If you’re a small business selling IT services to the government, Polaris belongs on your radar right now. GSA’s small-business governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC) for customized IT services is making phased awards across its set-aside pools — which means real prime opportunities are opening as we speak (Washington Technology, 2026).
Where the pools stand
Polaris has four set-aside pools — Small Business, Women-Owned (WOSB), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB). As of spring 2026, the WOSB pool reached 51 phase-one winners (out of 293 proposals) and GSA says it isn’t finished; the HUBZone pool has 30 winners and the SDVOSB pool 23, with GSA naming an additional 17 SDVOSB apparently-successful offerors in June (Washington Technology, 2026; GovCon Wire, 2026). The general Small Business pool, meanwhile, remains tied up in protests at the Court of Federal Claims (Washington Technology, 2026).
Why it matters
Polaris — and its full-and-open companion, Alliant 3 — are becoming front doors for a growing share of federal IT spend. Because GSA is awarding in phases, additional awards and on-ramps are still in play; the window isn’t closed just because the first names posted (Washington Technology, 2026). The primary NAICS is 541512, with related IT codes in scope (GSA, 2026).
What to do now
Confirm which pool(s) you qualify for and get your certifications airtight. If you missed phase one, watch for on-ramp opportunities. And if you can’t prime, line up teaming or subcontracting with a pool awardee now. This is exactly the kind of vehicle that turns a certification into revenue — but only if you’re positioned before the task orders start flowing. Brick by brick.
FAQ
Is it too late to get on Polaris?
Not necessarily. GSA is awarding in phases and has signaled more awards and potential on-ramps, so watch SAM.gov and the GSA Polaris page (Washington Technology, 2026).
What is Polaris actually for?
Customized information technology services and IT-services-based solutions, with primary NAICS 541512 (GSA, 2026).
Sources
GovCon Wire. (2026, June 11). GSA names 17 additional apparently successful offerors for Polaris SDVOSB pool.
U.S. General Services Administration. (2026). Polaris.
Washington Technology. (2026, March 31). GSA adds 4 woman-owned small businesses to Polaris.
Not sure which Polaris pool fits your certifications? Map it with the GovCon iSource team.
