A lot of businesses are looking to the federal government and the public sector to keep their businesses profitable during an economically uncertain time. Thankfully, the U.S. government is taking steps to try to help out Economically Disadvantaged Businesses through methods like those outlined in the OMB Memorandum. The federal government is also prepared for times of emergencies and has put statutes and clauses in place that specifically address small business set-asides and sole-source opportunities in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Stafford Act. If you and your company are economically disadvantaged due to the effects of the Coronavirus, let’s review how set asides, sole source opportunities, and the updates to the MAS program can help your business.

[This article was last updated on November 17, 2020] The General Services Administration (GSA) has stringent standards when it comes to the Country of Origin (COO) of products and services procured through Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). All GSA products and services must maintain Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.225-5. According to this clause, GSA contractors may only sell products and services which originate or are substantially transformed in TAA-compliant countries. However, in times of crisis, there are sometimes exceptions. In an effort to support the US government’s fight against COVID-19, GSA is temporarily allowing the procurement of non-TAA compliant products under FSS contracts. This exception is the result of GSA Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) Memo 2020-11.

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.

[This article was last updated on November 18, 2020] In the United States and across the globe, citizens are continuing to practice social distancing, work remotely, and check-in on the constant COVID-19 news cycle. For many, this is a jarring change of pace and we’re all still adjusting as further developments are announced. It’s hard to tell when this will all end, but one thing that’s certain is the U.S. 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.