How to Obtain a GSA Schedule Contract

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The world of the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts is an exciting venture for businesses aiming to tap into the realm of government contracting. GSA Schedules offer a gateway to lucrative government contracts, with federal, state, and local government buyers investing over $45 billion annually through this contracting vehicle to access top-notch products, services, and solutions.

This blog serves as your guide to navigate the rewarding process of applying to GSA MAS contracts, allowing you to secure this exciting contract. We’ll review the application requirements for new contractors and provide insights, strategies, and tips for a seamless application process. Whether you’re assessing your eligibility to secure this contract or seeking a deeper understanding of the application process to BOOST your success, this blog will help you achieve your goals.

The Requirements: 

To qualify for a GSA Schedule contract, vendors must meet several criteria that align with the government’s requirements for their products or services. These criteria include:

    • Provide top-notch offerings: Offer high-quality products and services.  
    • Commercially available: Products and services must be commercially available.
    • Maintain financial stability: Must provide two years of financial statements, unless you are proposing under the Startup Springboard.
    • Ability to demonstrate acceptable:
      • Corporate experience.
      • Past performance.
      • Quality control measures.
      • Relevant project experience, as required by SIN. 
    • Compliance with Trade Agreements Act (TAA): Applicable to products and services.
    • Provide competitive pricing: Pricing must be fair and reasonable.

Expert Tip:

Complete the mandatory “Pathway to Success” and “Readiness Assessment” GSA online resource materials. These are designed to help you decide if a MAS contract is the right choice for your business to determine the best next step and indicate how successful your business will be.

The Offer Preparation Process: 

Here’s a concise overview of the application process:

  • Download, read, and understand the solicitation and applicable category attachments: These comprehensive documents can be found in SAM.gov. 
  • Register to the required platforms: 
    • Register to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the System for Award Management (SAM).
    • Register for the FAS ID multi-factor authentication to access the eOffer system to submit your proposal package. 
  • Identify the Special Item Number(s) (SINs): Determine the appropriate subcategories within the schedule that align with your products or services.
  • Complete Required Forms and Documents: 
    • Agent Authorization Letter (if utilizing a consultant to assist during negotiations and after the contract award)
    • Letter of Supply (applicable to product offers) 
    • Price Proposal Template 
    • Pricing Terms Form
  • Demonstrate Financial Responsibility: Provide details regarding your financial status. 
  • Develop a Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Not applicable to small businesses. 
  • Technical Proposal: To demonstrate your performance capability. 
  • Disclose Commercial Discounting Practices: Unless you are proposing under the Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) Program.  
  • Provide Past Performance Information: If you have prior experience with government customers, your Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) will be assessed. If CPARs are not available, you must obtain questionnaires from previous customers.
  • Provide Price Narrative with Supporting Documentation: Furnish government or commercial invoices, quotes, or price comparisons. 

Expert Tip:

Create a checklist to include all elements of your offer, ensuring that all required documents and information are entered into the eOffer system.

The Offer Submission Process: 

  • Submit your proposal: Include all documentation in eOffer and complete the required information in the system. 
  • After submission:  Your offer will be assigned to a GSA Contracting Specialist for review, and you can expect to wait approximately 4-6 months before negotiations begin.
  • Negotiation and offer review: You will work directly with GSA to clarify questions, negotiate pricing, terms, or other offer elements. It may take from 6 months to a year to obtain a MAS contract, provided that your company meets all evaluation criteria and negotiations are successful.

Expert Tip: 

Communication is key! Ensure active engagement in the negotiation process and promptly respond to all GSA inquiries to facilitate a smooth review and approval process. 

In a nutshell

While the journey to obtaining and maintaining this contract may seem overwhelming for a company of any size, the advantages are undoubtedly worth the front-end work. At BOOST, we’re here to be your trusted partner on this exciting application journey to help you obtain the award and claim your piece of the pie. We can help you navigate the application process and update your contract successfully, so you can enjoy all the benefits that the MAS contract has in store.

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.

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