GSA Schedule | VA Schedule

GSA Schedules are a tremendous tool for firms wanting to do business with the Federal government. This page describes the program in greater detail.

GSA Schedule Overview

The Federal Supply Schedules program is a federal contracting program administered by the US General Services Administration (GSA) and the VA Schedule program by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

• The GSA administers the program  for firms that sell all types of commercial products and services, while
• The VA administers the program for firms that sell medical equipment, supplies and services.  

These programs are so popular that nearly $50 billion dollars in purchase orders and task orders went through these government contracts last year.  

If you never heard of this program, perhaps it is because it is known by many synonymous terms such as:

• GSA Schedule
• GSA Contract
• Multiple Award Schedule (or MAS)
• Federal Supply Schedule
• GSA Listing, or
• GSA Number  

GSA provides government agencies with fast, flexible, cost-effective procurement solutions, making it easier for agencies to buy from companies who hold a GSA contract.

Obtaining a GSA Contract?

This section provides valuable information to companies thinking about obtaining a GSA contract for building their federal business. This is not GSA Contract for Dummies, but it does attempt to simplify or summarize the GSA Schedule program, which is quite complex, especially for those relatively new to the federal market.

What is a GSA Schedule

The Federal government buys over 30 million different types of commercial products and services.  To make it easier for agencies to find the things it needs, GSA uses a category management system to list all available items under the following caetgories:

• Facilities
• Furniture & Furnishings
• Human Capital
• Industrial Products and Services
• Information Technology
• Miscellaneous
• Office Management
• Professional Services
• Scientific Management and Solutions
• Security and Protection
• Transportation and Logistics Services
• Travel

GSA Schedule List

If a firm wants to sell its products or services to the government, then it chooses the best schedule (s) to list its offerings.  It then submits a proposal to the government to receive a contract under that schedule. If GSA determines that the firm is qualified and offers GSA a favorable price, GSA awards a contract.

Look here for a complete listing of all schedules categories and sub categories. It will also show you a list of all firms that hold a GSA contract.

This contract program is consistently ranked by federal marketing professionals and federal agencies alike as one of the most important tools a business can have. Small businesses in particular will benefit from getting on the GSA schedule list.

Contracts Awarded Under a GSA Schedule

A GSA contract is awarded if a firm is deemed responsible and qualified under the federal acquisition rules.  Key features of a GSA contract or VA contract are:

• it is a five-year government contract
• it has options for three additional five-year options, so it is potentially a 20-year federal contract. 
  
• it allows a firm to easily sell its products or services at pre-determined prices 
• Any Federal agency can buy off this contract, as well as State and local governments under some circumstances.
• Orders placed under a GSA contract are issued much quicker than other forms of government contracts

The contract does not guarantee success and sales are not automatic. You must still market to the individual agencies, but a GSA contract makes it easier for agencies to buy from your company.  If you want to be a successful government contractor, then this is a must-have tool in your marketing toolbox.

Is Obtaining this Contract Complicated?

Obtaining a GSA contract is a complicated process as the government tries to determine if your firm meets its criteria for what they term a responsible vendor. This free EBook provides you with more valuable information and contains checklists to help you decide if a GSA schedule will benefit your firm.

TurboGSA is a recognized leader in providing personalized, responsive service to our clients, and we work with GSA personnel everyday to ensure your GSA schedule is expeditiously awarded.

Benefits

GSA provides government agencies with fast, flexible, cost-effective procurement solutions, making it easier for agencies to buy from companies who hold a GSA contract.

It Benefits Business

Businesses benefit from a MAS contract because it allows you to sell to any agency of the federal government as well as state and local governments under certain circumstances.  Having it provides you with marketing cachet, and agencies know that your firm is pre-qualified to sell your GSA listed products and services.

It also helps firms avoid the open procurements typically found on FedBizOpps.gov (Note: moved to beta.SAM.gov starting in November, 2019). GSA posts contract opportunities that are only available to you if you are on the GSA list of approved GSA contractors.  And best of all, the average time to get a purchase or GSA Task order is 15 days, compared to 265 days for open solicitations found on o beta.SAM.gov.

While initially obtaining a contract can take many months and is a complex process, once awarded, it provides many benefits:

• Up to 20 Years: It's is a five-year government contract with options for 3 additional five-year extensions.
• Faster Sales - GSA Shortens the Sales Cycle: Once you have a GSA contract, you can win work in 15 days on average.
• Lower Administrative Costs: GSA contracts are easier to administer than other government contracts.
• Simplified Proposals: Task order proposals required under a GSA contract are slim and concise, saving you time and money.
• Marketing Cachet:  Enjoy the marketing cachet that becoming a GSA  preferred, certified Federal contract conveys.
• Get your Piece of the Action: It makes Federal sales easier.  Last year about $39 Billion in contracts went to businesses who were on the GSA Schedule.
• Exclusive Bid Opportunities - GSA vendors have access to exclusive bid opportunities  

A GSA Schedule Benefits Federal Agencies

Federal agencies love to use the GSA program because agencies have the opportunity to meet small business goals, while promoting compliance with various environmental and socioeconomic laws and regulations. 

These contracts have no contract ceilings which makes it easier for agencies to issue larger contracts.

GSA Schedules - Resources and Answers

You receive practical, straight-forward answers to your questions about getting a GSA schedule, contracting with the government, and improving GSA marketing and sales.

You also have access to a number of no-cost  resources to help you learn as much as possible about the GSA Schedule program:

	What Schedules receive the most contract dollars? GSA Schedule Sales rankings.
	All About Getting on the GSA Schedule.  This will help you understand how to get GSA certified
	Does your Firm Qualify for a GSA schedule contract?  Read Qualify for a GSA Schedule?
	Steps for Obtaining a GSA Schedule
	Find the GSA schedule or VA Schedule that best fits your products and services -GSA Schedule List

	The Myths about GSA applications.
	What is a GSA Proposal?
	Sales and Competitor Research:  Review GSA Schedule sales in recent years or research competitors' GSA pricing