As a small business, you have a lot of resources available to help you succeed in the government marketplace. In an effort to increase small business participation, the federal government has designated small business contracting vehicles set aside specifically to support small business efforts. Small businesses can also compete in other contract vehicles meant for both large and small businesses.

The changes keep on coming—GSA has announced advanced notice of Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh #13. On June 30, 2022, GSA will release Refresh #13, which includes a number of significant changes to the MAS Solicitation. As we saw in MAS Refresh #12, GSA gave notice of retiring certain Special Item Numbers (SINs), and in Refresh #13, they plan to officially eliminate these SINs. Unlike Refresh #12, Refresh #13 will be accompanied by a Mass Modification. This means once the Refresh is released, contractors will have 90 days to review and accept the modification.

The road to becoming a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractor is a lengthy and often arduous process, but once awarded, your business will be in position to sell to the federal government for up to 20 years. As we all know, a lot can happen in 20 years, and while contracts have the reputation of being binding, your GSA Schedule is supposed to grow and adapt with your company.

Significant changes are being made to the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program—after a slew of Solicitation Refreshes from December to April, GSA is planning on releasing MAS Solicitation 7QSMD20R0001 - Refresh #12 on May 16, 2022. Unlike Refresh #11 which revised a single clause note 52.223-99, Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Refresh #12 is introducing several major changes. It’s important to note that while this Refresh is packed, there will be no accompanying mass modification.

For years, the federal acquisition industry has been asking for a more efficient way to make smarter purchases while saving taxpayer dollars. GSA has answered these calls for improvement with a solution—buy.gsa.gov. GSA has launched buy.gsa.gov, a new tool to help simplify the federal procurement process. This site will benefit both government agencies (buyers) and GSA contractors (vendors) as they can access streamlined market research, searchable templates, and interactive resources. While this tool is still in its testing phase, you can toggle around the site and send your feedback to GSA. Here’s what you need to know about this new tool and how it may help you navigate the procurement process.

The focus on buying American has continued in full force under the Biden Administration and will only continue to grow. The federal contracting landscape is constantly shifting, and there have been several domestic procurement policies introduced recently that will directly affect GSA contractors. From the Infrastructure Bill to the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment, we’ll round up all the recent legislation that is contributing to a stronger focus on buying American products, so you are well aware of what’s coming.