Federal agencies spend billions each year on IT services. A growing share of that money moves through Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), which are pre-competed vehicles that let any agency place task orders quickly with a vetted pool of contractors. For small IT firms, getting onto a GWAC, or partnering with a company that has, can be the difference between chasing one-off opportunities and having a steady pipeline.
This course looks at Polaris, GSA’s small business GWAC for customized IT services and IT services-based solutions. Polaris is GSA’s successor to the cancelled Alliant 2 Small Business contract. It is built around four socioeconomic pools: Small Business (SB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Each pool lets agencies set aside task orders for that category of firm.
The course gives particular attention to the WOSB pool, which received its first awards in 2026 and is one of the newest set-aside vehicles in federal IT. Participants will learn how Polaris works and who holds positions in each pool. They will also learn where the vehicle stands legally after a September 2026 court ruling, and how WOSBs and other small IT firms can benefit, whether or not they hold a Polaris contract.
Who Should Attend
Women-owned, HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, and other small businesses that provide IT services
Firms considering a future GWAC on-ramp or a teaming or subcontracting role with current awardees
WOSB and EDWOSB-certified firms that want to put their certification to work in the federal IT market
Business development staff, capture managers, and owners new to GWACs
No prior GWAC experience is needed.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Explain what a GWAC is and how it differs from a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract and from agency-specific IDIQs
Describe the structure of Polaris, including its four pools, its 10-year term (five-year base plus five one-year options), and its IT services-only scope
Identify the current status of each pool: who has been awarded, how many firms, and what remains pending
Understand how the September 2026 Court of Federal Claims ruling affects new Polaris awards
Recognize the main NAICS code (541512, Computer Systems Design Services) and the size standard that applies
Find Polaris awardees and use that list for teaming, subcontracting, and market research
Judge whether pursuing a future Polaris on-ramp makes sense for their firm.
Date & Time
Web Conference Meeting: Wednesday, November 11, 2026; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Registration
Click here to register now.
Fees
Registration fees are based on membership level. Members and non-members are welcome.
Fees for this meeting are as follows:
Complimentary: Supplier Members
$15: Business Members
$35:Advocate Members, Individual, and Non-Members
Complimentary: Government Agency and Large Prime Contractor Representatives (as approved by USWCC)
If you are not currently a Supplier or Business Member, consider joining here and then returning to this page to purchase your discounted registration.
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Join us at the Don Harrington Discovery Center every Wednesday at 10:30 am for a special storytime ~ featuring a very special trunk of wonders! Our weekly storytime will be located in a new and exciting spot in the Discovery Center for your littles to discover during your visit. Start your morning with a story and spend the rest of the day exploring our amazing exhibits! This program is included with admission or a Discovery Center Collective membership.
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Toddler Tracks is for explorers aged 5 and under and a caregiver. Wildcat Bluff will host a nature-themed storytime, do a craft or hands-on activity, and go for an optional nature walk on Libb’s Trail. This program will be held indoors if weather is below 40 degrees. Toddler Tracks is the second Friday of the month with two time slots at 9 am and 10 am. Included with admission, free for members.
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Center for Advancement Announces Free Fall Events and Classes for Women
The Lucille and Leo Caiafa Jr., Center for Advancement invites women to take part in free classes and events this fall, including workshops on time management and money, a computer course, and a clothing event. Registration for the Center’s spring GED classes will open in January.
All classes and events are free of charge and open to any women in the Amarillo area.
November 14 | Money Masters | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Presented by Modern Woodman of America, this workshop will cover understanding and using a budget, overcoming obstacles to budgeting, managing spending and debt, recognizing identity theft and scams, and understanding and improving credit scores. Lunch will be provided. Register online by November 11 at form.jotform.com/262675435141154 or call 806-358-7803.
January 4–15, 2027 | Spring GED Registration
Registration for the Center’s women-only GED classes will be open January 4–15. Classes are offered in partnership with Amarillo College. The spring session begins January 19, and space is limited. Call 806-358-7803 to schedule a registration appointment.
For more information, contact Kim Lester, Resource Coordinator, at 806-358-7803, 806-670-3469, or cfa@sharinghopeministry.org.
Center for Advancement Announces Free Fall Events and Classes for Women
The Lucille and Leo Caiafa Jr., Center for Advancement invites women to take part in free classes and events this fall, including workshops on time management and money, a computer course, and a clothing event. Registration for the Center’s spring GED classes will open in January.
All classes and events are free of charge and open to any women in the Amarillo area.
November 14 | Money Masters | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Presented by Modern Woodman of America, this workshop will cover understanding and using a budget, overcoming obstacles to budgeting, managing spending and debt, recognizing identity theft and scams, and understanding and improving credit scores. Lunch will be provided. Register online by November 11 at form.jotform.com/262675435141154 or call 806-358-7803.
January 4–15, 2027 | Spring GED Registration
Registration for the Center’s women-only GED classes will be open January 4–15. Classes are offered in partnership with Amarillo College. The spring session begins January 19, and space is limited. Call 806-358-7803 to schedule a registration appointment.
For more information, contact Kim Lester, Resource Coordinator, at 806-358-7803, 806-670-3469, or cfa@sharinghopeministry.org.
DJ, Amarillo SPCA would love for you to share our annual SANTA PAWS PET PICTURE, fundraiser information on the Eblast. Dates are a bit earlier this year. Amarillo SPCA will be doing SANTA PAWS PET Pictures on SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14th & 15th at PET SUPPLIES PLUS. 5807 SW 45th AVE, AMARILLO. Time is 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Bring you pets, large or small, for pictures with Santa. Kids can come too, and we hope they do.
Those who take this opportunity will receive 1-5×7 color print for $10.00.
Proceeds help pur dogs and cats at our shelter.
- Time:
- 4:30 PM to 7:45 PM
- Recurrence:
- Recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday
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In honor of the Don Harrington Discovery Center’s 50th anniversary, witness the most talked-about theater show in the community: the Pink Floyd Laser Light Show.
Enjoy tracks from the album The Dark Side of the Moon with visuals that enthrall and excite. Showings will be the third Saturday of every month at
DJ, Amarillo SPCA would love for you to share our annual SANTA PAWS PET PICTURE, fundraiser information on the Eblast. Dates are a bit earlier this year. Amarillo SPCA will be doing SANTA PAWS PET Pictures on SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14th & 15th at PET SUPPLIES PLUS. 5807 SW 45th AVE, AMARILLO. Time is 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Bring you pets, large or small, for pictures with Santa. Kids can come too, and we hope they do.
Those who take this opportunity will receive 1-5×7 color print for $10.00.
Proceeds help pur dogs and cats at our shelter.