Finding the right GSA/Federal Supply Schedule is the first key to success. There is a wealth of information at the GSA website www.gsa.gov/elibrary. Scan the categories for the one Schedule (or several Schedules) that fit your products/services. Run some searches and explore the choices. The applicable Schedule may or may not be easy to identify.
Once you have selected the Schedule(s) that you want to pursue, contact the GSA Point of Contact (POC) for that Schedule to confirm that you have selected the correct one and to start building a relationship with him or her. Getting to know your POC is very important as he/she can help you navigate the complex process!
Then, click on the appropriate link to download the current solicitation for the Schedule and start preparing your proposal.
From the GSA website:
To become a GSA Schedule contractor, a vendor must first submit an offer in response to the applicable GSA Schedule solicitation.
GSA awards contracts to responsible companies offering commercial items, at fair and reasonable prices, that fall within the generic descriptions in the GSA Schedule Solicitations. Contracting Officers determine whether prices are fair and reasonable by comparing the prices/discounts that a company offers the government with the prices/discounts that the company offers to commercial customers. This negotiation objective is commonly known as "most favored customer" pricing. In order to make this comparison, GSA requires offerors to furnish commercial pricelists and disclose information regarding their pricing/discounting practices.
In order to fully understand the process involved in "Getting on Schedule," GSA recommends that all vendors take the Center for Acquisition Excellence online, self-paced training course, "How to Become a Contractor—GSA Schedules Program." The course describes—
- Various features of the GSA Schedules Program;
- How to submit an offer;
- The evaluation and contract award process;
- How to successfully market supplies and services; and
- Sources of information related to Schedule contract administration.
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