Obtaining a GSA Schedule: Benefits and Challenges

Getting on a GSA Schedule is a fantastic option for you to think about if you are a small business looking to conduct business with the government with little competition. The GSA Schedule, also known as the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) and the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), is a long-term, government-wide contract for private businesses that gives the government access to millions of commercial goods and services at just and reasonable prices. 

The consolidated Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) classifies available items by big category, subclass, and Special Item Number (SIN). The twelve (12) major categories are Office Management, Facilities, Furniture & Furnishings, Human Capital, Industrial Products & Services, Information Technology, Miscellaneous, Professional Services, Scientific Management and Solutions, Security & Protection, Transportation and Logistics Services, and Travel. In this article, we've covered some of the biggest obstacles small businesses must overcome to get on the GSA Schedule as well as solutions.

Challenges Small Businesses Face

Due to the lengthy and frequently complicated filing procedure, getting on a GSA Schedule can frequently appear burdensome for small firms. Even when they complete their tasks on time, small firms frequently struggle to deal with contract administration issues like compliance, reporting, changes, negotiations, novations, renewals, and other facets of staying competitive and compliant. Applying for a GSA schedule can be very challenging for small firms. Numerous applications are turned down for a variety of reasons, such as inaccurate Special Item Numbers (SINs), uncompetitive pricing, poor prior performance, a history of rejection, a lack of supporting documentation, low revenue, etc.

Acquisition of GSA Contracts:

Writing, putting together, facilitating, and negotiating a successful GSA Schedule contract are frequently difficult tasks for small business offerors. If you decide to pursue a Schedule contract, you will need to evaluate and comprehend your product and service offerings, specific category needs, and the information and required papers to send an offer before you can prepare your offer. Completing the necessary training and sending an offer via the eOffer/eMod system are additional steps in this process. A GSA contracting representative will then be assigned to review and assess your bid using this procedure.

To determine whether you can succeed in the GSA Schedule program, GSA mandates that you take a mandated Readiness Assessment and additional training, which includes a Pathway to Success training. For offerors, this training is a requirement. The Readiness Assessment requires extensive investigation, but once finished, it offers invaluable information about your prospects of success.

GSA Contract Management:

Updating your schedule, making any essential changes as needed, marketing your schedule, and adhering to GSA's guidelines for schedule holders are all part of maintaining a schedule. As a small business, you might need assistance from professionals to access an integrated, end-to-end contract management system to minimize administrative duties, maximize return on investment, and eliminate compliance concerns. There may be a need for assistance in the following areas:

• The risks of non-compliance and poor audit results can be reduced by conducting recurring mock audits to identify areas of potential non-compliance and report with specific actions.
• Tracking alterations in the contracting environment proactively
• Keeping you informed of any developments that might pose a risk or have an effect on your profitability.
• Getting Rid of Administrative Red Tape
• Handling contract amendments proactively to keep your Schedule up to date and competitive.
• Ensuring that your GSA Schedule pricing list is always up to date and authorized and is always published to GSAAdvantage!
• Processing momentary price cuts to maintain pricing competitiveness.
• Helping with Joint Venture Agreements, Teaming Agreements, and Contractor Teaming Arrangements.
• Making use of the MYGSA Portal

GSA Schedule Modifications:

It can be difficult for small firms to comprehend the eMods and Mass Mods processes that are used to amend a GSA Schedule, which is necessary to keep a contract current and maintain compliance. You can change the pricing of items you still provide through your GSA Schedule or remove outmoded products from your offerings through the modification process. While some improvements may be relatively easy and uncomplicated, others could be quite difficult. All of this demand a thorough and strategic analysis of how the modification can affect your company. 

The following modification-related steps may require your assistance:

• You can add or remove items from your price list.
• Delete or Add Special Item Numbers (SINs)
• Request for Refreshments
• Massive alterations
• TAA Conformity
• Economic Price Modifications (EPAs)
• Permanent or Temporary Price Reductions
• Administrative changes include point contact information updating or address changes.
• Ownership of a firm can change or be transferred, including through novations and mergers.
• Using the extension option (see Contract Renewal)

Other challenges are:

• GSA Schedule Catalog Management
• Contract Novation
• GSA Schedule Renewals
• TAA Compliances
• GSA Schedule Marketing

Despite the difficulties, small firms can benefit greatly from being placed on the GSA Schedule. The good news is that a variety of service providers are available who can guide you through the difficult procedure and make it simpler for you.

Throughout the entire process, our professionals are at your disposal to assist you in writing, putting together, facilitating, and negotiating a successful GSA Schedule contract. To get your GSA Schedule contract issued, 97% of the work is done by our team of qualified experts. To find out if a GSA Schedule can help you earn more government business, get in touch with us right now for a free study. If so, you may decide to take advantage of our full-service offering, which includes all the elements needed to successfully construct and negotiate the award of your GSA Schedule contract as well as post-award compliance measures.