It’s finally here—in Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh #16, GSA released guidance on how MAS offer instructions apply to Joint Venture (JV) entities. The document outlines information on what JVs looking to get a MAS need to know before their offer submission. We expect this to bring a flood of JV offers in the coming months, so here are some highlights from the guidance:
The Startup Springboard Program will be available to JV entities with less than 2 years of corporate experience.
JV entities that can’t demonstrate past performance can use the past performance of other JV partners.
Companies can hold individual MAS contacts and still be partners on up to three JV MAS contracts.
If you already have an individual GSA Schedule contract outside of your JV, you must treat them as separate contracts.
If it’s an all small business JV, then it must be an unpopulated JV entity.
The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small Business Utilization is hosting this 30-minute webinar for all small businesses looking for additional information and guidance on GSA and our opportunities. The webinar will include an overview of the GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program, Public Buildings Service, Federal Acquisition Service, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts, the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities, the Small Business Administration’s Subcontracting Network (SubNet), Section 889 guidance, and more. Register here.
Want to learn more about Requests for Information (RFIs) and how they can be a useful tool for your business? 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. Register now for this monthly webinar to stay informed and hear directly from GSA experts! Be sure to register here.
Released in May 2023, Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh #16 includes much anticipated guidance for Joint Venture (JV) entities looking to get a GSA Schedule contract. GSA has released this guidance after several requests from the industry to have consistent guidelines for JV entities that aligns with Small Business Administration (SBA) standards. Given this release, how does a JV pursue a GSA Schedule contract?
In this webinar, join Christina Kacem, Lead Consultant at Winvale, and Alexander Major, Partner at McCarter & English, to learn more about what JVs are and how they can fit into the MAS program. We'll discuss:
GSA partnerships
What is a Joint Venture/How do you form one?
GSA MAS Offer Types for JVs
GSA Offer Requirements for JVs
JV competition
JV disclosures in the System for Award Management (SAM)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and GSA have signed a revised 8(a) Program Partnership Agreement aiming to increase contracting opportunities for 8(a) firms, and to make it easier for government customers to order from 8(a) companies through the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. GSA plans to establish an MAS 8(a) pool which will include new and existing 8(a) contractors who are current and active 8(a) program participants, and whose contracts have been accepted into the pool by SBA. As part of this process, GSA has identified existing MAS 8(a) contractors and has offered them acceptance into the pool, so if this applies to you, you may receive communication from SBA request additional documentation to determine eligibility. For additional information, check out this post on GSA Interact.
FCP Pilot is Here
After much anticipation, the replacement to the Schedule Input Program (SIP) is finally up and running! Most contractors should be familiar with SIP, but you may not be as familiar with its successor, FCP or FAS Catalog Platform. The FCP pilot began with contractors holding the Office Supplies 4th Generation (OS4) Special Item Number (SIN), but all GSA contractors can now apply to be a part of it. The pilot will be followed by a phased transition after the end of the 2023 Fiscal Year to include all Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors, starting with MAS product catalogs. This pilot is off to a promising start and will hopefully continue to make the GSA Advantage! uploads easier. While there is a lot of excitement, it’s important to note that this is expected to take a few years to fully roll out and run seamlessly. For more information on FCP and the launch, check out or blog here.
QUICK TIPS
Learn More about Cloud Opportunities with GSA’s New Cloud Software/Ascend BPA Interact Community
GSA has launched a new Cloud and Software/ Ascend BPA Community. This will ease communication between industry and government to improve the exchange of information, best practices, and expertise within the cloud and software acquisition field specifically. The intention is to act as a hub for the latest updates and information on GSA's cloud portfolio, including the upcoming Ascend Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). If you’re interested in learning more, we suggest you join and follow the new community to stay up to date on the latest Cloud and Software information.
The Department of State, US Embassy Mexico City is providing a pre-solicitation for the provisioning of Security Upgrades at new and existing US Government-owned/leased facilities to reach compliance with departmental standards. This IDIQ contract is a base year with one option year under NAICS Code 236118. Responses are due no later than August 30, 2023 and is subject to change. More information can be found under Notice ID: 19MX5323Q0039.
Sources Sought – Food Service Equipment
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking potential sources for Food Product Machinery Manufacturing under NAICS Code 222141. Examples of food service equipment items include refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, ovens, griddles, range, food mixers, heated food cabinets, air fryers, carts, display cases, food counters, coffee counters and possible installation of these items. Responses are due no later than 30 September, 2023. More information can be found under Notice ID: SPE3T.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a CAGE Code?
A: A CAGE Code, also known as a Commercial and Government Entity Code, is a unique identifier assigned to entities that do business with the federal government. Having a CAGE Code is often a requirement for organizations seeking to do business with the U.S. federal government, particularly for those involved in defense and security-related contracts.
Q: How Do You Get a CAGE Code?
A: The SAM website is the primary platform for registering your business with the U.S. federal government. During the SAM registration process, you will have the option to request a CAGE code. Simply select the appropriate checkbox or indicate your interest in obtaining a CAGE code. After submitting your registration, the information provided will undergo verification by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This process can take several weeks. If any additional information or clarifications are required, you may be contacted by the DLA. Once your registration is approved, the DLA will assign a CAGE code to your business.
Q: What is an NCAGE Code?
A: An NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) code is a unique identifier assigned to businesses or organizations that have dealings with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member countries. It serves a similar purpose as the CAGE code used in the United States. The NCAGE code system allows NATO member countries to identify and track entities involved in NATO-related activities, such as defense contracts, procurement, and collaboration. The assignment of NCAGE codes is coordinated by the NATO Codification Bureau (NCB) in each member country. Organizations can typically apply for an NCAGE code through their national NCB or an authorized agency designated by the NCB.
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