GSA MAS frequently asked questions

The General Services Administration is a federal agency with two large roles: managing federal buildings through the Public Buildings Service, and managing federal purchasing through the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). The FAS runs the Multiple Award Schedule, negotiating contracts with vendors so authorized buyers can order at pre-agreed prices and terms.

It is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract under GSA's Multiple Award Schedule program. Its purpose is to cut paperwork so federal buyers can purchase products and services at pre-negotiated prices and terms. "GSA Schedule," "Federal Supply Schedule," and "MAS contract" all refer to the same thing.

GSA awards contracts to many suppliers through one vehicle. Because the contract is IDIQ, the quantity of goods or services ordered is not known in advance, and buyers order as needs arise.

Five years, with three five-year options, for a potential total of twenty years.

Schedule 70 was the IT schedule. GSA has consolidated its separate schedules into the MAS, and IT offerings now sit in the IT category of the MAS.

The government is obligated to purchase a small guaranteed minimum during the contract term, but the real value is a "hunting license" to pursue federal business. Firms should build a federal marketing plan to make full use of it.

Through GSA Advantage!, where you post your negotiated prices and buyers order (often with a government purchase card), or through requests for quotes on eBuy for larger or more complex needs. For larger purchases, buyers are generally required to consider more than one source, and the schedule tools make that market research quick.

eBuy is the online request-for-quote tool available only to schedule holders. On average, a request goes to several schedule holders and a few respond. See our eBuy guide.

The federal government's online shopping and ordering site for schedule holders, with millions of products and services and widespread use for market research. See our Advantage! guide.

SmartPay is the government purchase-card program, essentially a credit card. Schedule holders must accept it for orders below the micro-purchase threshold, which streamlines small purchases.

Often, yes. The Cooperative Purchasing and Disaster Recovery Purchasing programs allow eligible state and local governments to buy from certain MAS SINs, and several states have laws or programs that build on GSA pricing. It has been a growth area for GSA.

A fee of 0.75% of schedule sales, built into the price agencies pay. You collect it and remit it to GSA, reporting sales quarterly. It funds the GSA operation that negotiates and manages the schedules. See IFF reporting.

It is the contractual commitment that the federal government receives the best price you offer to comparable customers. Your commercial sales practices disclosure and sample invoices are how GSA checks it.

If your pricing to the customers you tracked changes in a way that lowers the price the government should receive, you must notify GSA within the time your contract sets and adjust your schedule prices. Missing a required reduction is a compliance problem.

Generally $25,000 in schedule sales within the first two years and $25,000 each year after. Contracts that fall short can be cancelled or not renewed.

A written agreement in which two or more MAS holders work together to meet an agency need. In a CTA all members are equal parties to the order, unlike a prime and subcontractor relationship, where the prime carries responsibility for everything.

Yes, through a contract modification approved by GSA. It is much faster than the original application. See modifications.

It depends on your category and GSA workload. From kickoff with well-prepared documents to award, plan on about five to six months. In some cases where an agency has a specific purchase need, GSA can expedite review.

A flat $7,800 for up to three SINs and up to 250 products. See pricing.

Not required, but most applicants find the complexity worth the fee. The most common mistake is hiring a general accountant or attorney rather than someone who specializes in GSA. See choosing a consultant.

Businesses that fit an existing SIN, are financially stable, sell commercially, keep consistent pricing, and meet responsibility standards. Products must be TAA compliant. See eligibility.

Roughly 14,000 to 20,000 depending on how contracts are counted, with the large majority small businesses. Around eleven million products and services are listed.

Very often yes. In our data, certified firms with a MAS consistently out-sell those with either one alone. See SBA certifications.