Task Order

A work order placed under an existing IDIQ or contract vehicle that defines the scope, period of performance, and funding for a specific piece of work.

A task order is a work order placed against an existing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or other established contract vehicle. Rather than running a full procurement each time a need arises, the government issues a task order to one or more IDIQ holders, specifying the services required, the period of performance, and the funding to be obligated.

How Task Orders Work

When an agency holds a Multiple Award IDIQ with several awardees, it issues a task order Request for Proposal to eligible holders. Companies submit proposals, and the agency selects one for award. The process is significantly faster than a full and open competition. Task order proposals are generally shorter and more targeted than full RFP responses because the base contract already establishes pricing and terms.

Contract Types Used for Task Orders

Task orders can be structured as Firm-Fixed-Price (a set amount regardless of actual cost), Time-and-Materials (fixed hourly rates plus direct materials), Labor Hour (fixed hourly rates without a materials component), or Cost-Reimbursement (actual costs plus a fee). The appropriate type depends on how well the scope is defined at the time of award.

Competing for Task Orders

Holding a position on an IDIQ vehicle does not guarantee orders. Each task order competition is its own contest. Strong past performance on prior task orders under the same vehicle is a major advantage, as are deep customer relationships and a well-structured technical approach that speaks directly to the specific requirement.

Protest Rules

Task order protests follow different rules than open competition protests. GAO accepts protests for civilian agency task orders valued at $25 million or more and DoD task orders at