The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh #6 has officially been released by GSA. One of the many changes included in this refresh is the implementation of the Verified Products Portal (VPP), a manufacturer and wholesaler-facing website that houses authoritative product content and supplier authorization information. The VPP contains key information about products, including standardized manufacturer names, part numbers, and product specifications.
Because manufacturers directly supply the VPP with product information, the VPP will grant automatic verification of supplier authorization. This means that means that resellers do not have to provide a signed Letter of Supply for participating manufacturers. Contractors can view manufacturers who are actively providing VPP supplier data here.
Manufacturers can also benefit from using the VPP, as the portal ensures that products are accurately represented to federal buyers. Registered users can sign in at the VPP Portal to start uploading product data, and new users can email VPP@gsa.gov to register an account.
Want to have a better understanding of GSA orders versus an Open Market purchases? This virtual course will explore key differences and similarities between the acquisition methods, and help clarify procedures, advantages, and disadvantages. Register here to join.
In this webinar, you'll get insight directly from GSA experts for responding to Requests for Information (RFIs). You'll also learn about the importance of industry responses and how the data collect helps shape future government decisions for purchasing.
Join our Channel Distribution partner, Beryllium InfoSec, as they discuss what’s fact vs fiction in regard to CMMC, as well as what contractors should be focused on between now and when CMMC is fully in place across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Save your spot here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Couldn't make it to last month's Lunch & Learn webinar? Watch it here on demand. Learn a brief overview of the best practices and helpful tips for maintaining a compliant GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract.
What Contractors Need to Know About the Berry Amendment
The Berry Amendment is a statutory requirement that restricts the Department of Defense (DoD) from using funds appropriated or otherwise available for procurement of food, clothing, fabrics, fibers, yarns, other made-up textiles, and hand or measuring tools that are not grown, reprocessed, reused or produced in the U.S. This law applies to GSA contractors who are planning on selling the items listed above to the DoD above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).
The Berry Amendment has emphasized the purchase of American-made products to support domestic American businesses. Compliance is mandatory as any of these products that are sold using DoD funds must abide by the Berry Amendment. With new measures in place by the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Made in America” Executive Order, your GSA Schedule could see an increase of orders that must abide by the Berry Amendment. You can learn more about the Berry Amendment here.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
What's Included in the MAS Solicitation Refresh #6
GSA released the MAS Solicitation Refresh #6 on May 17, 2021. This refresh includes several updates to the Solicitation which may affect your GSA Schedule. GSA has also released a Mass Modification incorporate these changes, which contractors must sign within 90 days of receiving the Mass Mod notification.
The MAS Solicitation Refresh #6 implements the Verified Products Portal (VPP), which contains information on vendors that provide data to GSA, and removes the requirement to submit a Letter of Supply if your vendor contributes to the VPP.
This refresh also incorporates the use of the multi-factor FAS ID login system and DocuSign electronic signatures in eOffer/eMod. This officially removes the requirement for contractors to have a digital certificate.
Other changes include a temporary waiver of certain requirements to support the government’s response to COVID-19, the ban of drone products that haven’t been authorized under the Blue sUAS Program, and an annual update to SCLS wage determinations. More information about the refresh can be found here.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Underwater Power Source Technologies
The Department of Defense has issued a sources sought notice to conduct a survey of practical underwater power source technologies. An emphasis will be placed on near-term technologies that are ready, or are expected to be ready soon, for in-sea demonstration and limited operational deployment. Responses are due no later than July 3, 2021 at 12:59 a.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID: N00014-21-RFI-0003.
Air Evacuation Aviation Ground Support Services
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a pre-solicitation for a Multiple Award IDIQ for aviation ground support services at designated airports to assist in timely and precautionary mass evacuation of the general population in the event of a major disaster. Responses are due by July 7, 2021 at 11 a.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID: 70BF7021R000000015.
Specialized Real-Time Data Analysis and System Development for Advanced Propulsion Systems
NASA has issued a pre-solicitation for the development, management, and support of advanced launch vehicle propulsion systems, including those developed for the Space Launch System (SLS) Program and the Commercial Space Programs. NASA anticipates awarding an IDIQ contract. Responses are due no later than July 14, 2021, CDT. More information can be found under Notice ID: 80MSFC21R0027.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What’s changing with the merge of SAM.gov and Beta.SAM.gov?
A: Since SAM.gov and Beta.SAM.gov merged, SAM.gov now has several functionalities including contracting opportunities, contract data, wage determinations, assistance listings, and entity registrations. There are several changes to the site, but highlights include streamlined search filter functionality, landing pages with help specific to entity registrations, exclusions, and reporting, as well as Service Contract Reporting (SCR) and Bio-Preferred Reporting access from your workspace. More details on the integration can be found here.
Q: What will stay the same in SAM.gov?
A: Although there are a lot of a lot of changes in the design and efficiency, the data and search filters remained the same. The entity registration process, requirements, and registration expiration dates are also the same. Entity data and roles have automatically transferred to the new SAM.gov, so no action is needed.
Q: Do you need a new log-in for SAM.gov?
A: No, you will use the same SAM.gov log-in with multi-factor authentication. It's important to note that all users must sign-in to access and search entity registration information now.
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