Winning a GSA Schedule is one of the best ways for businesses to enter federal contracting. However, startups and newer companies often face challenges due to past performance requirements. The GSA Startup Springboard Program provides an alternative path, allowing businesses to qualify using different criteria.
What is the GSA Startup Springboard Program?
The General Services Administration (GSA) created this program to help innovative businesses, startups, and non-traditional government contractors secure a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. This contract allows businesses to sell directly to the federal government.
Normally, companies must show two years of corporate experience and past government performance to qualify. The Startup Springboard removes this barrier by allowing businesses to use the experience of key personnel, affiliated companies, or commercial success instead.
By removing these traditional restrictions, the program enables startups and small businesses to compete for contracts that would otherwise be out of reach. This initiative aligns with the government’s push for innovation by allowing new companies to offer cutting-edge products and services to federal agencies.
Who is Eligible?
This program is designed for:
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Startups and new businesses without two years of corporate history
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Tech firms, innovators, and small businesses with commercial success but no federal past performance
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Companies expanding into federal contracting from commercial markets
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Businesses with experienced leadership teams who can demonstrate industry expertise
Even if a company is brand new, it can still qualify by demonstrating its capabilities through key personnel or affiliated company experience. This means that companies with leadership teams that have successfully delivered similar products or services in the commercial market can leverage that experience for eligibility.
How to Qualify Without Past Performance
If your business lacks direct government experience, you can qualify by leveraging other credentials:
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Key Personnel Experience
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Highlight expertise from executives, managers, and key staff.
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Provide resumes, references, and descriptions of past work.
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Show how their experience directly relates to the services or products your company offers.
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Affiliated Companies
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If your business is part of a larger structure, use the past performance of affiliates.
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Parent companies or subsidiaries can provide supporting documentation.
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Demonstrate that your company has the internal resources and expertise to fulfill contract requirements.
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Commercial Success
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Demonstrate a record of selling products or services in the commercial market.
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Provide contracts, testimonials, and financial documentation.
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Show how your company has successfully met customer demands and delivered quality products or services.
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Alternative Supporting Documents
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Instead of government past performance, supply letters of recommendation, case studies, industry certifications, or third-party audits.
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Outline the steps your company has taken to ensure quality control and compliance with federal standards.
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Steps to Apply for the GSA Startup Springboard
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Determine Eligibility
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Assess whether your business meets the criteria.
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Identify alternative past performance evidence.
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Consider working with a consultant to ensure your application is as strong as possible.
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Register in SAM.gov
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Before applying, businesses must register in the System for Award Management (SAM).
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This registration is essential for any business seeking federal contracts.
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Prepare Documentation
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Gather key personnel resumes, commercial contracts, customer references, and financial documents.
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Ensure all required documents are formatted correctly to meet GSA’s submission guidelines.
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Submit the GSA Schedule Offer
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Work with a GSA specialist to submit a proposal under the program guidelines.
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Address compliance requirements and negotiate pricing with GSA.
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Provide additional information if requested during the review process.
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Review and Approval Process
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The GSA will review your application, conduct negotiations, and finalize terms.
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Once approved, your business can begin selling to government agencies.
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This step can take several months, so it’s important to remain patient and proactive.
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Why Consider a GSA Schedule?
A GSA Schedule provides several advantages:
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Simplifies sales to federal buyers by pre-negotiating pricing and terms.
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Increases credibility with government agencies, making it easier to secure contracts.
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Opens access to exclusive opportunities that require a GSA Schedule.
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Offers long-term revenue potential, with contracts lasting up to 20 years.
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Provides greater visibility on GSA eLibrary and GSA Advantage!, helping agencies find your business more easily.
Many companies that obtain a GSA Schedule find that it serves as a gateway to additional federal contracting opportunities. With a GSA Schedule, businesses gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace and can more easily market their services to agencies that require pre-approved vendors.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While the Startup Springboard Program makes it easier for startups to enter the federal marketplace, businesses should be aware of common challenges:
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Understanding GSA Compliance Requirements: Businesses must ensure they meet GSA’s standards for pricing, reporting, and contract fulfillment.
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Pricing Strategies: Companies must demonstrate that their pricing is fair and reasonable compared to similar vendors.
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Marketing to Government Agencies: Even with a GSA Schedule, businesses must actively market themselves to federal buyers to secure contracts.
What’s Next?
If your business is ready to enter the federal market but lacks direct government past performance, the GSA Startup Springboard Program can provide an alternative path. US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) assists businesses in managing the GSA Schedule process and ensuring a strong application.
Need help securing your GSA Schedule? Contact USFCR today for expert guidance on using the Startup Springboard Program to grow your business. By working with USFCR, your business can take full advantage of the Startup Springboard Program and successfully enter the federal contracting space.
Want personalized help? Contact USFCR now and start competing for high-value federal video production contracts.
Whether you need help preparing proposals, maintaining compliance, or finding the right opportunities, USFCR’s experts are here to assist.
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