small businesses planning to submit proposals should prepare for increased competition and highlight any specialized capabilities that align with the Army’s unique mission needs in their domain. Early coordination and partnerships with other qualified vendors may also improve a small business’s chances of standing out in the self-scoring framework.

Evaluation Factors for Award

The Army MAPS Solicitation uses several key evaluation factors to score each proposal. These factors encourage a high standard of compliance and capability across vendors. With a maximum score of 39 points available, contractors can gain points in areas such as:

  1. Systems and Rates: Demonstrating government-approved systems and verified rates, with up to 2 points awarded for qualifying items.
  2. Certifications: Higher-level certifications like CMMC Level 2 earn additional points, supporting the Army’s emphasis on security and compliance.
  3. Past Performance: The largest scoring category, past performance points are awarded for projects that align with the technical domain’s needs, NAICS codes, and have strong quality ratings in CPARS or through a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ).
  4. Technical Capabilities (Recruitment, Retention, and Risk Management): Points are awarded based on the contractor’s demonstrated ability to recruit, retain, and manage risks effectively. This area is particularly important, as the Army seeks vendors with the skills to staff projects reliably and manage complex risks.

With the hybrid self-scoring model, vendors can gauge their competitiveness in each area and adjust their proposal content to emphasize their strengths.

Preparing Your MAPS Proposal Early

With proposals due just one month after the anticipated February 2025 solicitation release, early preparation is essential. Here are some practical steps for prospective contractors to get a head start:

  1. Review Past Performance and Gather Documentation: Collect CPARS reports, project summaries, and relevant NAICS codes that align with the MAPS domains you plan to propose for. Ensure all documentation is clear, relevant, and ready for submission.
  2. Evaluate Your Self-Scoring Potential: Go over the scoring criteria in detail and identify areas where you can maximize points. For example, check if your certifications meet the requirements for added points, or if your systems and rates are government-approved.
  3. Draft Key Proposal Sections: Begin drafting responses for the technical sections, particularly recruitment, retention, and risk management strategies. Refining these sections early on gives you a stronger foundation for a polished final proposal.
  4. Stay Informed on Small Business Set-Aside Details: If you are a small business, watch for updates on the set-aside awards and adjust your proposal strategy accordingly. Small businesses should focus on how they can meet the Army’s niche needs in specific domains.
  5. Consider Partnerships: If certain requirements are challenging to meet, consider partnering with other contractors who complement your capabilities, particularly if they have experience in the MAPS technical domains.

Final Take

The MAPS Solicitation Update highlights critical timelines and structural elements that make this an exciting opportunity for contractors looking to support the Army’s knowledge-based services. With a limited number of awards available and an expedited proposal timeline, contractors who prepare early and leverage the self-scoring system effectively will be best positioned for success.

By starting now, gathering relevant documentation, and aligning your capabilities with the technical domain requirements, you can ensure a competitive edge in the MAPS solicitation. GDIC is here to support you with expert guidance and proposal services, helping your business navigate this complex solicitation and secure a place in this pivotal Army initiative.