If you’re navigating the world of federal procurement, you’ve likely heard the term BOA contract used in acquisition discussions. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from other types of government agreements? Understanding a BOA contract—and when and how it’s used—can help contractors better position themselves for flexible, ongoing opportunities with federal agencies.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a BOA contract is, how it works, and what government contractors need to know to take advantage of it.

To explore active contracting opportunities, visit SAM.gov.

1. What Is a BOA Contract?

A BOA contract, or Basic Ordering Agreement, is not a contract itself, but a written instrument of understanding between a government agency and a contractor. It establishes the terms and conditions that will apply to future orders, but does not authorize actual purchases or guarantee any funding.

Under a BOA, the agency and contractor agree on:

• Applicable terms and clauses
• Pricing methodology or rate structures
• Scope of supplies or services
• Procedures for issuing orders

When the government needs to buy something under the BOA, it issues orders or task/delivery requests according to those pre-established terms.

2. Key Features of a BOA Contract

• No guaranteed value or quantity: A BOA does not obligate funds or guarantee any orders.
• Used for recurring needs: Ideal for projects that involve repeat tasks or undefined scopes.
• Flexible structure: Terms can be updated as needed without renegotiating an entire contract.
• Order-specific funding: Funds are only obligated when an order is issued under the BOA.
• One contractor or multiple: A BOA can be set up with a single vendor or multiple vendors.

BOAs are particularly useful when the agency cannot precisely forecast its future needs in terms of timing or quantity but wants a fast, streamlined method for ordering when the need arises.

3. BOA vs. Other Federal Agreements

It’s important to distinguish a BOA contract from other common procurement vehicles:

Type	Description	Obligation
BOA (Basic Ordering Agreement)	Establishes terms for future orders	No funding until an order is issued
IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity)	Contract with set ceiling and minimum ordering amount	Minimum obligation at award
BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement)	Agreement under a GSA Schedule or other vehicle to simplify small purchases	May include a minimum commitment
Definitive Contract	Fully negotiated contract with scope, price, and performance	Full obligation at award

Unlike IDIQs or BPAs, a BOA provides no minimum order commitment, giving the agency and contractor flexibility.

4. When Do Agencies Use BOA Contracts?

BOAs are typically used when:

• The exact quantity or timing of future work is unknown
• The agency anticipates multiple orders for similar work
• The effort requires negotiated terms but not a binding contract
• Flexibility in technical scope or delivery is needed

Common use cases include:

• Engineering and technical support services
• Logistics and equipment maintenance
• Software or IT support where updates or releases are irregular
• Rapid deployment tasks tied to contingency or emergency needs

BOAs are often used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other large federal buyers who manage dynamic programs.

5. How Contractors Benefit from a BOA Contract

While a BOA does not guarantee revenue, it can still offer contractors:

• Preferred vendor positioning: You’ve already cleared administrative and technical hurdles.
• Faster award cycles: Orders can be issued without a full competitive process.
• Longer-term relationship building: A BOA often signals future needs and trust.
• Reduced proposal workload: Orders typically involve abbreviated proposal processes.
• Opportunity pipeline visibility: You know when and how orders will be released.

Contractors with BOAs in place are often better positioned for recurring, short-turnaround work.

6. What to Watch Out for with BOAs

Despite the advantages, contractors should be aware that:

• No funding is guaranteed—you must compete for each order (if multiple vendors exist)
• Pricing may need to be updated periodically
• BOAs can expire or be replaced if not actively maintained
• Orders under BOAs still require compliance with FAR and agency-specific regulations

It’s also important to stay proactive in your agency relationship to increase your chances of being selected for each order.

7. How to Find or Pursue BOA Opportunities

You can find BOA solicitations and awards through:

• SAM.gov searches using terms like “BOA,” “Basic Ordering Agreement,” or specific NAICS codes
• Agency procurement forecasts or industry days
• Networking with primes that hold BOAs and seek subs
• Targeted outreach to agencies that frequently use BOAs for your service type

BOAs often start with a negotiated RFP that leads to a signed agreement. Even though they’re not always widely advertised, tracking agency preferences and forecasting tools can reveal new opportunities.

8. Conclusion

So, what is a BOA contract? It’s a powerful, flexible tool that allows agencies and contractors to streamline future purchases under agreed-upon terms—without the obligation of a traditional contract. While it doesn’t guarantee work, a BOA can be the gateway to recurring business, faster tasking, and long-term relationships in government contracting.

Interested in identifying or pursuing BOA opportunities that match your capabilities? Hinz Consulting offers strategic capture, proposal development, and agency engagement support to help you navigate and capitalize on flexible federal contract vehicles.