The process of obtaining a GSA contract is not as simple as completing a few GSA application forms and attaching some documents. The process actually entails a comprehensive review of GSA Solicitation documents, determining a sound and comprehensive GSA pricing strategy, properly disclosing sales practices as required by law, preparing and submitting a GSA proposal (or GSA offer), and then going through GSA's due diligence and negotiation process.
The myth about GSA Application services
While some may think this is simply a matter of semantics, it is not. Properly preparing a GSA proposal requires a thorough knowledge of:
- GSA Schedule solicitation documents - which run about 200 pages or more.
- Knowledge of government contract regulations (also known as Federal Acquisition Regulations or FAR)
- Experience in properly disclosing commercial sales practices and discounting practices to avoid fines, claims and disbarment later.
- Extensive experience in GSA negotiations so that you don't end up giving away the store.
- Vast experience in federal marketing so that pricing and positioning is properly established in your contract.
The reason for this level of expertise is that a GSA contract is a major government contract, which will last five years, and to 20 years with options. GSA Schedules may be the most strategically important federal contract a firm ever obtains. This is not like applying for a mortgage. You need a professional team on your side and not "GSA application processors." TurboGSA assigns highly experienced GSA consultants to your GSA proposal team.
We also offer you a variety of free resources now, such as our GSA Schedule Self-Assessment Toolkit to help you determine if a GSA contract may be beneficial to your firm, and a free webinar for small businesses, "How to Obtain a GSA Schedules Contract.