GSA Schedule – Establish a Long-Term Relationship with the Federal Government
GSA Schedule – Establish a Long-Term Relationship with the Federal Government
Government agencies spent approximately $60 billion through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (“GSA MAS”) program (including the VA). The MAS contract registration procedure streamlines the federal procurement process.
In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Anthony D’Attore from FedBiz Access to discuss the GSA MAS as one of the best ways to establish a long-term relationship with the Federal Government.
The GSA MAS is a long-term contract issued by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) and is also referred to as the Federal Supply Schedule. It is a multiple award, Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) contract with pre-negotiated pricing and terms.
The registration is a vendor verification process that includes review of commercial sales practices and pricing, capabilities, financials, past performance, and pre-negotiated pricing and terms deemed ‘fair & reasonable’.
Once approved, the GSA MAS simplifies the procurement process because both the vendor and its products and/or services are pre-approved with no formal bidding process.
To determine eligibility, the products and/or services must fit within the GSA MAS program. The program consists of 12 large categories, 83 subcategories, and approximately 300+ Special Item Numbers known as SIN’s.
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Consolidation – Large Categories
In addition to the GSA MAS program, the Veterans Administration has nine Multiple Award Schedules specifically for pharmaceuticals and medical-related equipment, supplies and services.
Companies must also be in business for at least two years, be current in their SAM & DSBS registrations, demonstrate financial stability, and have any products manufactured or ‘substantially transformed’ in the U.S.A. or Trade Agreement Act (TAA) designated country.
The GSA MAS is the most widely used government contracting vehicle, and it can provide credibility and access to additional procurement opportunities. It allows for a shorter more simplified sales process.
Products and services can be ordered directly by government buyers from GSA MAS approved contractors or through, GSA Advantage!® or GSA eBuy. The GSA MAS also helps buyers to meet their small business goals, while promoting compliance with various environmental and socio-economic regulations.
The GSA was established right after World War II to help streamline administrative work for the federal government. Today its purpose remains the same, to make purchasing easier for the federal government.
The GSA MAS is a long-term contract award, valid for five years with (3) five-year extensions (20-year contract award), as long as the vendor maintains annual sales of at least $25,000.
In order for a GSA MAS to be effective, you have to market your business. Like your commercial business, it’s a lot easier to find you if buyers know who you are, and the best way for them to know who you are is to market to them.
This requires market research to look into contract history, expiring contracts, agency spending, and competitor analysis. The Market Intel Database can help you find who’s been doing the work, what pricing and terms did they offer, what other competitors have a GAS MAS, and what new opportunities are on the horizon.
In addition, your GSA MAS can be complimented with a set-aside certification, which further helps buyers meet their small business goals.
FedBiz Access offers research and engagement strategy sessions, as well as marketing packages to government contractors and targeted buyers at the federal, state, and local levels. FedBiz Access has over 21 years of experience working with companies to help them win business by ensuring their research, engagement strategy, registrations, set-aside certifications, and GSA Multiple Award Schedules are current, complete, and compliant.
