GETTING ON THE GSA SCHEDULE

How Much Do Federal Agencies Buy Through GSA Schedules?

Federal agencies buy roughly $50 billion a year through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), according to published figures derived from GSA sales data. That scale is real, but it is spread across thousands of contractors and many categories, so the number that matters for you is the spending on your specific SINs and with your target agencies.

How large is MAS spending?

Published totals put annual MAS sales around $50 billion in recent years, with GSA reporting about $51.5 billion for fiscal year 2024 and later analysis of GSA data showing fiscal year 2025 roughly flat. Exact figures depend on how sales are defined and when data are pulled, so confirm the current number in GSA’s sales reports before you cite it. For a fuller discussion of the data, see GSA MAS Sales Data.

Who buys through the MAS?

Buyers span the government. Large civilian and defense agencies are heavy users, along with many smaller agencies and offices. Certain state, local, and tribal governments can also use specific MAS contracts through Cooperative Purchasing and Disaster Recovery Purchasing, depending on the program and category.

What do agencies buy?

Information technology and professional services account for a large share of MAS activity, followed by categories such as facilities, industrial products and services, and human capital. Your own picture may look very different from the program average, which is why SIN-level research is important.

How can you research demand for your offering?

Use GSA’s sales data tools, including SSQ+, to see sales by SIN and by contractor.
Use USAspending.gov to see which agencies buy your product service codes and how much they spend.
Search SAM.gov for related opportunities and forecast notices.
Ask your customers and partners how they buy. Some agencies favor schedule vehicles for certain items and others use different contracts.

Your target should be a short list of agencies, not “the federal government.”

Why do agencies use the MAS?

Buyers use it because it offers a pre-established vehicle with defined terms and ordering procedures, which can shorten acquisition planning. They still have to compete or justify choices based on dollar value, and they still have to determine that prices are reasonable at the order level. Small business goals also influence how agencies choose.

What should you not read into the totals?

Total spending does not mean easy access. Large programs attract competitors. A category with heavy spending may be concentrated among a few large contractors. Conversely, a small SIN can still be attractive if you have a strong fit and relationships.

See How to Get Federal Orders After Your GSA Award to turn the research into a plan.