Some agencies had been awarding single contracts and then issuing sole-source task orders. No protests Under FASA, agencies need not worry about repercussions. FASA prohibits protests unless an order exceeds the contract's scope, period or maximum value. Since these provisions were implemented, three important patterns have emerged. First, the contracts tend to have a broad and indefinite scope.
Statements of work are general and inclusive.
The minimum order the government must place is often a mere token amount, yet dollar ceilings on total orders can be astronomical. Also, contracts are routinely open to other agencies. Second, multiple awards have become common. It is not unusual for agencies to award a half-dozen contracts from a single solicitation. Sometimes every bidder gets a contract.