Government Contracting Blog

Commercial enterprises that are interested in selling to the federal government have numerous different avenues available to reach this goal. However, many potential government contractors choose to sell their products and services through the GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) Program.

[This article was last updated on November 17, 2020] The General Services Administration (GSA) has stringent standards when it comes to the Country of Origin (COO) of products and services procured through Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). All GSA products and services must maintain Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.225-5. According to this clause, GSA contractors may only sell products and services which originate or are substantially transformed in TAA-compliant countries. However, in times of crisis, there are sometimes exceptions. In an effort to support the US government’s fight against COVID-19, GSA is temporarily allowing the procurement of non-TAA compliant products under FSS contracts. This exception is the result of GSA Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) Memo 2020-11.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a main topic of discussion in recent months as it has continued to spread rapidly worldwide. Since the Coronavirus hit the United States, the US Federal Government as well as State and Local Governments have had to take action to respond to this global pandemic. With that action comes the need for solutions. Federal Government Contractors – get ready for a rapid increase in sales.

The General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) Program houses a unique variety of contract vehicles spanning across several industries. With over thirty (30) different Schedule contracts all geared towards different supply and service types, it is almost certain that your company’s offering could fit the scope of one of these contract vehicles. Understanding the scope of each GSA Schedule is an important factor when determining if pursuing a GSA Schedule is right for your business.

The GSA Schedules Program provides expansive new opportunities and tools to help companies successfully sell to the government. Having a GSA Schedule opens a whole new world of contracting and networking opportunities that could help expand your business and may be your ticket into the government space. However, with new business opportunity comes new responsibility. It is important to realize the compliance and maintenance factors attached to the award of a GSA Schedule. While the advantages are clear, companies should ensure they have the bandwidth to keep up with the maintenance of a GSA contract.

The General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program was initially designed to streamline government procurement of goods and services. The current Schedules Program provides federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services, but many in the industry have become frustrated with the logistics of the program. GSA has developed a solution which will combine all Schedules into a single, more consistent, Schedule.