Transactional Data Reporting- Understanding the GSA Requirement and Its Impact on Federal Contractors

Federal contractors know that staying compliant is a top priority. One such compliance requirement from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is Transactional Data Reporting (TDR). TDR may initially sound intimidating, but it’s an essential aspect of doing business with the federal government—and can even work to your advantage once you understand it.

What is Transactional Data Reporting?

Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) requires GSA contractors to regularly submit detailed information on their transactions under their GSA contracts. This includes data such as:

Item descriptions
Units sold
Sales prices
Quantity purchased
Total price and any discounts applied

The requirement applies mainly to contractors on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and certain other contract vehicles. Not all contractors are obligated to report under TDR, but for those that are, it’s a monthly or quarterly commitment. The key goal? To help the GSA better understand pricing trends and overall procurement efficiency, which benefits the federal market as a whole.

Why TDR Matters for Contractors

Understanding and complying with Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) is essential because it ensures transparency in federal procurement and allows contractors to establish credibility with the GSA. Compliance with TDR helps GSA make data-driven decisions, which ultimately benefit both federal buyers and contractors.

By contributing transactional data, you’re not just fulfilling a requirement—you’re making your business more competitive and helping shape efficient government procurement practices. Plus, contractors that stay TDR compliant may see fewer audits and pricing reviews, allowing more time to focus on business growth rather than administrative hurdles.

How to Stay Compliant with TDR

For contractors subject to Transactional Data Reporting, compliance starts with understanding how to collect and report the required data efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Identify Your Requirements: Review your GSA contract for clauses or Special Item Numbers (SINs) that indicate whether TDR applies to you.
Set Up a System for Data Collection: Use an internal system (or software) that can track all required transactional data, such as pricing, units sold, and discounts, in a format suitable for reporting.
Report Regularly: Data should be reported through GSA’s TDR portal on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on your contract. Consistency is key—missing deadlines can affect your compliance status.

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Benefits of TDR Compliance

Transparency: By submitting accurate transactional data, contractors contribute to a transparent procurement process, which is valued by federal agencies.
Fewer Audits: TDR compliance often leads to reduced audit frequency, allowing contractors to focus more on growing their business.
Competitive Advantage: Contractors who comply with TDR requirements may have an advantage over competitors, as compliance builds trust with federal buyers.

A Real-Life Example of TDR Success

One contractor we worked with was initially overwhelmed by the amount of data required for Transactional Data Reporting. However, after implementing a straightforward reporting system, they found compliance manageable—and even beneficial. They received fewer audit requests and were seen as a trusted, transparent partner by GSA. Compliance with TDR isn’t just a requirement—it’s a way to build credibility and transparency with GSA.

Staying on top of compliance responsibilities like Transactional Data Reporting means committing to transparency and building a stronger partnership with the federal government.

Want to learn more about GSA requirements and how they can benefit your business? Schedule a one-on-one session with a GSA specialist today to get customized insights and answers to your questions.