Phase 3 of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Consolidation began on August 1,2020—are you prepared? Phase 3 impacts GSA Schedule contractors with multiple contracts under one Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) such as the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). If Phase 3 applies you, we have put together a few tips to help you transition into this phase successfully.
You should confirm which single contract number you will be operating under prior to starting the Phase 3 process with your assigned Contracting Officer (CO).
You need to be aware of the Period of Performance (PoP) of your multiple MAS contracts. So, it’s advisable you consolidate your contracts to the contract with the longest PoP.
Does the contract have any audits, claims, legal disputes, OIG investigations? If so, it may be in your best interest to cancel that contract(s) and consolidate into a MAS contract that does not have the previous stated items occurring under it. *Any current audits must be completed prior to cancelling a contract.
You should look at your GSA Sales history under your multiple MAS contracts and see which contract(s) are most profitable.
Does the contract represent your core business? You should look at your multiple MAS contracts and see which contract represents your core competency. Since contractors are consolidating into a single MAS contract, it is advisable that the consolidated MAS contract represents your core competency / core business.
New and emerging innovations and trends will drive the technology industry! This virtual event brings together government IT security experts to share knowledge, best practices, trends, and use cases for emerging technologies such as 5G Wireless Technology, AI, the Internet of Things, and Cloud.
In this forum, GSA will discuss their recent announcement of the new date for the final transition of Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) reports to beta.SAM.gov, which is October 17, 2020, and hold a training session so you can prepare to use contract data reports in beta.SAM.gov.
Every Wednesday, GSA hosts a SIP online training session alternating between products and services. In the product training session, GSA will cover downloading/installing SIP software, uploading files using SIP, importing product information using excel, and downloading/processing response files. Please note: GSA only allows 20 vendors for each session.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
Mass Mod System Switches to Multi-Factor Authentication
Starting last month on August 8, 2020, all Mass Modification application users are required to register for Multi-Factor Authentication in order to log-in to the new Mass Mod system.
The new Mass Mod system eliminates the need for a unique PIN from your Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO). Moving forward, contractors will need to register for and activate an account with the MFA system to view all outstanding Mass Mods. Contractors will still receive an email to alert them of the released mass modification, but they don’t need to worry about keeping track of the PIN in order to go into the system and accept the Mass Modification. Once users are in the MFA system with an activated account, they will need to set up a form of Multi-Factor Authentication, similar to that of the FAS Sales Reporting System. Only after the MFA is complete will users be able to view pending/outstanding Mass Mods.
This change to the MFA System is to ensure that only authorized negotiators can access and accept Mass Modifications on the contractor’s behalf. If your company’s legal department typically reviews/accepts Mass Modifications, then you will need to update your list of Authorized Negotiators in the eMod system to confirm that the right people are able to sign-in. Mass Modifications typically indicate significant terms and conditions changes for contractors, so it’s important that you can access the new Mass Modification system to understand how these changes impact your contract.
Section 889 FAR Rule Part B – What to Know about the New Telecommunications Rule
In August, the GSA Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) refreshed the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) solicitation to Implement Section 889 Part B of the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act by incorporating FAR clause 52.204-25. This change restricts contractors’ usage of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services. FAR 52.204-25 identifies the following companies as security risks:
Huawei Technologies Company
ZTE Corporation
Hytera Communications Corporation
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
Dahua Technology Company
Part B of Section 889 prevents GSA contractors from using the prohibited equipment or services, not only in government contracts (as was the case in Part A of the rule) but also as part of their business. Part B of Section 889 stated that “The head of an executive agency may not— (B) enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.” This means that as of August 13, 2020, the federal government will not be able to enter into or renew a contract with an entity that uses any of the prohibited telecommunications equipment or services “as a substantial or essential component of any system,” regardless of whether the usage is related to the performance of a federal contract.
If a company demonstrates a compelling justification for needing additional time to phase out their usage of these telecommunications products and services, contractors may, on a one-time basis, be granted a waiver. Contractors will need to accept this change in the new Mass Mod System by accepting Mass Mod A824. Contractors have 90 days to accept the Mass Modification and should be prepared to make representations in SAM.gov regarding their usage of the aforementioned telecommunications companies.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
MAS Text File SIP Guide
On October 1st, GSA MAS Schedule contractors will need to have updated their GSA MAS textfile and upload it through SIP. If you don't update your GSA Advantage Catalog to MAS in SIP, you are at risk of having your offerings removed from eTools. If you do not update your catalog file to the new consolidated MAS structure in accordance with MAS Mass Mod A812 by October 31, 2020, your catalog will be removed from GSA Advantage!. To avoid removal of your catalog, you are advised to take the steps outlined here:
1. Update "Supplement No. (sequentially numbered)" and the effective date(s) of such supplements
On your cover page, you should reference the most recent modification number and effective date for version control of your pricelist.
2. Update the “Schedule Title” from legacy Schedule to Multiple Award Schedule
All Schedule titles should be changed to Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). For example, if you currently have a Professional Services Schedule (PSS) or IT Schedule 70, you would change PSS to Multiple Award Schedule or IT Schedule 70 to Multiple Award Schedule.
3. Update FSC Group, Part, and Section or Standard Industrial Group (as applicable)
Note the “Large Categories” available on your contract (e.g. Information Technology, Office Management, etc.).
4. Update FSC Class(es)/Product code(s) and/or Service Codes (as applicable)
List the Product Service Code(s) (PSC) associated with the new SIN(s). This information is available on Available Offerings Attachment on the Available Offerings and Requirements page. See column I in the “NEW Consolidated Available Offerings” tab.
5. Replace all references throughout your Pricelist from legacy Schedule to MAS or Multiple Award Schedule
Comb through your entire pricelist to identify any areas where you may have referenced the legacy Schedule name or number throughout the document.
6. Replace every reference to legacy SIN(s) with new SIN(s)
Use the Available Offerings Attachment on the Available Offerings and Requirements page to map your legacy SINs to your new SINs. Replace the SIN number, title, and description, as applicable.
7. Maximum order
Replace the old Maximum Order for the legacy SIN with the Maximum Order for the new SIN. This information is found on the Available Offerings Attachment ; see column J on tab labeled “NEW Consolidated Available Offer.”
Make sure that you update your GSA Advantage! textfile as soon as possible to ensure that it is not taken off of GSA Advantage! and will cause you to lose any potential business opportunities.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Elevated Skin Temperature (EST) Screening Capability Assessment
The Department of the Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an industry assessment of the ability to measure elevated skin temperature of individuals entering Marine Corps installations facilities. This assessment will test an urgent need to protect the lives of installation tenants and families with temperature screening of personnel upon entry. Contractors interested in meeting the critical operations issues of the assessment should create a marketing brochure of the technology they would like to be showcased. This opportunity is listed under NAICS code 334519 Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing, but interested vendors can propose an alternate NAICS code. Contractors should submit their responses by October 23, at 5 p.m. EDT. More information can be found on beta.sam.gov under Notice ID MCICOM-MR20-014
Q Power Supply Module Engineering Change IDIQ
The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command has issued a pre-solicitation notice to inform DoD contractors of their need for engineering change, fabrication, integration, testing, production, and delivery of replacement Q Power Supply Modules (PSM) for the Q chassis. The Q is a multi-functional chassis designed to host equipment on U.S. Navy vessels. The period of performance is expected to be a three-year base period. The government anticipates releasing this IDIQ opportunity in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Contractors should submit their responses no later than November 5, 2020. More information can be found on beta.sam.gov under Notice ID N00039-21-R-9101
SABER Construction Services IDIQ
The Department of the Airforce 56th Contracting Squadron has released a pre-solicitation for a Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Requirements (SABER) contract at Luke Air Force Base, Gila Bend AF Auxiliary Field (to include the Barry M. Goldwater Range), AFRC Wing Sky Harbor International Airport, and Fort Tuthill Recreation Area, Flagstaff, Arizona. This HUBZone set-aside opportunity is listed under primary NAICS code 236220 Commercial and Institutional Building and Construction. This five-year IDIQ opportunity will have two (2) one-year incentive options to renew. Contractors should submit responses no later than November 30, 2020. More information can be found on beta.sam.gov under Notice ID FA488720R0004.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do you access the new Mass Mod System?
A: As of August 8, 2020, the Mass Mod portal changed its verification method to multi-factor authentication. Your email address must be listed as an authorized negotiator to register and access this system. You can register for this system on the Mass Mod portal and then activate your account through the email you receive after initial registration. After activation, you will be guided through the process of downloading and setting up the Google Authenticator app on your phone. You will receive a code in the Google Authenticator app when you sign into the Mass Mod system in the future that must be entered after your email address and password.
Q: Do subcontractors need to comply with Section 889(a)(1)(B)?
A: Section 889(a)(1)(B) prohibits federal agencies from entering into or renewing a contract with any entity that uses telecommunications or surveillance systems, equipment, or services from Chinese entities “as a substantial or essential component of any system.” This applies to prime contractors in all fields. Since subcontractors do not directly enter into a contract with the government but rather their prime contractor, subcontractors can continue to use prohibited telecommunications equipment or services in their business operations as long as such prohibited items and services are not used or involved in their performance of work for their prime contractor. A prime contractor is not allowed to incorporate prohibited items from subcontractors as a “substantial or essential” part of their system, whether used in government related work or not.
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