What is the Difference Between a GSA Schedule Contract and a GSA Schedule? How Do You Obtain a GSA Schedule for Your Company?

What does GSA stand for?

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a federal government agency that was founded in 1949. The agency has developed over time and is now responsible for managing government facilities and real estate, assisting with product and service procurement, and formulating policies and regulations.

The GSA Schedules Program, commonly known as Federal Supply Schedule Contracts or the GSA Schedules Program, is well recognized for the establishment of GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contracts. The GSA Schedules Program was established to expedite government purchases of commercial goods and services while also leveraging the federal government’s purchasing power.

What is a GSA Schedule Contract?

GSA Schedule Contracts, also known as GSA Schedules or Federal Supply Schedules, are long-term contracts that fall under the General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program. They are indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. GSA Schedule Contracts were created to make acquiring products and services easier for federal employees. They include pre-negotiated rates, delivery periods, warranties, and other terms and conditions that help to expedite the purchasing process.

Is a GSA Schedule contract required for my company to sell to the government?

It is not required by law for a contractor to have a GSA Schedule to do business with the federal government. Many agencies, on the other hand, will only place orders through GSA Schedule Contract. As a result, businesses that do a lot of business with the federal government will eventually need to get a Schedule Contract.

Why is it necessary for my company to have a GSA Schedule?

Full and open competition is used to award GSA Schedules contract. Prices have already been determined to be fair and reasonable, and contracts comply with all applicable rules and regulations, shortening evaluation cycles. Purchases can be made directly from a contractor’s GSA Schedule Contract, eliminating the need for protracted discussions and time-consuming responses to complex RFPs.

The GSA Schedule establishes Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) between agencies and contractors to satisfy recurrent product/service needs. By avoiding repetitive ordering procedures, BPAs save administrative expenditures.

Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs) are agreements between two or more GSA Schedule Contract holders to collaborate to meet an agency’s needs.

GSA Advantage! is an online shopping mall that allows federal government organizations to browse, compare, and buy items and services offered through GSA Schedule Contracts.

Is my company eligible for GSA Schedule Contract?

The requirements for obtaining a GSA Schedule Contract change slightly from one Schedule to the next. However, a corporation must, for the most part, meet the following criteria:

· Stability of the Economy

· At least two years of experience in the industry

· Previous Results

· Commercially available products

Products that meet the requirements of the Trade Agreements Act. The finished product must be made in the United States or a “designated country” as defined by the Trade Agreements Act.

How can my company get a GSA Schedule Contract?

How do I…

· How do I get on the GSA List?

· How do I become GSA certified?

· How can I get a GSA number?

· How Do I Become GSA Approved?

· Are you looking for GSA pricing?

The GSA Schedules Program is referred to in a variety of ways, which might be misleading. Getting a GSA Schedule Contract is referred to as “becoming on the GSA list,” “getting GSA certified,” or “getting a GSA number.” Knowing that you’re dealing with a government contract rather than a certification, a number, or a spot on a list will assist you to grasp the process. Companies interested in obtaining a GSA Schedule Contract must submit a proposal to GSA for consideration. See Getting on the GSA Schedule for further information on the GSA Schedule procedure.

How long does it take to get a GSA Schedule Contract?

The process of obtaining a GSA schedule contract is divided into two parts: 1) developing your proposal, and 2) the GSA’s examination of your proposal and contract award negotiation. It could take anywhere from a few months to over a year to create a proposal if you decide to do it yourself. The length of time it takes for GSA to consider your proposal depends on which GSA Schedule category you are pursuing. The IT Large Category takes three to four months to review, while the Furniture and Security Categories take over a year.

What Can I sell through GSA Schedule?

The General Services Administration (GSA) awards Schedule Contracts to responsible enterprises that provide commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products and services that meet the requirements of the Schedules. The GSA Schedules, when taken together, provide a comprehensive, classified presentation of nearly every product and service accessible. The GSA Schedules currently have approximately 11 million commercial products and services accessible.

There are a few products and services; however, they are not permitted under the Schedules Program. On the GSA Schedule, firearms and ammunition, as well as construction and architectural services, are now prohibited. While it is unlikely that firearms and ammunition would ever be allowed on the GSA Schedule, there has recently been talking of including building services. In the meanwhile, certain components of building and architectural services may be covered by Schedule 871, Professional Engineering Services.