If you are a GSA MAS (Multiple Award Schedule) contractor, you might already know the term “SIN” or Special Item Number. However, knowing what a SIN is and being able to utilize SINs for the best benefit of your GSA Schedule are two different things. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of SINs, the benefits of adding SINs to your GSA Schedule, and key requirements when adding SINs.
A Special Item Number (SIN) is an identifier used by GSA to categorize specific products and services. Every SIN is assigned to a Large Category and then a specific SIN. SINs may resemble but are not the same as North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes. For example, SIN 54151S maps to NAICS 541511. You can use your assigned NAICS to guide you to which SIN could be the best fit for your business, but not every SIN matches closely to a NAICS Code.
These categories make it easier for government buyers to locate contractors’ offerings. When you add a SIN to your GSA MAS contract, you’re expanding your offerings to cover new categories which can grant you access to a wide range of different opportunities.
Some contractors are missing out on opportunities with their GSA contract. Adding a SIN to your GSA Schedule can provide advantages that other contractors might not have. First, adding SINs to your GSA Schedule will boost your visibility to government buyers. By adding relevant SINs, you’ll have access to a much larger pool of opportunities. Contractors are able to view all of the GSA opportunities under each of their SINs in eBuy, so with an additional SIN, they’ll be able to go after more contracts. This will allow you to grow and expand your offering to best fit the needs of the government. Also, being able to hold multiple SINs will give you an advantage in being a total solution for federal buyers. The federal government is always looking for a “total solution” for their needs.
However, as appealing as this sounds, you need to ensure that you’re eligible to add a SIN to your contract. While you could be missing out on SINs, you may not have the right capabilities and past performance to add a SIN quite yet.
Unfortunately, adding a SIN isn’t as easy as checking a box on the SIN you want to add. In order to add a SIN there are a few key requirements. Below, I have covered some of the key requirements for adding a SIN.
All contractors that are looking to add a SIN to their GSA Schedule must be able to show past performance that is similar in scope to the SIN. Contractors will need a fully executed Statement of Work (SOW) to show that your business has completed the work and show the contract details. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the contract has been completed within the last two years. If the project is still ongoing, you’ll want to ensure that the base period of performance has been completed.
When adding a SIN, you’ll also need to ensure that your commercial pricing is in line with your commercial practices. Contractors will need to be aware of the Price Reductions Clause (if you are opted into Commercial Sales Practices) and ensure that none of the GSA-offered prices are higher than what is sold to commercial customers.
Contractors will also need to show that they have billed for the proposed products or services before. GSA requires at least one invoice, SOW, or agreement that shows that the product or service has been sold to a commercial or government customer before. Even if the pricing support does not line up 1 to 1 with what you are offering to GSA, you can provide clear-cut mapping to the government to show that it has been billed before.
Depending on what SIN you decide to add, there may be different requirements for each SIN. For example, many of the Information Technology SINs will require an extra project for the Past Performance. Additionally, many of the different Large Categories have SIN-specific instructions and you’ll need to check the solicitation to ensure that you can meet all of the requirements.
Once you have prepped all the information you need for your SIN, you’ll need to submit it through the eMod system. Working with your assigned GSA Contracting Officer, you’ll likely go through clarifications and negotiations, similar as you would during the GSA Schedule acquisition process. Keeping an open line of communication with your Contracting Officer is the key to success when making GSA Schedule updates. After the SIN has been awarded, you’ll need to ensure that the SIN and pricing information is updated on GSA Advantage! and eLibrary.
Adding a SIN to your GSA Schedule can open the door to many more opportunities for your company. As mentioned above, it will increase your visibility on GSA sites and make your business more competitive against other GSA MAS contractors. While the process can be tedious and require preparation and compliance with specific requirements, the effort is worth it. If you are looking for additional ways to spruce up your GSA Schedule and find more opportunities, check out our blogs:
If you’re considering adding a SIN to your GSA Schedule and need help throughout the process, please reach out to your Winvale consultants today!