Alphabet Soup: G is For…GSA

The General Services Administration (GSA) manages one of the largest marketplaces in the world, bringing together business contractors and government customers. The GSA ‘Schedules’ program gives government agencies a simplified process for obtaining commercial services and products.  Since each contract holder has “Approved Vendor” status, the buyer can be confident they’re getting the best pricing, delivery and terms, since each company has already pre-negotiated pricing and terms with GSA.

Schedule contractors are awarded an Indefinite-Delivery-Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide services and/or products to government agencies. The contract gives commercial companies “Approved Vendor” status for 5-years, followed by three 5-year options, for a possible total of 20 years!

GSA contracts are NOT a guarantee of sales. GSA expects new contractors to do a minimum of $25,000 in sales in the first two years of the contract, and $25,000 each year after that.  You will still need to compete with other companies offering similar products/services to GSA. 

GSA Schedule contracts can also be referred to as a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract.

 

GFE/GFM  Government-Furnished Equipment or Materials 

Items supplied by the agency. For example, a contract for maintenance of a government-owned item.

GSA General Services Administration

The agency that administers the Federal Supply Schedule Multi-Award contract program

GSA Contract General Services Administration Contract

Long-term, multi-award contract for commercial supplies and services.  May be accessed by all federal agencies.  Also known as Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), Multi-Award Schedule (MAS), or Schedule contract.

GSAM GSA Manual 

General Services Administration supplemental regulations.

GWAC Government-Wide Acquisition Contract 

Long-term, multi-award contract for Information Technology. Established by one agency for government-wide use

 

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