GSA's Federal Supply Schedules,
also known as Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), are contracts that
allow federal customers to acquire more than 4 million services
and products directly from more than 8,600 commercial suppliers.
GSA Schedules cover a vast array of commercial items--from office
supplies and copier paper to systems furniture, from computers to
laboratory equipment, and services ranging from accounting to graphic
design to landscaping. Customers can order services and products
using the
GSA
Advantage! online ordering system.
To become a GSA Schedule contractor, you must first be awarded a
contract. To obtain a GSA Schedule contract, you must submit
an offer in response to the applicable GSA Schedule solicitation.
GSA awards contracts to responsible companies that offer commercial
items falling within the generic descriptions in the GSA Schedules.
Contracting Officers determine whether prices are fair and reasonable
by comparing the prices/discounts that a company offers the government
with the prices/discounts that the company offers to its commercial
customers. The negotiation objective is commonly known as "most
favored customer" pricing. To make this comparison, GSA
requires offerors to provide commercial pricelists and disclose
information regarding their pricing/discounting practices.
Getting Started:
Identify the GSA Schedule solicitation that covers your
services or products.
Review the list of GSA
Schedule Solicitations to determine the applicable GSA Schedule
and corresponding solicitation number under which your services
or products may be offered. A point of contact is provided for each
Schedule solicitation.
Search Schedules
e-Library by keyword to identify services or products covered
by GSA Schedules. Each GSA Schedule has a point of contact who
can provide specific information about individual GSA Schedule items.
Review the FSS
Contractor Guide. This document will provide you with valuable
information regarding the GSA Schedules Program.
Visit FedBizOpps
to obtain a copy of the GSA Schedule solicitation. From the FedBizOpps
website-- Click on "go" next
to the "Find Business Opportunity" on the left side of
the screen. Scroll down to the "Search by Solicitation/Award
Number" bar, and type in the applicable solicitation number
for the services or products you are interested in offering. Scroll
down to the bottom of the screen and click on "Start Search."
For additional assistance in using FedBizOpps to find GSA Schedule
solicitations, please see Helpful
Hints for Using FedBizOpps.
Other helpful hints to assist you in obtaining a GSA Schedule
contract:
Obtain an Open Ratings Inc. reference check (see Past Performance
Evaluation form in solicitation) and make sure you are financially
sound.
Complete all information in the solicitation and be ready to negotiate
your best offer.
Training:
The Federal Supply Service offers training sessions on "How
to Prepare a Quality Offer." Details regarding these sessions
are available at the following websites:
GSA's Office
of Small Business Utilization offers workshops on "How
to Obtain a GSA Schedule Contract." Details regarding these
sessions are available online.
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