The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program is a well-known contract vehicle for federal and executive agencies—but did you know you can also sell to international organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) through your GSA Schedule?
The MAS Program offers access to an extensive list of international customers through the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA). As we navigate a new administration, it’s important to remember that your potential customers extend far beyond the typical federal agencies, and you should take advantage of the GSA MAS Program’s depth. We’ll discuss more about NATO and other international organizations purchasing from GSA below.
GSA Schedule Eligibility—NATO and other International Organizations
GSA has a published list of all the entities that are authorized to purchase from the MAS Program. In that list is a section of international organizations that have access to goods and services through Section 607 of the Foreign Assistance Act.
Section 607 authorizes the President of the United States to provide friendly countries, international organizations, the American Red Cross, and voluntary nonprofit-relief agencies GSA supplies and services “consistent with and in furtherance of the international goals” of the Foreign Assistance Act.
Other international entities under this act include:
- American Red Cross
- International Labor Organization
- International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (World Bank)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Tourism Organization
- South Pacific Commission
- United Nations (UN)
How GSA Schedule Holders Can Sell to NATO
NATO’s procurement bodies, the NATO Support Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) are eligible to purchase from GSA Multiple Award Schedules. Section 607 of the FAA allows them to procure goods and services on a reimbursable basis, streamlining the acquisition process.
Once you have your GSA Schedule, you can sell to NATO through specific solicitations or through GSA Advantage! for purchases below the Micro-Purchase Threshold (MPT). NATO commonly uses Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) to purchase through GSA. BOAs are pre-arranged procurement instruments that lay out terms and conditions between NATO and a contractor.
Examples of products and services NATO purchases from GSA include:
- IT and Cybersecurity services
- Communication equipment
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Professional, administrative, and management support services
- Training and simulation solutions
More examples from active NATO procurement opportunities can be found here on SAM.gov. It’s important to note that NATO’s NSPA and NCIA can only make civilian purchases through GSA Schedules, and cannot purchase anything military or defense related.
NSPA/NCIA vs. GSA MAS Program
Both the NSPA/NCIA and the GSA MAS Program are procurement bodies, but they are different in who they serve.
The NSPA and NCIA provide acquisition and logistic support to NATO and its member nations. While NATO entities can conduct procurements, major multinational acquisitions are generally handled by the NSPA and the NCIA. Overall, the NSPA acquires, operates, and maintains services, including:
- Weapons systems
- Fuel Delivery
- Port Services
- Airfield Logistics
- Airlift
- Medical and catering services
- Base support services
The NCIA is NATO’s technology and cyber hub. The NCIA provides:
- C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)
- Technology
- Cyber and Missile Defense
As you may be more familiar with, the GSA MAS Program serves a wide range of customers, but is more centered around U.S. based entities, such as executive, federal, and state agencies. Of course, this whole blog is about GSA customers beyond the U.S., but the MAS is a U.S. based vehicle and is not the primary procurement arm of NATO.
However, the NSPA and NCIA take full advantage of the MAS Program, which is evident in their recent solicitations. As mentioned above, anything defense or military related, which is becoming a larger topic within foreign nations would have to be procured elsewhere.
Taking Advantage of Future GSA Schedule Opportunities
Are you looking to expand into the international market through GSA? It’s important your company is prepared to go after these opportunities, and you know the right places to look. You should ensure your GSA Schedule is up to date with offerings, pricing, maintenance etc., and you have a system set up to check procurement sites such as GSA eBuy and SAM.gov on a regular basis.
Ready to explore selling to NATO or other international organizations? Reach out to Winvale today—we’re here to help you succeed through GSA Schedule acquisition, maintenance, and management.
