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Blog

Should I get a GSA schedule?

Blog, Featured News, Government Contracting


by Karen Krymski | Florida PTAC at USF | October 5, 2018

Many of the government contracting clients that we see at the Florida SBDC at USF anticipate that getting on the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule is the only option to gain contracting dollars from the federal government.

As in many cases, this question can only be answered by several other questions.  When a client comes in, we do a bit of research first by asking:

  • How is the product/service usually purchased in the federal system? Is the item another GWAC? Is it purchased by definitive contract?  How much is purchased?  I use the FPDS.gov tool to get a quick overview of the history of purchases, the agency(ies) who are buying, how the item/service is being procured and who is doing most of the selling (primes).
  • But, before the GSA question can be answered, several questions about the business’ history must also be evaluated. First, has the company already sold the items in the enterprise market (you must have invoices to back this up for a GSA schedule—except for the IT 70).  For the most part, the GSA likes to see a two-year history in business, but this is not always true.  Another question that should be taken into consideration is whether or not the company sold to the federal government before getting the GSA.

So, let’s assume that the company has been in business for more than two years.  They’ve been moderately successful with invoices to back up their sales but they have no federal sales and are looking at this as their “on-ramp.”   At this point, I may suggest that they focus on two to three appropriate federal agencies that buy what they sell to gain federal contracting experience before they proceed with the GSA process.  These sales will provide an introduction to the government and the opportunity to determine if they want to proceed with applying for a GSA schedule.  And, a key point – once a GSA schedule is awarded, the business must obtain $25,000 worth of business against the contract within the first 24 months and an additional $25,000 each 12 months thereafter or the federal government has the right to cancel the contract.

The GSA provides very good information on their website and I suggest that the company review the links and watch the webinars that are provided for that purpose.

Begin here: https://www.gsa.gov/acquisition/assistance-for-small-businesses/is-gsa-right-for-you.

The website will tell you that the process of obtaining a GSA is complex. If the company does not have the human capital or needs coaching, a consultant could cost $4,000 or more to assist in the process. The company must understand that they will be responsible for pulling a great deal of the paperwork together, even if a consultant is hired.

So, what are some key points to consider if a GSA application is in your future?

  • You must have two project history invoices for each of the Special Item Numbers (SIN’s) under the specific GSA that you’re looking to obtain. The invoices should show the price history. Keep in mind that the federal government will want the “best friend” price, and even your best price may still need to be negotiated for you to be competitive. I usually use the GSA e-library to check out competitors’ pricing and determine what the “best” price might be (or a range).
  • The GSA application must include a named authorized negotiator for the company. It’s important that they understand their role. Even if you use a consultant to assist in the process, the company will still need to name an authorized negotiator.
  • If you are a reseller, you will need a letter from the dealer(s) that you are representing.

If you are considering a GSA, the best option is to start with one GSA and one SIN and advance as appropriate.  SIN numbers can be added to the GSA, so there’s no need to think you have to include everything now. just in case. When in doubt, enlist local professionals to help guide you through the process.

This Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.

Author

Karen E. Krymski

Consultants, Government Contracting Consultants, Krymski, Tampa

Florida PTAC at USF, Tampa
Specialty: Procurement, Marketing

Karen Krymski has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, owning a firm that specialized in marketing, business development, public affairs, organizational leadership and strategic planning. Clients ranged from start-up small businesses to Fortune 500 companies (gold emblem brands). Her company was retained to assist in achieving clients’ strategic direction, branding and revenue goals and most retained her firm for successful execution following the planning process. Krymski’s industry knowledge spans a broad range and includes medical (behavioral health, physician practices and home healthcare) and dental; utilities (water, wastewater, solid waste and recycling); and retail promotions.  She built a successful federal government business pipeline for a women-owned IT security company and also founded a local chapter of a national women’s business organization, achieving 350 invested members within a four year period. She earned a bachelor’s in health education and a master’s in public health planning from the University of Pittsburgh and completed a hospital administrative residency in Fort Myers. In 2007, she was honored as the Managing Director of the Year by eWomenNetwork, was a finalist in 2008 for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year and was awarded the Iconic Woman award in 2012 from the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

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The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s lead host institution. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

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