Why gsa schedule

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries. Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties unless otherwise listed separately.

GSA Schedule GSA Schedule also referred to as Multiple Award Schedule MAS and Federal Supply Schedule is a long-term governmentwide contract with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies products and services at volume discount pricing.

Last Reviewed: Get my location Current location OR. City optional. Get my location. It may be that current purchases far exceed your capacity to produce, or it may be that there are hardly any purchases at all. Either situation might argue against pursuing a Schedule contract. Pricing is another important consideration. GSA wants your very lowest price, lower than that which you grant to your very best customer.

The pressure to award to the lowest price possible has only grown in recent years, making GSA contracting more difficult for small firms. The agency has evolved over the years and today is tasked with managing government buildings and real estate, providing product and service procurement support, and developing policies and regulations.

The GSA Schedules Program was created to streamline government purchasing of commercial products and services and to leverage the buying power of the federal government in the process. GSA Schedule Contracts were developed to assist federal employees in purchasing products and services; they contain pre-negotiated prices, delivery terms, warranties, and other terms and conditions which streamline the buying process.

There is no law that requires a contractor to hold a GSA Schedule in order to conduct business with the federal government. As a result, companies that conduct significant business with the federal government ultimately find it necessary to obtain a Schedule Contract. Acquisitions through GSA Schedules are issued using full and open competition. Prices have already been deemed fair and reasonable, and Contracts are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, reducing evaluation cycles.

However, for the most part a company must meet the following criteria:. Products Compliant with the Trade Agreements Act. End product must be manufactured or substantially altered within the U. Knowing that it is a government contract and not simply a certification, a number, or a placement on a list, can be helpful to understanding the process. If you choose to prepare a proposal yourself, it could take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Review times range from approximately three to four months for the IT Large Category to over a year for the Furniture and Security Categories. Combined, the GSA Schedules are a comprehensive, categorical offering of almost every product and service available.