A big change is coming to eOffer and eMod. On March 8, GSA will be making the switch from using digital certificates to GSA FAS ID multi-factor authentication as its form of identity verification for the eOffer/eMod systems. GSA FAS ID is already used to access a variety of GSA systems, such as the FAS Sales Reporting Portal, GSA Advantage!, eBuy, GSA Vendor Portal, and the Mass Modification Portal. After March 8, eOffer and eMod will be joining that list.
After digital certificates are phased out of the eMod/eOffer process, GSA contractors who do not already have a GSA FAS ID will need to register for an account starting March 8. Check out our coverage of this update to learn how you can be fully prepared for this upcoming change.
Each quarter GSA will offer training specific to either OASIS or Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) sales reporting. Join the experts this month as they focus on MAS in SRP.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Couldn't make it to last month's Lunch & Learn webinar? Watch it here on demand. Get an overview of Commercial Sales Practices and Transactional Data Reporting and the pros and cons of each.
All GSA contractors need to update both their catalog in GSA Advantage! and their price list on GSA eLibrary to reflect the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Consolidation by March 31, 2021. If your catalog and price list are not updated in time, GSA may remove them from these sites.
When uploading your catalog to GSA Advantage!, you want to make sure to merge your old Legacy Schedule with the new MAS Consolidated structure. If any mention of the Legacy Schedule is within your price list or GSA catalog, it will be rejected.
You must update your price list using the MAS Consolidation Price List Guide to organize your contract offerings under the new Special Item Number (SIN) structure.
If you do not update your Price List up to date exactly as GSA has requested, it could be rejected. Remember, all uploads are approved by your Contracting Officer, so you want to have your files uploaded ahead of the March 31 deadline. If you want to learn more about uploading your information through the Schedule Input Program (SIP), check out our blog.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
What Contractors Should Do Once the Verified Products Portal is Released
In April 2021, GSA is launching the Verified Products Portal (VPP), a manufacturer and reseller platform that will host supplier authorization information. This portal was created to improve the buying and selling experience for agencies and contractors by obtaining product information directly from manufacturers and wholesalers. Once it’s released, GSA will refresh the MAS Solicitation.
While this portal is optional for now, we encourage you to register. Here’s what you should do once the VPP is released:
Register with the VPP and provide product information and supplier authorization details.
Upload a statement to eOffer clarifying your relationship with the manufacturer (or state that you are the manufacturer)
If you are a reseller, check to see if your manufacturer is a participant in the VPP:
If they are, you’ll need to upload your dashboard results to eOffer.
If they are not, you’ll need to upload dashboard results and a Letter of Supply.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a Request for Information (RFI) for market research pertaining to industry capabilities addressing the U.S. Coast Guard’s needs. The DHS is seeking information on industry solutions to replace the current radar system and improve sensor performance. Responses are due no later than April 7, 2021, at 2 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID 70Z03221RFIR00002.
Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER)
The Department of the Air Force has issued a pre-solicitation for the applied research and technology development of 15 different research areas including: Radar communications for enabling 5G technologies, antenna technologies and electromagnetic scattering, and hyperspectral imaging technology. This opportunity is listed under NAICS code 541715 – Research and development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Responses are due by April 26 at 3 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID FA8650-21-S-1180.
Program Officers (Professional Services Contract)
The Department of the Treasury has released a pre-solicitation for administrative and program support staff to serve as Program Officers in its Washington D.C.-based technical assistance program. The Office of Technical Assistance provides overseas advisers to over 50 countries. This opportunity is for Professional Services Contracts and is due no later than May 31 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID 2032K821R00005.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Should I Get FedRAMP Certified?
A:The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) program provides a common governmentwide approach to security analysis and assessment, permissions, and uninterrupted monitoring of cloud service offerings. All Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) selling to the federal government must meet proven security standards and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements. As the government is one of the biggest purchasers of cloud technology, becoming FedRAMP certified gives CSPs simplified access and the ability to sell to many federal agencies with one certification. Cloud service offerings can also be added to the FedRAMP marketplace once they have been authorized, offering contractors a great opportunity for visibility. FedRAMP compliance is also required on many RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
Q: What are the upcoming changes to FedRAMP?
A: The FedRAMP Authorization Act was passed by the House of Representatives on January 5th, 2021. Once it becomes law, this legislation will make the FedRAMP process more efficient by reducing the duplication of security assessments, automating the certification process, encouraging reuse of FedRAMP authorized cloud technologies, and establishing a Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee. This committee will facilitate dialogue between GSA, industry, and federal cybersecurity and procurement officials. These changes will lead to a more effective and established FedRAMP program for both federal agencies and contractors. This bill will also fund FedRAMP $20 million annually. Now is the time to look into FedRAMP certification, as this legislation proves the government is serious about making an investment in cloud technology procurement for federal customers.
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