GSA’s spring refresh is out—Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Refresh #20 was released in late April. While this Refresh didn’t include any major or highly anticipated updates, it’s still important for you to review the changes before you accept the Mass Modification within 90 days of its release. The updates to Price Proposal Templates (PPTs) and other SINs could affect your future modifications, and you want to make sure you are using the most updated resources. So, let’s review a few of the changes you can expect to see in this Refresh:
Adding language to clause I-FSS-600 to prohibit Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTs) products from being duplicated and published to text file on GSA eLibrary. The language also stated all COTS products should be published for sale on GSA Advantage!.
Updates to the Price Proposal and Modification templates for products
Removing certain category and offerings requirements for the Letter of Supply in the Office Management Large Category
Updates to specific Special Item Number (SIN) language such as adding instructions to the Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) SIN in Large Category F, Information Technology.
For an in-depth review of all the changes in Refresh #20, check out our blog.
Couldn't make it to last month's webinar? Watch it here on demand. In this webinar, we cover the recent changes in government Fiscal Year Q2 and beyond so you're well prepared to tackle your next task.
We are proud to announce that Winvale Public Sector has successfully earned ISO 9001:2015 certification. You can learn more about our certification here.
GSA UPDATES & UPCOMING EVENTS
GSA Events:
Friday, May 3, 2024
1:00 PM ET - 2:00 PM ET
Using the Forecast Tool to Find Contracting Opportunities The Forecast of Contracting Opportunities Tool provides information on anticipated federal contracting opportunities for several agencies. Join GSA for a webinar on how to use the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities Tool to discover planned procurements. The session will discuss tool features and how to take advantage of the information in the tool to assist you in navigating the federal marketplace.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
1:00 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET
Do's and Don'ts of Preparing the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Proposal The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting this 1.5-hour webinar for contractors who are interested in learning the do’s and don’ts of preparing a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) offer. The training will help your firm lessen the burden necessary to submit your MAS offer. You will also receive additional guidance and clarifications from experts during the Q&A session.
Friday, May 17, 2024
11:00 AM ET - 11:30 AM ET
Doing Business with GSA 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.
Cybersecurity requirements are ever changing, but ones passed by the federal government typically build upon each other. In this webinar, we will discuss requirements to look out for on federal contracts, how they should be communicated to you, and what they mean for your business.
Join Paul Netopski, CEO of Critical Prism Defense, to learn more about cybersecurity regulations for federal government work. We'll cover:
Current regulations from the federal government specifying cybersecurity protections in the contract or flowed down from a prime contractor, including:
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204 series
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171
Department of Defense (DoD) regulations, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS) 252.204-70 series and 252.239.7010
The Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Supplier Performance Risk Score (SPRS) system and reporting your self-assessment score
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Joint Certification Program (JCP) dependencies on cybersecurity program implementation
The current status of the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program
If you’re a GSA IT contractor, staying informed about the government's evolving security standards is crucial, especially key cybersecurity frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). While CMMC and FedRAMP share a multitude of similarities, they are distinct and it's important to understand the differences between the two.
CMMC:
CMMC is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is intended to ensure contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) are meeting cybersecurity requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC applies to all contractors and subcontractors working with the DoD to safeguard sensitive information.
FedRAMP
FedRAMP is a government-wide program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government, by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment for cloud technologies and federal agencies. FedRAMP focuses on ensuring cloud service providers used by federal agencies meet security requirements.
To learn more about the key differences between CMMC and FedRAMP, visit our blog: “CMMC vs. FedRAMP.” This blog also highlights the advantages of being CMMC and/or FedRAMP certified.
QUICK TIPS
Tips for Successful Contractor Assessment Visits (CAVs)
While not audits, Contractor Assessment Visits (CAVs) can be nerve-wracking for GSA Schedule contractors. Did you report your sales correctly or keep up with your GSA pricing? Do you have all the documents prepared for your audit? Here are some tips to help your next CAV go smoothly:
Fully understanding what a GSA sale is and how to identify it when it comes to sales reporting is crucial. Overreporting or underreporting your GSA sales is a common mistake and can lead to issues when remitting the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF). Take the time to learn the difference between a GSA and non-GSA sale.
Ensure your team is familiar with the terms and conditions of your GSA Schedule, especially your price list. Your Industrial Operations Analyst (IOA) during the CAV will most likely look at sales documentation from a sample of orders to make sure you are following your pricing terms.
If you offer labor categories, make sure all your employees are meeting the minimum education requirements. This is a common mistake that many IOAs find.
If you offer Commercial Sales Practices (CSP), train your team on commercial sales disclosures to avoid breaking the Price Reduction Clause and potentially refunding the government.
Your IOA will send you a notice of your upcoming CAV with a list of documents they would like to review. Don't procrastinate this. Prepare the documents and ensure they are accurately reflecting your GSA Schedule activities.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Pre-solicitation - Department of Education National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) Data Collection Pre-Solicitation Notice
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) anticipates release of a new FY 2024 solicitation titled the “National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) Coalition” on behalf of the Department’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES). NAEP is the nation’s largest, longest running and most highly regarded nationally representative assessment of student achievement in the United States. NAEP serves as a national yardstick of student achievement, informing the public about what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas, including civics, mathematics, reading, science, writing, and U.S. history. The NAEP coalition Teaming contracts will be solicited under 3 separate Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to cover each coalition teaming tasks, totaling 8. The Department intends to enter into the following 2 contracts with qualified entities to establish 1 team of contractors to carry out the NAEP Coalition teaming tasks that make up the Data Collection team: NAEP Support Service Center and Data Collection. Responses are due no later than June 15, 2024 at 11:00am EDT. More information can be found at https://sam.gov/opp/0525dec7622342b38616df55e7229778/view.
Sources Sought - Research and Development RFI for Hidden Machine-Readable Security Features
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), is interested in obtaining, testing, and evaluating novel emerging technologies and/or materials with potential application as hidden machine-readable counterfeit deterrent / authenticating features on future generations of U. S. currency. Proposed counterfeit deterrent feature / system should be novel and that are not otherwise in commercial use or the public domain. The applicable NAICS Code for this project is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Responses are due no later than June 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm EDT. More information can be found at https://sam.gov/opp/4d2bfb2136704f138037af513fb78be2/view.
Sources Sought - Professional Services to support Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command's (NAVFAC) Atlantic and Pacific (CONUS and OCONUS, worldwide) Area of Responsibility
The primary tasks anticipated under this contract include support of Public Works Business Line Products and Services supporting naval facilities for professional knowledge, skills, and experience in the electric power, water, wastewater, storm water, natural gas, steam, and compressed air industries. Some work may require the proper handling and control of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The applicable NAICS Code for this project is 541330 - Engineering Services. Responses are due no later than December 11, 2024 at 2:00pm EST, and more information can be found at https://sam.gov/opp/07883afc645e47d794292d23294cb62d/view.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can I sell to state and local governments through my GSA Schedule?
A: Certain state and local programs allow you to offer the products and services on your GSA Schedule to state, local, educational, and tribal entities. Two of the main programs through which you can sell to state and local governments are the Cooperative Purchasing Program and Disaster Purchasing Program. You can opt into these programs, if you’re not already in them, through a GSA Schedule modification. These programs enable you to greatly expand your marketplace, as do other types of state and local purchasing programs.
Q: What type of offerings can I sell through the Cooperative Purchasing Program?
A: To be on the Cooperative Purchasing Program, your GSA Schedule will need to have products and/or services listed under either the IT category (Large Category F), or the Security and Protection Services (Large Category J). Possible IT products, services, and solutions include: mobile device and mobile application management (MDM/MAM) tools, automated data processing equipment (firmware) software, cloud computing services, hardware, support equipment, and professional IT services. Possible law enforcement and security products, services, and solutions include: security and law enforcement equipment, alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, marine craft and related equipment, special purpose clothing, and related services.
Q: What type of offerings can I sell through the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program?
A:The goods and services purchased under the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program can vary depending on the type of disaster. The President must first declare a disaster under the Stafford Act before entities can purchase through GSA Schedules. Some examples of typical goods purchased include: cleaning equipment, power generators, temporary housing and home supplies, flood pumps, and medical supplies. Some examples of typical services purchased include: construction services, emergency training, trash removal services, and distribution and transportation services.
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