Last Updated September 16, 2022 It’s finally here—GSA has unpaused the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for Polaris and released solicitations for all 4 pools. Polaris is a multiple-award small business IDIQ contract that will provide the federal government with IT services and IT service-based solutions with an emphasis on emerging technologies.

As a small business government contractor, you have the opportunity to certify under certain socioeconomic groups such as Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). These certifications allow you access to specialized contractor assistance programs and unique contracting opportunities set-aside specifically for small businesses. However, unlike the other small business contracting programs such as Women-Owned Small Business or 8(a) that are verified and certified through the Small Business Administration (SBA), the VOSB and SDVOSB certification went through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Starting January 2023, VOSB and SDVOSB certifications will be moved to the SBA. If you’re a Veteran-owned contractor or plan to become one soon, this is an important blog for you.

While going through the GSA Schedule offer process there are several documents to submit and the requirements can vary depending on what solutions you plan to offer, if you’re offering products or services, and if you’re a small or large business, but one thing is for certain—no GSA Schedule offer can be completed without registering in the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is an official U.S. government website where you can register your entity, search for contract opportunities, and run reports, making it a key website for GSA contractors.

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.