In this article we explain what a GSA Schedule contract is, how and where to get it and what you need to prepare in order to acquire it.
What is a GSA Schedule contract?
A GSA Multiple Award Schedule is a government procurement vehicle designed to simplify acquisition of products and services by federal, state and municipal agencies. Getting on the GSA Schedule can be very beneficial for both medium and small businesses, because the overall spending of governmental agencies through GSA Schedules is tremendous and growing each year.
Obtaining a GSA contract, though, is not so much about “where”, but more about “how”. There are quite sophisticated procedures governing the contracting processes that you should follow in order to successfully get on a GSA Schedule.
How to get a GSA Schedule contract?
Step 1: Check if you qualify
Before you even consider obtaining a GSA Schedule contract, you must make sure that your business qualifies to the relevant requirements. Your company must display financial stability. You must have adequate experience in the field. The products you sell to the government must match the scope of activity of your company. On top of that, there are also many compliance and performance requirements to comply with.
Step 2: Learn about GSA Schedule
You cannot get your foot in the federal market’s door without getting the basic knowledge about how the entire federal contracting works.
There are two obligatory training courses for GSA contractors by the GSA: Pathways to Success and Readiness Assessment. Completing both is required for every new contractor. As for knowledge about GSA Schedule contracts, there are a lot of web resources providing fresh and useful information on the topic, starting from the GSA Vendor Support Center.
Step 3: Prepare your business
Needless to say, your business must be properly registered before you can sell to the government. Also, you need to register your small business at SAM.gov. Finally, you need to collect the required document package, which includes but is not limited to:
- Financial statements
- Technical proposal
- Price proposal
- EULAs
- Certificates
- Commercial Sales Practices
Step 4: Submit documents to apply for a Schedule
Register at the GSA eOffer system and submit the documents to apply for a GSA Schedule. The GSA will review your submission (which may take several months), and may get back with clarifications and requests for additional documents. Prices, terms and conditions are then negotiated, and finally, if everything checks out, your company is awarded a GSA Schedule.
Sounds a bit complicated? We are not surprised. Federal contracting can confuse anyone, at a first glance. However, by enlisting professional help, you can greatly simplify the process. And to search for such help, visit the website of Price Reporter, one of the major players on the GSA contracting assistance market.
