Delivery Order(DO)
An order placed against an existing contract for the delivery of supplies or materials.
Overview
A delivery order (DO) is an order for supplies or materials placed against an existing indefinite-delivery contract (such as an IDIQ or GSA Schedule). Instead of awarding a new standalone contract, the government issues a delivery order that specifies the items, quantities, delivery locations, and schedule under the terms already established.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Delivery orders are how much of the government's day-to-day buying actually happens. Winning the underlying contract vehicle is step one — the real revenue comes from competing for and receiving individual delivery orders. Tracking upcoming DOs and responding quickly is essential for maximizing contract value.
Key Details
- Issued Under: IDIQ contracts, BPAs, GSA Schedules, and other indefinite-delivery vehicles.
- Competition: Depending on the contract type and order value, DOs may require fair opportunity competition among contract holders or can be issued on a sole-source basis.
- Funding: Each DO is separately funded and may span different fiscal years.
- Distinct from Task Orders: Delivery orders are for supplies/products; task orders are for services. In practice the terms are often used interchangeably.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data tracks delivery orders across federal contract vehicles, helping you identify ordering activity and compete more effectively for individual orders under your existing contracts.
Related Terms
- Task Order
- Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- GSA Schedule
- Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
More Contracts Terms
A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified vendors.
A numbered item in a contract that identifies a specific deliverable, service, or unit of work along with its quantity and price.
A contract type where the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit.
A contract type where the price is set at award and does not change regardless of the contractor's actual costs, placing maximum risk on the contractor.
Long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms that provide federal agencies access to products and services at pre-negotiated prices.
A pre-competed, multiple-award IDIQ contract that any federal agency can use to purchase IT products and services.
Ready to Win More Contracts?
Use GovCon Data to find opportunities matched to your business and generate winning proposals with AI.