IDIQ Contract
An IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services over a fixed ordering period. The government commits to a guaranteed minimum and an overall ceiling, then buys the actual work through individual task orders (services) or delivery orders (supplies). Many IDIQs are multiple-award, so several contractors compete for orders.
How an IDIQ works
- Base contract: winning an IDIQ puts you "on the vehicle" — but it’s a hunting license, not guaranteed revenue beyond the minimum.
- Orders: real work flows through task/delivery orders issued over the ordering period, each with its own scope and price.
- Single vs. multiple award: a single-award IDIQ goes to one contractor; a multiple-award IDIQ (MAC) puts several holders in a pool that competes for individual orders.
Guaranteed minimum, defined ceiling
An IDIQ must state a guaranteed minimum the government will order (so the contract is binding) and a maximum ceiling. Your real upside depends on winning orders, not just holding the base contract.
Governmentwide IDIQs that any agency can order from are called GWACs when they’re for IT; the GSA Schedule is a related governmentwide vehicle. Getting onto these vehicles is often a multi-year strategic play.
Track IDIQ and task-order opportunities through a bid pipeline — free to start.
Track your pipeline →Frequently asked questions
What does IDIQ stand for?
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity. It’s a contract for an indefinite amount of supplies or services over a set ordering period, filled through individual task or delivery orders.
Does winning an IDIQ guarantee work?
Only up to the guaranteed minimum. Beyond that, an IDIQ is a vehicle you must compete on for individual task or delivery orders — especially on multiple-award IDIQs where several holders vie for each order.