Paperwork, market research, proposals, negotiations–these are all things companies trying to break into the public sector deal with when establishing an effective government sales pipeline. Selling to the federal government can often be an intimidating task, but there are ways to streamline the process. For example, the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is a $41 billion contract vehicle that makes it easy for contractors to sell their products and services to government agencies.

The federal government is actively working toward making sure small businesses have a big slice of government contracting dollars. Recently, the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) have signed a revised 8(a) Program Partnerships Agreement (PA) and established a final rule that will increase contracting opportunities both sole source and set aside contractors, and make it easier for government customers to use GSA Schedules to access 8(a) company solutions. 8(a) companies are a part of a small disadvantaged business program, and the government has been focused on making federal procurement more accessible for contractors under this program. Let’s discuss 8(a) Business Development, what the new partnership will mean, and other ways small businesses can utilize support from the government.

If you specialize in services, you are well aware that there are several labor regulations surrounding your workers, especially if you offer those services to the federal government. As a GSA Schedule contractor, you have already gone through the phases of getting your solutions awarded to your contract, but you must also ensure you are keeping up and complying with the latest regulations. One of these is the Service Contract Act (SCA), or often referred to as the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS).

To keep the acquisition process efficient and running smoothly, the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies use various codes to identify and track suppliers, contractors, and shipments. Two important codes in the government contracting world are Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Codes and Department of Defense Activity Address Codes (DoDAACs).

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program has long been regarded as one of the most popular government contract vehicles, allowing commercial companies to sell their products and services to federal, state, and local government entities. With pre-negotiated pricing and pre-vetted contractors, the MAS program streamlines the procurement process making it much more efficient to buy and sell products and services.

Right at the heels of Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh #16 which was released in late May, GSA has announced the release of Solicitation Refresh #17. By the end of July 2023, GSA plans to release Refresh #17 along with a Mass Modification. This Refresh will include changes to the overall solicitation as well as specific Large Category changes, so this applies to all GSA Schedule contractors no matter what product or service you offer. Here’s what you need to know about this update, so you are prepared for when it’s released.