Only commercial items can be sold under a GSA/FSS contract. Per FAR 2.101, the simple definition of a commercial item is:
“Any item, other than real property, that is of a type customarily used by the general public or by non-
governmental entities for purposes other than governmental purposes, and—
(i) Has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or
(ii) Has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public…”
However, see FAR 2.101 for the complete definition and note that services are also considered commercial items if they are, “Services of a type offered and sold competitively in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace based on established catalog or market prices for specific tasks performed or specific outcomes to be achieved and under standard commercial terms and conditions.”
There are currently 53 different GSA “Schedules” or categories of products and services. These 53 Schedules have resulted in over 18,700 contracts that cover more than 11 million items. Such things as office products, furniture, construction supplies, medical equipment, chemicals, tires, photographic equipment, shipping and packing supplies, information technology equipment and an array of professional services including management consulting and engineering services are included. Notethat research and development (R&D), architectural design services and construction are not included although construction management services are covered.
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