GSA Schedule FAQ: Answers to the Questions We Hear Most

About the GSA Schedule

What is a GSA Schedule contract?

It is a long-term, government-wide contract vehicle that lets federal buyers order commercial products and services from vendors GSA has evaluated. See What Is a GSA Schedule?.

Why would I want one?

It gives you access to federal buyers through a vehicle they already know. It does not guarantee sales. See Why Do I Need a GSA Schedule Contract?.

What are the benefits and obligations?

Benefits include visibility and access. Obligations include monthly sales reporting and the Industrial Funding Fee. See GSA Schedule Benefits.

Qualifying and Offering

What do I need to qualify?

Generally at least two years of corporate experience, financial information, an active SAM.gov registration, and offerings that fit a MAS SIN. See Qualifying for a GSA MAS Contract.

What does GSA look at for finances?

GSA evaluates financial responsibility using the financial information you submit. It does not publish a single pass or fail ratio. See GSA Schedule Financial Requirements.

What is a GSA offer?

It is your formal response to the MAS solicitation, submitted in eOffer. See What Is a GSA Offer?.

Do I still need to prepare a Commercial Sales Practices (CSP-1) form?

No. The CSP format is no longer required for MAS offers or modifications. You still need to support your pricing. See GSA Pricing Disclosures and Price Support.

Do I need a Letter of Supply?

Only in limited cases, primarily certain IT and printing product offerings where the manufacturer is not covered by the Verified Products Portal. See GSA Letter of Supply.

How long does it take?

GSA’s Vendor Support Center has indicated it can take up to 12 months. See How Long Does a GSA MAS Contract Award Take?.

After Award

Am I guaranteed orders?

No. See Am I Guaranteed to Win GSA Contracts After Award?.

How do I get orders?

By targeting agencies, monitoring eBuy and SAM.gov, and building relationships. See How to Get Federal Orders After Your GSA Award.

How much do agencies buy?

Roughly $50 billion a year through the MAS, according to published GSA-derived figures. See How Much Do Federal Agencies Buy Through GSA Schedules?.

Compliance

How often do I report sales?

Monthly, under Transactional Data Reporting (TDR), through the FAS Sales Reporting Portal. You also confirm months with no sales.

How often do I pay the Industrial Funding Fee?

The IFF is 0.75 percent of reported sales and is remitted at least quarterly, within 30 days after quarter end, through Pay.gov. Contractors may remit monthly if they prefer. See TDR and the Industrial Funding Fee.

Which regulations govern the schedule?

FAR Part 8 and GSAR Subpart 538.71 for ordering, plus the clauses in your contract. See Regulations That Govern GSA Schedules.