Here at Winvale, we talk a lot about the General Service Administration (GSA). Having a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is a great opportunity to expand your company’s opportunities to a whole new market. Maybe you’ve read up about GSA Schedule contracts and are starting to learn more about the acquisition process and what is required, but we know how intimidating it can be. After perusing all the various GSA sites and coming across unfamiliar phrases and regulations, where do you begin? In this blog, we'll help you figure out what to do first and how to be prepared.

In the ever-evolving world of government contracting, having the right tools and platforms can be a game-changer for businesses. If you have a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract or are seriously thinking about getting one, you have probably come across the GSA eBuy site. GSA eBuy can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with it, but it’s an incredibly important tool for your GSA Schedule business development and success. For those who haven't or are just beginning their journey into government contracting, let's delve into why GSA eBuy is such a significant site for GSA Schedule contractors, and how you can use it to your advantage.

If there's one GSA site that is overlooked the most, we think it's GSA eLibrary. No matter if you are a prospective or experience GSA Schedule contractor, GSA eLibrary is an important source for you. A lot of contractors are unaware of how useful this site can be for their contracting success, and we think you should understand what GSA eLibrary can offer you and how you can use it to your advantage. For example, the site addresses common questions such as: Who is my Contracting Officer and what is their contact information? When does my contract expire? Who are my competitors?

It’s no secret the federal government prioritizes small business participation in federal contracts. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, the federal government awarded $162.9 billion in contract dollars to small businesses. How does the government accomplish this? The federal government requires Other Than Small Businesses (OTSB) to create a “practicable opportunity” for small businesses to participate in federal procurement. One of the ways to accomplish this is through small business subcontracting.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are expecting the release of a proposed Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule in September 2023. This rule was originally expected earlier this summer, but once released will set the framework for CMMC. Since this rule has been highly anticipated, let’s cover what you can expect over the next few months and how you can prepare for the implementation of CMMC.

Many government contractors make the mistake of not taking the time to conduct market research. Instead, they spend their time monitoring upcoming opportunities and chasing agencies, which is much more useful if paired with the proper market analysis to determine the right strategy and the most relevant opportunities to pursue. While it's important to get your company's name out there and respond to government solicitations, it can be a waste of time if the opportunity isn't the right fit, or there are components to it you just can't realistically meet.