Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, GSA and the agencies procuring through GSA Schedules are adapting to the needs of American citizens. An increase in purchasing through the Schedules program has brought along a slew of revisions to procedures and procurement efforts. Normally we discuss contracting from the vendor perspective, however, it is important to understand changes on the procurement side in order to gauge contracting activity and efforts to prepare for potential contracting opportunities and partnerships. From a buyer’s perspective, one of the most significant changes by way of the pandemic is an update to both the Micro-Purchase (MPT) and Simplified Acquisition (SAT) Thresholds. 

In the United States and across the globe, citizens are adjusting to the new “normal” of social distancing, working remote, classes being cancelled, and the constant COVID-19 news cycle. For many, this is a jarring change of pace in the everyday and we’re all adjusting as further developments are announced. Will we all be working from our homes for another 3-4 weeks, or possibly more? It’s hard to tell at this time, but one thing that’s certain is the US Government’s need for innovative and valuable solutions in times of crisis. As part of the contracting community that provides these solutions for the government, GSA Schedule Contractors play an essential role in responding to and eventually resolving crises – and COVID-19 is no different. 

GSA MAS Consolidation is here, and GSA contractors are already feeling the effects. It is imperative that contractors are able to keep their schedule price lists up to date with new offerings, current pricing, accurate contact information, and more, especially during this time of disaster recovery purchases. Any of these updates that need to be made to your current MAS contract will have to go through the formal modification process, and that means using the new MAS modification process and templates. 

As "shelter in place" orders are mandated across the country, unemployment surges, and commercial businesses are being required to close their doors, COVID-19 has caused considerable uncertainty for U.S. companies. Working with commercial customers can be confusing and concerning for small business as many consumers are looking to tighten their belts to face the economic hardship that the Coronavirus has caused. Thankfully there are some markets that are stable and even growing during this uncertain time. Selling to the government is a safe opportunity during times of crisis. With the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package coming into play, the federal government is one of the safest buyers in the world, and they need solutions now more than ever. Selling to the government is significantly different than selling commercial during times of crisis. The government is buying more due to the crisis and with the government’s fourth quarter quickly approaching, the government is buying on an even larger scale.

Last week the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provided guidance to federal contractors regarding payment for contractors that have been impacted by coronavirus. Contractors that have received stop work orders or other delays may now be eligible for continued payment under OMB Memorandum M-20-18 and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Section 3610 of the CARES Act, which we covered in a previous blog, provides further clarification under the following section of the act entitled “Federal Contractor Authority.” This section of the act states that Contracting Officers have the granted authority to continue paying contractors in order to maintain employment for contractor personnel, even if the contract is subject to a stop work order or other delay. 

On Friday, March 27th, President Trump signed a historic $2 Trillion Dollar Coronavirus aid package into law. This legislation, otherwise known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), will provide emergency relief to several groups including individuals, small businesses, large corporations, public health facilities, state and local governments, and education institutions. The CARES Act provides the largest emergency stimulus package in United States history as a result of bipartisan legislation negotiated by Democrats and Republicans to provide an immediate response to the growing COVID-19 crisis sweeping the nation.