The General Services Administration (GSA) is not just another government agency. It's your business's gateway to the largest client in the world - the U.S. government.
GSA contracts place your business directly in the federal government's goods and services supply chain. The best part? These agreements can last up to twenty years, saving your business time, money, and paperwork.
GSA Contracts: A Different Approach
Unlike typical government contracts where you bid for each opportunity, the GSA sets up contract vehicles. Once you're in, you only need to meet minimum sales requirements. The rest is up to you and your marketing prowess.
Once you've been vetted into the GSA’s purchasing platform, the buyers come to you. Businesses that qualify and overcome the initial contract application can become stalwarts in their industry.
The Role of GSA
The GSA is a key player in federal procurement. It manages the GSA Schedules and long-term government-wide contracts that provide access to commercial products, services, and solutions at pre-negotiated pricing. This is where local, state, and federal agencies place orders.
GSA's Purchasing Platform
The GSA's purchasing platform, GSA Advantage, is an online shopping and ordering system that provides access to thousands of contractors, supplies, and services. Anyone may browse GSA Advantage to view and compare the various products and services offered.
Federal agencies, however, can use the system to place orders directly, benefiting from pre-negotiated prices and streamlined ordering procedures. This makes it a highly efficient tool for federal procurement.
GSA Contract Vehicles
GSA Contract Vehicles are specially crafted contracts that streamline the buying process for federal agencies. They are broadly categorized into GSA Schedules (also known as Multiple Award Schedules) and Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs).
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GSA Schedules: These are long-term, government-wide contracts with commercial companies that provide access to millions of commercial products and services at fair and reasonable prices. They are the most widely used acquisition vehicle in the federal government.
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GWACs are contracts for information technology solutions and services by recognized industry partners. They give access to new and innovative IT solutions.
Qualifications for Eligibility
To qualify for a GSA Schedule, businesses must meet specific criteria:
- Operational History: The business should have been operational for at least two years.
- Financial Stability: The business should have a positive net income in one of the past two years.
- Past Performance: The business should have a record of successful past performance.
- Compliance: The business should be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
The application process can be demanding, but the potential benefits are worth the effort.
The GSA Schedule Benefits
Being on a GSA Schedule comes with numerous benefits. More than $30B flows through the GSA each year, with over 38% of sales going to small businesses. GSA Schedules can last up to 20 years, providing a steady revenue stream for businesses meeting minimum sales requirements.
Remember, USFCR is here to assist with qualifications and completing the initial GSA Multiple Award Schedules contract. We're committed to helping businesses of all sizes navigate the federal marketplace and seize the opportunities available through GSA contracts. We aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Anna Rose
