GSA ASTRO

ASTRO is GSA's newest 8(a) GWAC, positioned as a companion to STARS III with an explicit emphasis on advanced and emerging technology capabilities rather than general IT services.

Managed by: General Services Administration
Ceiling: Multi-billion ceiling (8(a) restricted)
Scope: Cutting-edge and emerging IT services for 8(a)-certified small businesses, including AI, quantum-adjacent, and advanced software development
Period of performance: Multi-year with options

Key takeaways

Vehicle access is a market position, not a contract — task orders are where revenue happens.
Read the ordering guide before bidding a task order; format and evaluation rules differ from open-market RFPs.
Fair-opportunity task orders move fast, often with 10 to 15 day response windows.
Track on-ramp windows well in advance; they open rarely and close quickly.

How work is ordered

Agencies can direct-award task orders to ASTRO holders within thresholds or compete among the pool, mirroring STARS III's ordering structure but with a narrower, more specialized holder base.

Getting on the vehicle

Access requires 8(a) certification plus qualification during ASTRO's award or on-ramp solicitation windows, with technical evaluation criteria weighted toward advanced technology past performance rather than general IT delivery.

Winning task orders

Position your firm's advanced technology narrative precisely — ASTRO buyers are looking for AI, automation, and next-generation capability, so generic IT services past performance underperforms relative to STARS III bids.