Whether you were just awarded your GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) or you have held one for several years, GSA Schedule maintenance can be a heavy lift on your company. Since it’s a contract that is meant to grow with your business, there are not only occasional product/service, pricing, and administrative changes, but you are required to complete routine maintenance to remain compliant. One question our clients initially grapple with is: do you gather a team and try to tackle maintenance in-house, or do you hire a consultant to help you manage your contract?

Since the federal government is so vast and is comprised of hundreds of agencies, departments, and units, organization is key. This is especially true when it comes to government contracting. One of the numerous ways the government streamlines and standardizes the procurement process is with National Stock Numbers (NSNs).

For small businesses, especially those with GSA Schedule contracts, breaking into the federal market can often feel overwhelming. The challenge? Standing out in a world dominated by larger, more established companies. Small businesses have historically struggled to gain the momentum needed to secure federal contracts. As consultants navigating the complex waters of federal contracting and a small business ourselves, we understand the concerns and frustrations small businesses face.

After years of anticipation and delays, the Department of Defense (DoD) has finally published a proposed rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. This long-awaited proposed rule outlines the DoD’s plan to implement CMMC requirements over the next few years. Now, the final rule isn’t here yet—comments on the proposed rule are due on February 24, 2024, and the final rule is anticipated in the fall of 2024. However, we finally have some tangible guidance to consume, 234 pages to be exact.

If you have a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, understanding the government buying cycle is both beneficial and essential to your marketing success. This cycle, which is unique to the federal government, influences when and how federal agencies purchase goods and services. Just like with commercial markets, you want to learn more about your customers’ buying habits, budgets, and timeline. If you are more aware of how the cycle works and when spending is ramped up, you can plan your marketing strategy accordingly and have a better chance at winning contracts.

As a government contractor, it’s important to know which sources to turn to when it comes to government requirements and regulations. One rulebook of compliance, especially for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), a set of regulations that any contractor doing business with the Department of Defense (DoD) must understand and adhere to. For contractors with GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts who often have the opportunity to expand their business into the DoD sector, comprehending DFARS is not just an advantage—it’s necessity.