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ODOS IV: DevOps Services in Federal IT Contracts and Government Contracting

Introduction

Have you seen ODOS IV on the procurement radar and wondered whether it’s a fit for your company? ODOS IV is a major USCIS opportunity focused on DevOps services and modern software delivery, and it’s one federal contractors should prepare for now. This blog explains what ODOS IV is, why it matters for government contracting and federal IT contracts, and how to build a practical capture plan that increases your chances of winning.  

What is ODOS IV?

ODOS IV (Outcome-Based Delivery and DevOps Services IV) is the next iteration of USCIS’s DevSecOps / delivery support vehicle that backs continued development, delivery, and sustainment of critical immigration case management systems (ELIS, Global and related systems). The vehicle organizes work into task areas that support transformation DevOps, infrastructure and user experience work. The procurement has been tracked publicly on APFS / SAM and by industry trackers and news outlets.  

Contract Detail

Why ODOS IV matters for government contracting and federal IT contracts

  • Big Opportunity: The contract is worth about $410M, making it a major chance for IT companies to secure long-term work.

  • Modern Approach: ODOS focuses on outcome-based delivery and DevSecOps, meaning agencies want solutions that deliver real results, with automation and security built into development.

  • Growth Potential: Since ODOS supports key USCIS systems, winning here can lead to future contracts and strong partnering opportunities.

Key Requirements and Task Areas

USCIS highlights three main focus areas under ODOS IV: 

  • Task Area 1: Transformation DevOps
    Agile teams deliver new software features quickly using DevSecOps methods, continuous integration, automated testing, cloud-native tools, and more.

  • Task Area 2: Infrastructure & Agile Operations
    Covers running and maintaining both production and test environments, handling incidents, platform engineering, and system monitoring.

  • Task Area 3: User Experience & Design
    Focuses on UX research, prototypes, accessibility, and content design to make USCIS systems easier and better for users.

How to Build a Winning ODOS IV Bid

Winning ODOS IV requires both technical depth in DevOps services and a pragmatic capture plan. Below is a step-by-step approach: 

  • Start early and know the players
    Make a list of current contractors, prime vendors, and common subcontractors already working with USCIS on ODOS. Use industry day attendee lists and forecast data to understand who is active and connected.

  • Build the right team
    If ODOS ends up as a small business contract, make sure your prime partner qualifies under the size rules. If it is open to all, team up with partners who bring needed skills like cloud, cybersecurity, or accessibility.

  • Show clear results from DevOps
    Don’t just talk about process show numbers. Provide examples like faster deployments, shorter software change times, improved reliability, quick recovery after failures, or high test automation rates. Case studies with real data and customer feedback carry weight.

  • Plan pricing and staffing wisely
    Mix fixed-price models for specific deliverables with time-and-materials for ongoing support. Explain how payments connect to clear acceptance criteria, so the government sees value tied to outcomes.

  • Make security and compliance part of your plan
    Highlight cloud security certifications (like FedRAMP), zero-trust practices, automated security tests, and prepared incident response steps. USCIS requires strong security, so show a clear but practical compliance approach.

  • Show UX and accessibility improvements
    Stand out by sharing past work where you made systems easier to use. Examples include improving user onboarding, reducing the number of steps to complete a task, and meeting WCAG accessibility rules. This connects directly to USCIS needs for ELIS and case management systems.

Show UX and Accessibility Improvements

Solicitation Schedule

  • Expected RFP Release:19 November 2025

  • Targeted Contract Award: Mar 2026

Period of Performance

  • The contract is planned for a five-year duration, extending through September 24, 2030.

Award Approach

Awards will be issued through multiple task orders aligned with two primary service tracks: 

  • Track 1: DevSecOps and User Experience/Interaction Design Services (core focus)

  • Track 2: Infrastructure Operations and Systems Integration (to be awarded separately)t is fair and realistic.

Common Mistakes Contractors Make

  • Over-selling tools instead of outcomes. Agencies buying outcome-based vehicles want measurable delivery not a list of tool licenses.

  • Ignoring procurement vehicle rules. Whether the vehicle is a GSA MAC task order or a different IDIQ matters for teaming and pricing read the solicitation.

  • Weak past performance mapping. Don’t submit generic assertions map prior work to the specific task areas (DevOps, Infra Ops, UX)

Proposal Submission and Evaluation Framework

For both the DevSecOps & UXD/IxD Services track and the Infrastructure & Integration Services track under ODOS IV, the government is implementing a three-phase down-select process to streamline evaluation. The process is structured as follows: 

Phase One – Corporate Experience Review

  • Submission of a corporate experience questionnaire.

  • Results will inform an advisory down-select to determine which firms proceed.

Phase Two – Technical Competency Assessment

  • Evaluation conducted through oral interviews to gauge depth of technical expertise and understanding.

  • An additional advisory down-select will follow this step.

Phase Three – Comprehensive Evaluation

  • Factor 3: Coding Exercise to validate hands-on proficiency.

  • Factor 4: Optional Technical Demonstration for further validation.

  • Factor 5: Assessment of Past Performance to measure contractor reliability and relevance.

  • Factor 6: Price Evaluation to ensure cost competitiveness.

Conclusion

ODOS IV is a large, strategic federal IT contract opportunity that centers on DevOps services, infrastructure ops, and UX for core USCIS systems. Whether you’re a small business eyeing set-aside work or a larger integrator exploring teaming, success depends on proving measurable outcomes, building a practical pricing model, and showing hardened DevSecOps and accessibility competence. Track SAM / APFS for final RFP details and act now to shape teaming and capture plans. 

“Ready to Position Your Business for ODOS IV Success? Partner with Contragenix Today.” At Contragenix, we help federal contractors strengthen their capture strategies, build high-value teaming networks, and position themselves to win opportunities like ODOS IV. If your company is planning to bid, now is the time to act. 

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