HCaTS

HCaTS occupies a specialized niche that no other GWAC fully covers: complex, integrated human capital and learning solutions for the federal workforce. With over two million federal civilian employees and a growing emphasis on workforce modernization, reskilling, and leadership development, demand for human capital services through HCaTS is driven by both OPM policy mandates and agency-level workforce transformation initiatives. The co-management model (GSA + OPM) gives HCaTS unique credibility with human resources organizations that might otherwise preferred agency-specific IDIQ solutions.

1. 1Agency confirms the human capital or training requirement falls within HCaTS Pool 1 (Learning Solutions) or Pool 2 (Human Capital Strategy) and selects the appropriate track (SB or Unrestricted).
2. 2Agency prepares a Performance Work Statement (PWS) and posts an RFP to GSA eBuy or directly notifies HCaTS holders in the applicable pool and track.
3. 3HCaTS holders respond with technical proposals covering their approach to the human capital or training requirement, along with key personnel qualifications and pricing.
4. 4Agency evaluates proposals on best-value criteria weighted toward technical approach, key personnel, and past performance — pricing is often a secondary factor for complex HC engagements.
5. 5Agency awards the task order; performance is managed through GSA's HCaTS program office with OPM providing oversight for human capital quality standards.

• 1Co-managed by GSA and OPM — the only major GWAC jointly administered by two agencies
• 2Two pools: Pool 1 (Learning Solutions) and Pool 2 (Human Capital Strategy)
• 3Each pool has Small Business (SB) and Unrestricted (UNR) tracks — four total contract types
• 4Combined $10B ceiling across all pools and tracks
• 5All federal agencies can order — government-wide authority
• 6Human capital vendors can hold contracts in one or multiple HCaTS pools/tracks simultaneously

• ✓Must hold an HCaTS contract in the applicable pool (Pool 1 Learning Solutions or Pool 2 Human Capital Strategy)
• ✓Small Business track: must qualify as SBA small business under the applicable NAICS code at time of award
• ✓Unrestricted track: open to all business sizes demonstrating relevant HC or training past performance
• ✓Demonstrated past performance in human capital, training, or OD services relevant to the pool proposed
• ✓Must maintain active SAM.gov registration and applicable SBA size standard throughout the contract period
• ✓NITAAC-like portal registration: OPM and GSA may require training-specific certifications or qualifications for specific task areas

• 1OPM is one of the most active ordering agencies for HCaTS — build direct relationships with OPM HR Solutions and HR Connect program offices.
• 2Leadership development and executive coaching (SES-level programs) command premium rates through HCaTS — position for OPM, DHS, and CFO Act agencies.
• 3Pool 2 (Human Capital Strategy) is often overlooked by training companies — if you deliver workforce planning or HR transformation, Pool 2 opens a distinct, less competitive set of task orders.
• 4eLearning and LMS platform development have grown significantly as agencies pursue remote-first training — align your Pool 1 capabilities to virtual and hybrid delivery.
• 5Many HCaTS task orders are re-competed annually or biennially — build a pipeline tracker of current HCaTS task order incumbencies using USASpending data.
• 6Partner with larger HCaTS holders (for small business subcontracting) or smaller HC firms (for large business prime vehicles) to expand coverage across all four HCaTS contract types.

• What is HCaTS and who manages it?+
• What services are covered under HCaTS Pool 1 and Pool 2?+
• Who are the major buyers through HCaTS?+
• Can a company hold contracts in multiple HCaTS pools?+
• How is HCaTS different from the GSA MAS Human Capital Large Category?+
• What experience is required for an HCaTS application?+
• How can SamSearch help HCaTS holders find task order opportunities?+