Facts About GSA Schedules That You Should Know
The government agencies of the United States can establish government-wide contracts that simplify the process of contracting by allowing federal agencies to acquire a large number of products and services directly from commercial companies.
The General Service Administration (GSA) of the United States establish large government-wide contracts under GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program. Understanding the process and obtaining GSA Schedule can be difficult for commercial companies but it is rewarding for them.
Under the GSA Schedule program, the GSA establishes long-term government contracts with commercial companies. It is done by establishing agreements at pre-negotiated prices, which reduces the administrative cost for the government agencies purchasing goods and services. The GSA Schedules provide access to over 11 million commercial companies and services at volume discount pricing. Vendors are able to negotiate a contract to get on the GSA Schedule and then market the contract as a tool to all government agencies. For government contracting the GSA Schedule is an important vehicle.
In this blog, we are going to cover all the facts about GSA Schedules which will help you understand the reality of doing business in the federal market through the GSA Schedule program.
What is a GSA Schedule contract?
GSA Schedule contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) long-term government contracts under the General Service Administration (GSA) of the United States. There are 18 GSA Schedules and an additional 6 schedules specific to the Veterans Administration (VA). The GSA Schedule contracts are developed to assist the federal agencies in purchasing goods and services at reasonable and pre-negotiated prices. The delivery terms, warranties, and other terms and conditions are also pre-negotiated and fixed which streamlines the buying process. The GSA Schedule program is also considered the fastest and most affordable way for businesses to win government contracts.
Fact about GSA Schedule
It is important to know some facts about GSA Schedule to have a better understanding of the reality and current scenario. Some facts which are highly remarkable are mentioned below:
· GSA Schedule contracts are the most widely used government contracting vehicle.
· The federal, state and local governments spend more than $37 billion every year through GSA Schedule contracts.
· The federal, state and local governments also spend about $50 billion every year through GSA MAS contracts.
· Small businesses in the United States account for 80 percent of all GSA Schedule vendors.
· It is estimated that small businesses in the United States generate around 36 percent of sales.
· Currently, more than 19,000 GSA MAS contracts are currently available.
The GSA Schedule contracts are considered the fastest, easiest, and most effective government contracting vehicle for federal customers and vendors. The General Service Administration (GSA) establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial companies to provide access to millions of commercial products and services.
Order products, supplies, and services
Through the official online shopping and ordering system of the General Service Administration (GSA) products, supplies and services can be ordered in the most convenient way. GSA Advantage is the online shopping and ordering system of the General Service Administration (GSA).
The value that customers get
Customers contract with pre-approved vendors and benefit from the pricing of the ‘most-favored customer’ category with GSA Schedules. That is why the government agencies prefer buying products and services through GSA Schedule contracts.
Benefits of the customers for ordering from schedules
Customers who order from the schedules get the following benefits:
· Savings
· Flexibility and choice
· Shorter lead time
· Transparency
· Control of the procurement
· Lower administrative costs
· Reduced inventories
The value that vendors get
Vendors can connect with a wide range of government opportunities through GSA Schedules. Selling products and services to government agencies also gets easier.
Know about Special Item Number (SINs)
Every GSA Schedule is composed of Special Item Number (SIN). It is a method of categorization that groups together similar solutions, products, and services to aid in the acquisition process.
Statutory and regulatory foundation
Two major regulations of the federal government determine policy for the GSA Schedule program.
· Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) — In FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 38 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) the GSA Schedule program gets prescribed. It codifies policy for the federal acquisition of supplies and services.
· General Services Administration Manual (GSAM) — The General Services Administration (GSAM) covers,
1. GSA acquisition policies and services
2. Contract clauses
3. Solicitation provisions
4. Forms that control the relationship between GSA and existing and prospective contractors.
Conclusion
So these are the facts about GSA Schedule contracts that every federal contractor of government contracting companies should know. Obtain GSA Schedule contracts through the GSA program and sell products and services to the government agencies.
