A GSA Schedule is a long-term contract between a private business and the federal government. The Schedule is for an indefinite quantity and an indefinite delivery date. Basically, you provide the GSA with a list of products or services (including prices, delivery terms, warranties, and other terms and conditions) and the GSA determines whether your list meets their criteria. If so, your business is given a GSA contract number and your products are added to the GSA's database known as the GSA Advantage. Government agencies can then use that database to find your products. The purpose for awarding GSA Schedules is to make it easier for the federal government to find and purchase your products or services.
GSA Contracting Process
Private businesses file an application with the General Services Administration (GSA) for a Multiple Award Schedule. Under the Multiple Award Schedule, the private business puts together a list of products or services it wants to sell to the federal government. The GSA reviews the list to determine, among other things, whether the products offered are either made or assembled in the United States. It is GSA's policy that American made products are given priority to products made outside the United States. Once your business is awarded a GSA Schedule Contract it will receive a GSA Contract Number which you will use to sell your products to federal agencies.
How Do Federal Agencies Buy Products Using GSA Schedule Contracts?
Your GSA Schedule Contract Number tells federal agencies that the products you offer under the schedule have been reviewed by GSA and deemed fair, reasonable and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This speeds agency purchasing time because it is not required to individually evaluate each product purchased for responsiveness.
For recurring product and service needs, the GSA has established Blanket Purchase Agreements between federal agencies and GSA Schedule Contract holders.
The GSA has also established Contractor Team Arrangements so that two or more GSA Schedule Contract holders can work together to fulfill an agency's needs.
One of the most popular methods for marketing a Schedule Contract to federal agencies is through GSA Advantage!. GSA Advantage! is an online shopping mall (like Amazon) for federal government agencies to view, compare, and directly purchase products and services available through GSA Schedule Contracts.