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 |