GSA Contract
As you probably already know, a GSA contract, also known as a GSA schedule, involves an agreement with the government that allows a commercial company to sell products or services to federal agencies governmentwide. Becoming a GSA contractor can be huge for a company, as it offers a streamlined connection between products/services and a governmental agency. This can be a significant boost to the sales of a company, due to the customized, targeted audience.
What can a GSA contract do for your company?
If you’re a business owner, you want what’s best for your company, and a GSA contract might be exactly what you need. There are three reasons why you should consider applying for a GSA contract:
- This is a huge market. Any business wants to make lots of sales. Well, when it comes to GSA contracts, it’s a $33 billion industry that only appears to be becoming more lucrative. This can be a game-changer for your business.
- Every kind of business is included. You might be thinking, “Does my business even qualify for a GSA contract?” The bottom line is: Probably! GSA contracts cover nearly every type of business. More than likely, your business will fit.
- Five-year contracts. So many business contracts are short-term options looking for the kind of growth that may take longer. Thankfully, most GSA contracts are for five years, allowing for businesses to truly take advantage of the opportunity and flourish.
How to get a GSA Contract
At this point, you’re probably sold on the idea of a GSA contract. Sounds pretty good, right? So how do you get one?
Here’s where it gets a little complicated. The process to securing a GSA contract involves several steps and documentation, and even the smallest error in the application process can result in immediate dismissal. Here are the steps to getting a GSA contract.
- Register your business, with DUNS, SAM, and secure an NAICS code here. After you complete all of these registrations, then go to the Central Contractor Registration system and register your business there. You’ll need to do all of this in order to be considered to be a GSA contractor.
- Do the research and figure out what size your business is and whether you comply with the requirements.
- Undergo the proper training, either with Pathways to Success or Readiness Assessment. You must have the proper training in order to be considered.
- Put together the appropriate documentation, which will include price and technical proposals, financial statements from the past two years, legal documents (commercial service agreements, end user license agreements, etc.) and letter of supply (this is required if you manufacture products).
- Proof of past business performance, which will include four feedback evaluations from past clients.
- Then, after all this, you will submit all of this documentation via eOffer. Typically, you’ll receive a review within one month, but it can take longer depending on the business and other factors. A GSA Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) is assigned and handles your application.
In order to get GSA accreditation, your business must:
- Be at least 2 years in business
- Make more than $100,000 per year
- Not insolvent
- TAA compliant
- Specific requirements according to GSA contract
Conclusion
The process of becoming a GSA contractor can be an arduous one, taking up to a year to complete. You may want to consider hiring a GSA contract consultant to help you through the process, as some of the most minor errors—like a misspelling of a word, an inactive SAM account, or a document in an incorrect format—can result in dismissal. A GSA contract consultant can help you make sure you have all of the documentation in order and that you don’t have anything missing, as that will also result in rejection. An opportunity like this one, where there are billions of dollars up for grabs, is not something you want to pass up for your business. Thus, putting together a GSA contract should be handled with great care and attention to detail.
Once you become a GSA contractor, you can start selling your product or service to government agencies and be listed in federal online shopping systems for further exposure of your company.
