Clearing the Path to Federal Cloud Modernization

A flexible way to acquire, manage and deploy secure, scalable cloud services that keep pace with evolving mission needs

Mission Need

Government IT leaders are under constant pressure to modernize infrastructure, strengthen security and deliver digital-first public services. Many still face slow, outdated acquisition processes that can stall progress, especially for programs with tight budgets or specialized needs.

The number of acquisition options can also be overwhelming. Federal buyers must stay on top of evolving contract vehicles while finding one that meets integrated mission requirements within strict timelines.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) Foundation Cloud Hosting Services II (FCHS 2) governmentwide acquisition contract offers a better path. It provides a competitive, flexible and cost-effective way for agencies to scale cloud capabilities without sacrificing security, compliance or performance.

Solution

FCHS 2 makes it easier for agencies to move from idea to implementation. It allows buyers to acquire the right mix of labor services, materials and cloud consumption under one task order. It also supports procuring new or emerging cloud solutions without requiring a formal SKU-based catalog, giving agencies more room to adapt to evolving needs.

With FCHS 2, agencies can:

  • Acquire a broad range of cloud-based tools, from niche licenses to enterprise-scale systems
  • Purchase secure, government-approved software with minimal administrative effort
  • Run pilots and tests that support quick experimentation and scaling
  • Align with federal priorities on cost efficiency, common systems and better service delivery

Flexibility is built in at the ask order level. Agencies can adjust scope over time by adding or modifying contract line item numbers as mission needs change. Services can be bundled into a single task order, with the Office of the Chief Information Officer managing orders through a single point of contact, Cloud@doi.gov, in coordination with the FCHS 2 contracting officer.

The contract includes:

  • Pre-negotiated terms and conditions
  • Established labor categories with defined qualifications for quality and competitive pricing
  • Built-in milestones, service level baselines, personnel security requirements, disaster recovery planning and FedRAMP-level security

Because FCHS 2 is competitively awarded, agencies can expect competitive pricing while working with a manageable number of qualified prime contractors, avoiding the complexity of an overcrowded vendor pool.

Mission Impact

With FCHS 2, agencies can more quickly acquire secure, government-approved cloud solutions that fit their mission.

For example:

  • The Environmental Protection Agency, Surface Transportation Board, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Housing and Urban Development use the contract to modernize systems, improve service delivery and meet evolving operational needs.

FCHS 2 also encourages innovation by making it easier to start with small pilot programs and scale them up. This approach accelerates modernization and ensures solutions stay aligned with federal goals for cost control, interoperability and citizen-focused services.

Explore how SAIC supports federal civilian, state and local agencies with scalable, secure solutions that drive innovation, enhance mission integration and strengthen services for citizens nationwide.