GSA MAS Refresh #17: A Highly Anticipated and Exciting Refresh!

GSA MAS Refresh #17

A Highly Anticipated and Exciting Refresh!

The eagerly awaited Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Refresh #17, accompanied by a Mass Modification, was launched by the General Services Administration (GSA) in July.

This refresh encompassed modifications to the overall solicitation, as well as changes specific to certain Large Categories and Special Item Numbers (SINs), which apply uniformly to all existing schedule holders offering products and services.

Alongside these updates, there are notable changes and guidelines concerning Joint Ventures, as well as the 8(a) pool for MAS contractors actively participating in the 8(a) program.

Now, let’s dive into these changes:

Changes to Overall MAS Solicitation

Instructions to all offerors: 

• Removes language indicating that proposed pricing must be highly competitive to be considered fair and reasonable.
• Adds a bullet xii. to address obsolete items “If an item appears to be obsolete the GSA may request additional information, such as confirmation of sufficient availability of supply. However, given the risk of using obsolete items, particularly Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment, the GSA may decide the item should not be offered under the MAS program and will not award such item(s)”.
• Removes the 508 Standards deferring to I-FSS-600 which provides instructions for providing 508 compliance information. (508 compliance requires federal agencies to ensure that their information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities unless certain exceptions apply.)

Guidance on the requirements for Joint Venture (JV) entities 

Once Joint Venture (JV) MAS holders have accepted Refresh No. 17, they are required to follow the updated instructions outlined in the SF30 attachment. This is essential to ensure compliance with the extended MAS requirements for JV entities.

• Complete and submit the JV Solicitation Attachment through eMod via a Revise Terms and Conditions modification. 
• Ensure all documents required by the JV Solicitation Attachment (including amendments) are submitted to GSA. 
• Resubmit Price Proposal Templates (PPTs) identifying which JV partner provides the awarded products and services. 
• Submit an updated Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Price List including the contract information/disclosures required by the JV Solicitation Attachment and the MAS solicitation provision. 

GSA/SBA 8(a) Partnership Agreement on MAS (8a Pool)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) have entered into a revised 8(a) Program Partnership Agreement (PA). The primary goal of this agreement is to establish an 8(a) Pool under MAS, aimed at enhancing contracting opportunities for 8(a) contractors and making them eligible for competitive set-aside and sole-source awards.

Instructions for MAS 8(a) Offerors: 

• Updated offer instructions for MAS 8(a) contractors were added to the solicitation. 
• Offerors who are current 8(a) Program participants at the time of their MAS contract offer will be eligible for acceptance into the MAS 8(a) Pool when recommended by the Contracting Officer (CO).
• 8(a) companies interested in joining the MAS 8(a) Pool will coordinate with their CO for referral to the SBA for acceptance into the Pool.  
• Once accepted by SBA, the 8(a) MAS contract will be added to the 8(a) Pool upon award.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog that will focus on this MAS 8a Pool. 

Clause Updates

This refresh incorporates the new “Tik-Tok” clause (FAR 52.204-27, effective June 2nd – Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application), into the MAS solicitation.  This clause ensures that TikTok and other ByteDance Limited applications cannot be used on technology owned and/or utilized by the government or contractors throughout the contract period.  This prohibition extends beyond contractors to their subcontractors at all tiers and to any contractor employees using personal devices in support of government contracts. 

Clarification on Sustainability Requirements (products awarded contracts)

Provides requirements for contractors to identify sustainable products under MAS contracts on GSAAdvantage! and other communication media. Contractors should use GSA’s Green Procurement Compilation to determine if awarded products meet federal sustainable purchasing requirements. 

Changes to Specific Large Category, Subcategory or SIN 

Office Management (A):

Updating category specific attachment to clarify sustainability requirements and reference the GSA Green Procurement Compilation for Office Supply Fourth Generation (OS4) SINs. 

• 339940OS4 – Office Products and Supplies

• 339940OVER – Overseas Office Products and Supplies

Facilities (B): 

SIN 561210FAC – Facilities Maintenance and Management

The SIN description was updated to add the words “offered or” as follows: 

561210FAC Includes all services related to the complete operations, maintenance and repair of federal real property. Real property could include stand-alone facilities and structures such as hospitals and federal buildings to large, multi-facility complexes such as DoD military installations. Services can be offered or ordered individually or in combination. Typical maintenance services include: elevator, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, septic, fire alarm/fire suppression, energy management control systems (EMCS), water distribution, septic, telephone, water tanks, renewable energy systems, waste management, recycling, etc. This SIN can also be used for facilities management solutions such as to fulfill a requirement for adequate staff/personnel to help manage federal facility operations. In addition, this SIN provides a complete array of facilities consulting and facilities assessment services.” 

Industrial Products (E):

SIN 332510C – Hardware Store, Home Improvement Center, Industrial or General Supply Store, or Industrial Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) Distributor – Catalog

SIN Instructions were updated as follows: 

“NOTE: Contractors submitting an offer for this SIN must offer a diverse line of products and related services that would normally be found in a commercial hardware store, home improvement center or MRO. Requests that are not diversified in nature will not be considered. Diversity is considered to be a minimum of three (3) or more distinct categories or distinct product groups (not brands name or manufacturers) which may include but are not limited to: flooring, fencing, hardware, building materials, tools, appliances, electrical, paint, plumbing, lawn and garden, motors, shop, machining, welding, material handling, carts/trucks, dock equipment, HVAC, cleaning, irrigation and related services.”

Professional Services (H):

SIN 541611 Management and Financial Consulting, Acquisition and Grants Management Support, and Business Program and Project Management Services

The Program Evaluation Services subgroup was added.

Transportation and Logistics Services (K):

Removing highly competitive language from the Instructions tab of the following SINs: 

• 492110 – Package Delivery and Freight Trucking
• 492110SB – Local Courier Delivery Services (SBSA)
• SINs 485 – Ground Transportation 
• 532111 – Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing – Rental Supplemental Vehicle Program (RSVP)

Travel (L):

Removing highly competitive language from the Instructions tab of the following SINs: 

• SIN 531 – Employee Relocation Solution
• SIN 531110 – Long Term Lodging

We appreciate your interest in our GSA blog! Stay tuned for more informative content coming your way from BOOST LLC. Thank you for being a part of our community!

About The Author, Brie Paramo

Brie Paramo is an accomplished contracts professional with extensive experience in GSA schedules and GSA contracts. As a dedicated BOOST MAS consultant, she channels her expertise to assist contractors in effectively acquiring and managing their MAS contracts.