Because the MAS process is confusing, it attracts a few bad actors alongside many good consultants. Here is how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
Red flags
- Guaranteed sales or revenue. Nobody can guarantee orders. The government decides what to buy.
- A promised award date or 100% guarantee. GSA controls review timing, and no provider can promise it.
- A special relationship with GSA. Consultants are independent. Claims of inside influence should worry you, not reassure you.
- Pressure to sign today. A good provider lets you compare options.
- Vague scope or open-ended hourly billing. You should know exactly what is included and what it costs.
- Charges for things that are free. Registering in SAM.gov and getting a UEI cost nothing.
- No references, or references you cannot reach.
- Look-alike names. Sites that imitate government branding or imply they are GSA.
Green flags
- Published, flat pricing
- A track record you can verify: years in business, number of contracts, success rate
- Willingness to tell you the MAS is not right for you
- A written scope, and clarity about what you must supply
- Continued support after award
Questions to ask
- How many MAS offers have you completed in the past year?
- What is included in your fee, and what would cost extra?
- Who will actually work on my package?
- What is your approach when GSA pushes back on price?
- Can I speak with two clients in an industry like mine?
Read more on choosing a consultant. And remember: GSA itself offers free training, so you can always check what any provider tells you against the source.