When pursuing a GSA Schedule contract, there are a multitude of acronyms and codes to keep track of. Commercial and Government Entity Codes, also known as CAGE Codes, are one of the many things to have squared away before starting the process. This code is used by the government in a variety of ways, from tracking your business’s location to verifying a security clearance. They are also used internationally through the NATO Codification System (NCS), an important thing to keep in mind if your business would like to sell products overseas. Overall, these codes support the procurement and acquisition process by organizing and identifying participating businesses and companies.
Without these codes, businesses are unable to obtain a GSA contract. You may be wondering how you could get one or more information on the matter. Our featured blog goes into further detail about CAGE Codes, their relevance, and how to get one for your company.
Join MAS experts for an informational webinar followed by questions. The August webinar will be covering ‘Best Practices When Interacting with Customers’. This is a great opportunity to hear from experts, policy makers, and to network with other vendors.
Want to learn more about Requests for Information (RFIs) and how they can be a useful tool for your business? Join the Market Research as a Service (MRAS) team for “Making Market Research Easy - Enhancing Industry Partnerships.” This webinar will bring innovative insights on how to respond to GSA’s RFIs by providing tips and tricks from the experts on how to fill out these important surveys.
Social media has now become weaponized. With more access to information and knowledge than ever before, the public opinion is under constant attack. This webinar will look into how state and foreign actors are taking advantage of the social networks in order to manipulate the political opinion and cause political unrest. Cyabra will expose tactics such as Deepfakes and topics like the Vaccine to illustrate the threat that Government Agencies are facing today. 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. We cover what you need to know about NAICS Codes including why they are important, and how to take advantage of your NAICS Code(s).
What is DFARS, and how does it affect GSA contractors? DFARS stands for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, and it is a set of regulations that is managed by the Department of Defense. DFARS acts as a supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and it seeks to protect national security concerns by regulating how contractors access and handle sensitive government information. Any contractor who works with the federal government or on defense related contracts is required to comply with DFARS.
On December 1st, 2020, the Department of Defense issued an interim rule for DFARS, which introduced several new cybersecurity requirements. One of the most important changes was the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Under this system, defense contractors are vetted and scored by a third party based on their cybersecurity systems. CMMC certification is a high priority for defense contractors, and you should make sure that you and your company are prepared for the process. DFARS requirements can be complicated and dense, but it’s vital that contractors are in full compliance. In order to learn more about DFARS and how it applies to you, read our blog here.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
Getting to Know GSA eLibrary
GSA eLibrary is more than just a contractor directory or a place where you can browse the Large Category guide—it’s where you can find all the latest information related to your GSA Schedule contract. Here’s a list of main contract information available on GSA eLibrary:
Your GSA Schedule number
The date when your option period ends
The ultimate end date of your GSA Schedule contract
Your government Point of Contact (POC) including name, email, and phone
Your Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
Your primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code
Your pricelist and GSA Schedule contract terms and conditions
If you are opted into Disaster Purchasing or Cooperative Purchasing
What Special Item Numbers (SINs) you currently sell under
Links to your GSA Advantage! catalog
Any small business designations
It’s important you know what information you can easily find on the site, so you can fully take advantage of GSA’s resources. In addition to finding valuable information about your own contract, you can use GSA eLibrary to research your competitors, all the contractor listings are public.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Artificial Intelligence for Intelligent Transportation Systems
The Department of Transportation has issued a pre-solicitation for the development, testing, pilot deployments, and evaluation of applications in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to meet transportation needs. This includes improving the transportation systems’ safety, mobility, accessibility, productivity, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Responses are due no later than September 10, 2021, at 5 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID: 693JJ3-21-SS-0013.
DLA Installation Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Liabilities Management Program Support
The Department of Defense has issued a pre-solicitation for Installation Management and Environmental Management services for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The DoD intends to solicit contractor support to assist in program management-related functions and to provide financial expertise services to meet their audit requirements. Responses are due by September 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID: W912DR21R0067.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:What is a Letter of Supply and how can I prepare one?
A:The Letter of Supply is a document that gives a GSA contractor permission to sell products from a manufacturer through their GSA Schedule. It is designed as an assurance from the contractor’s supplier that the contractor will have a continuous source of supply for the products that are on their Schedule. GSA keeps updated templates for the Letter of Supply on the Available Offerings and Requirements webpage at GSA.gov.
Q: When does GSA require a Letter of Supply?
A:If you are selling products from a manufacturer or supplier other than your own company, you will have to provide a Letter of Supply when you add those products to your Schedule. This applies both during the initial offer and the addition of products from any new supplier in a modification. One Letter of Supply is required per supplier/manufacturer. The exception to this rule is when the manufacturer of those products provides data to the Verified Products Portal (VPP). If the manufacturer lists your company as authorized in the VPP, you will not need to provide a Letter of Supply, as the VPP overrides the authority of a Letter of Supply.
Q: What must the Letter of Supply Include?
A:The template provided by GSA covers all the information that must be included in the Letter of Supply. It contains sections including a confirmation that the supplier can provide a steady supply of products to the contractor, a certification that the products are commercial items, certification that all products comply with the Trade Agreements Act, confirmation that prohibited items won’t be offered, and information regarding environmental certification requirements. The Letter of Supply must be current, at least within the last year. The supplier can also add additional language to the Letter of Supply if they so choose as long as it doesn’t contradict the provided language. It must be signed by a representative from both the supplier and the contractor on the supplier’s letterhead.
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