IT 70 merged into the GSA Multiple Award Schedule IT Large Category in 2020. There is no separate IT 70 application — IT companies apply through the standard MAS solicitation using IT Large Category SINs such as 54151S, 518210C, and 518210FM. Whether your IT company should apply depends on three questions: Do your target agencies use the Schedule for IT work? Do you have commercial pricing documentation? And are you prepared to actively pursue task orders after award?
Should my IT company apply for the GSA Schedule's IT Large Category?
Yes, if your target agencies consistently use the Schedule for IT services in your category, you have commercial clients and pricing history, and you have a federal business development plan for after award. No, if your target agencies primarily use GWACs like SEWP VI or agency-specific IDIQs, you have no commercial pricing basis, or you expect the contract to generate revenue without active pursuit.
When I sat on the other side of the desk as a GSA Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officers I worked alongside in IT-heavy agencies relied on the Schedule constantly for IT professional services, cloud migration, and software development. The agencies where Schedule IT purchasing was lowest were those with agency-specific vehicles — specific GWAC holders for their domain of IT work — where the Schedule was secondary. Knowing your target agency's purchasing pattern is the first step in this decision.
- IT companies that should apply for the MAS IT Large Category:
- IT professional services firms targeting civilian agencies (HHS, DOE, DOI, State, Treasury)
- Managed services providers with enterprise commercial client history
- Cloud migration and DevOps firms with at least 2 years of commercial history
- Cybersecurity services firms with relevant past performance in unclassified environments
- SaaS companies with FedRAMP status or pursuing FedRAMP authorization
- IT companies that should evaluate alternatives first:
- Defense IT firms whose target agencies primarily use classified vehicles (DISA, NSA programs)
- Research IT firms whose work falls under R&D or Other Transaction Authority
- Companies targeting SEWP VI-specific hardware reselling opportunities (apply to SEWP VI directly)
What does an IT company need that a services company does not?
IT Large Category applications require a Technical Capability Statement demonstrating that your offerings meet the technical definition of the proposed SIN. This is in addition to the standard past performance, pricing, and financial documentation. Cloud SINs (518210C, 518210FM) require additional security documentation, EULA review, and — for 518210FM — active FedRAMP authorization.
| Documentation Type | IT Large Category | Professional Services Category |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Capability Statement | Required | Not required |
| CSP-1 Pricing Disclosure | Required | Required |
| Past Performance References | Required (IT-specific scope) | Required |
| Labor Category Matrix | Required (IT roles) | Required (professional roles) |
| EULA Federal Compliance Review | Required for SaaS/cloud SINs | Not applicable |
| FedRAMP Authorization | Required for SIN 518210FM only | Not applicable |
| Section 508 VPAT | Required for software products | Not applicable for pure services |
What IT labor categories are most commonly ordered through the GSA Schedule?
The most frequently ordered IT labor categories on Schedule task orders are: Software Developer (junior, mid, senior), Systems Engineer, Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Project Manager (IT), Cybersecurity Analyst, and Business Analyst. Companies that include these categories with competitive pricing and clear functional descriptions capture the most relevant task orders on eBuy.
As a Contracting Specialist at GSA, when I posted an IT professional services RFQ on eBuy, I evaluated submitted labor category rates against the requirement. The categories that showed up most consistently in my requests were software development, cloud engineering, and program management — because those were the workforce needs my program offices were trying to fill. If your Schedule doesn't include those roles at competitive rates, you will miss a large share of the relevant RFQs.
What does the IT Large Category cost more to apply for than other categories?
IT Large Category applications typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 more than equivalent professional services applications because of the additional documentation requirements. The Technical Capability Statement requires technical writing that differs from standard past performance narratives. Cloud SINs add EULA review, security documentation, and sometimes FedRAMP coordination. Budget $12,000 to $20,000 for a standard IT services application with one or two SINs.
Across our 70+ proven GSA contract awards, IT Large Category applications take approximately 20% longer to prepare than comparable professional services applications — and generate slightly higher deficiency rates on first submission because of the technical evaluation layer. That is not a reason to avoid the IT category; it is a reason to invest in quality preparation and expect a 6 to 9 month timeline from start to award for a complete, technically sound submission.
If your IT company is ready to evaluate whether the GSA Schedule IT Large Category is the right move, Blackfyre's assessment at blackfyre.app/gsa-schedule includes a target agency analysis, SIN mapping, and realistic timeline estimate specific to your service category.
What Is the Bottom Line?
- IT 70 no longer exists — apply under the MAS IT Large Category using current SINs
- The IT Large Category requires a Technical Capability Statement beyond standard documentation
- Cloud SINs (518210C, 518210FM) add security documentation and EULA review requirements
- Most commonly ordered IT labor categories: Software Developer, Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst
- Budget $12,000 to $20,000 for a standard IT services application and 6 to 9 months to award
Related Posts
- What's the Best Way to Prepare for a GSA Schedule Application?
- What Mistakes Do Companies Make When Applying for the GSA Schedule?
- What Paperwork Do I Need to Apply for the GSA Schedule?
- What's the Difference Between IT 70 and Other GSA Schedules?
Frequently Asked Questions
What SIN should an IT staffing company use for the GSA Schedule?
IT staffing companies providing temporary or contract IT professionals typically apply under SIN 54151S (IT Professional Services) for the services component and may also consider SIN 561320 (Temporary Help Services) under the Professional Services category if they place administrative and non-IT professionals. The SIN selection depends on the roles being placed and the nature of the employment arrangement.
Can I get on the GSA Schedule IT category without a FedRAMP-authorized product?
Yes. FedRAMP authorization is only required for SIN 518210FM (FedRAMP Marketplace). The most widely used IT services SIN — 54151S (IT Professional Services) — has no FedRAMP requirement. Companies that provide development services, managed services, or IT consulting apply under 54151S without needing any FedRAMP status.
How do I price IT labor categories for the GSA Schedule?
IT labor categories are priced as loaded hourly rates — your fully burdened labor rate per category. GSA evaluates these rates against your commercial pricing (your MFC rate) to confirm the rates are fair and reasonable. Most IT companies price their Schedule labor categories at or near their standard commercial billing rates, then factor in the IFF (0.75%) to ensure margin is preserved on Schedule orders.
What IT certifications strengthen a GSA Schedule application?
Industry certifications — AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure certification, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, PMP — strengthen the credibility of your technical capability narrative and your labor category minimum qualification requirements. They are not evaluated separately by GSA but they make your technical descriptions more credible and specific. List relevant certifications in your labor category minimums where they are genuinely required for the role.
How often do federal agencies post IT-related RFQs on eBuy?
IT-related eBuy RFQs are posted continuously — dozens per week across all IT SIN categories. IT services is one of the highest-activity eBuy categories, with significant volume in software development, cloud migration, cybersecurity, and help desk support. An IT company that configures eBuy alerts for all applicable SINs and responds consistently within 24 hours will see a large volume of actionable opportunities.