Government wins $128 million settlement from GSA contractor
A General Services Administration contractor will pay $128 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it failed to offer the government its best commercial pricing on information technology goods and services. The settlement is the largest to date associated with GSA's former Federal Supply Service.
Contractor Assessments: Don't Fear... Prepare
GSA will conduct what they call Contractor Assessments. Up until 2015, these were called Contractor Assistance Visits (CAV). However, due to the severe consequences of a bad evaluation, you should consider this a euphemism for an auditor doing an audit.
Assessments are now generally done when sales under a contract exceed $150,000, although they may be performed anytime if other problems arise or if GSA decides to do a spot check. They will also do an assessment before the renewal every five years.
The stakes are high - loss of contract, adjustment of pricing, fines, and claims for recovering funds. If any critical element is deficient, it is considered grounds for cancellation or nonrenewal. GSA will then issue a "MAS Contractor Assessment Report."
These assessments are now often done virtually. However, the assessor may still come to your office.
GSA assessors will look for answers to questions and review documentation regarding:
TurboGSA can help you prepare for the contractor assessment.
Our contract management program includes assessment Preparation services:
This webinar teaches you about the types of GSA Audits and Contractor Assessments and how to prepare. It discusses how to set up procedures and systems to avoid contract compliance problems and other important issues.
Click here for more information about our GSA Contract Assessment webinar.
The following articles discuss various of GSA contract management issues.
You received your GSA Contract Award. Now what?
Avoiding GSA Contract Audit Problems
GSA Contract Modification: Is it time?
Open Market Items under a GSA Contract order
GSA Schedule Contract Cancellation: Are You at Risk?