U.S. Marine Corps Marine Corps Intra-Governmental Support (USMC MITES)
USMC MITES (Marine Corps Intra-Governmental Support) is a contract vehicle used to facilitate intra-governmental support services for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It enables the Marine Corps to efficiently obtain services from other federal government agencies through structured agreements, rather than traditional private-sector procurement processes.
What Is USMC MITES?
USMC MITES (Marine Corps Intra-Governmental Support) is a contract vehicle used to facilitate intra-governmental support services for the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
It enables the Marine Corps to efficiently obtain services from other federal government agencies through structured agreements, rather than traditional private-sector procurement processes.
Core Concept: Intra-Governmental Support
"Intra-governmental" means between government entities. Instead of awarding contracts to private companies, MITES allows the Marine Corps to acquire services directly from other federal agencies or government organizations.
Another agency already has specialized expertise
Government-owned resources are required
Security or mission sensitivity limits commercial involvement
Existing federal capabilities can meet the requirement faster
Key Components of USMC MITES
Interagency Collaboration: MITES supports collaboration between the Marine Corps and other federal entities such as the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, other Department of Defense components, and federal laboratories or research agencies. These arrangements are typically formalized through interagency agreements.
Types of Support Services: Services obtained through MITES may include specialized training programs, logistics coordination, technical and engineering support, maintenance services, research and development collaboration, and security or intelligence support — all of which directly enhance Marine Corps mission readiness.
Regulatory Framework: USMC MITES operates under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Economy Act authorities for interagency agreements, and Department of Defense financial management policies, ensuring accountability and proper funding transfers between agencies.
Why USMC MITES Matters
Faster Access to Capabilities: The Marine Corps can leverage existing government expertise without initiating a full competitive procurement.
Mission Efficiency: Supports operational readiness in time-sensitive environments.
Resource Optimization: Allows government agencies to share specialized capabilities.
Reduced Duplication: Prevents redundant contracting when another agency already has the needed expertise.
Important Clarification for Contractors
USMC MITES is not a traditional commercial contract vehicle. It is designed for intra-governmental transactions, meaning services are provided by other government agencies and private sector companies do not directly compete under MITES.
Contractors may still indirectly benefit if they already support the servicing agency. For example, if a federal laboratory provides technical support under MITES, its existing commercial contractors may support that effort under separate contracts.
Practical Example
The Marine Corps requires specialized nuclear safety training. Another federal agency already operates certified training facilities.
Through MITES, the Marine Corps enters into an interagency agreement to receive that training without launching a separate commercial procurement, speeding delivery while maintaining compliance.
Common Misconceptions About USMC MITES
MITES is open for private-sector bidding.
It is intended for support between government agencies.
It replaces traditional Marine Corps contracts.
It complements other contracting methods when government expertise is more appropriate.
It eliminates FAR compliance.
FAR and DFARS authorities still apply to interagency transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides services under MITES?
Other federal agencies or government-owned organizations.
Can private contractors participate directly?
No, not directly under MITES. However, they may support the servicing agency through separate contracts.
Why use MITES instead of a standard contract?
Speed, mission security, existing expertise, and efficiency.
Does MITES involve funding transfers?
Yes. Funds are typically transferred between agencies under authorized interagency acquisition authorities.
Related Government Contracting Topics
Economy Act Interagency Agreements: Legal authority enabling federal agencies to obtain goods and services from other government agencies.
FAR Subpart 17.5 Interagency Acquisitions: Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions governing the use of another agency's contracts.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS): DoD-specific acquisition regulations that supplement the FAR and apply to MITES transactions.
Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSA): Formal agreements between government entities to share installation support services and capabilities.
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts: Flexible contract structure commonly used in the broader federal acquisition ecosystem alongside interagency vehicles.