By Bill Gormley, President of The Gormley Group
Obtaining a General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is viewed as an entry point into the federal marketplace for commercial companies. A Schedule contract continues to provide ongoing value after award. Once awarded, a MAS contract provides a centralized path to reach a diverse range of government buyers. This is one of the key reasons that the MAS program is often described as a lowest cost entry point into the federal marketplace worldwide.
Pricing, terms, and conditions are pre-negotiated with GSA, meaning that agencies can use streamlined ordering procedures under FAR Subpart 8.4. Because of this, contractors are operating on an established vehicle that federal buyers already use instead of starting from scratch with each opportunity. This creates a more efficient environment for both industry and government by reducing procurement administrative lead times (PALT) and simplifying acquisition processes.
Federal agencies are the primary customers of MAS and purchase a wide range of products, services, and solutions under the program. The MAS program exceeds $50 billion in sales. The program also contains a Cooperative Purchasing Authority which provides access to additional categories of eligible buyers that expand the customer base beyond the Federal Government. These eligible buyers include:
- Federal executive branch agencies, including civilian and defense organizations
- State and local governments under authorized programs such as Cooperative Purchasing and Disaster Purchasing
- Federally recognized tribal governments and certain tribal entities
- Other authorized organizations that receive eligibility determinations from GSA
- Special purpose entities purchasing under specific emergency or mission-based authorities
This centralized access is a defining feature of the MAS program. Rather than pursuing separate contract awards across multiple agencies or levels of government, contractors can market their offerings to a variety of eligible buyers through one contract. Opportunities can be identified through established tools like GSA’s eBuy platform. MAS contracts are also structured with a long potential duration that includes a five-year base period with three additional five-year option periods. This gives contractors the opportunity to build relationships with agency customers, establish past performance, and expand their presence.
The MAS program serves as a foundation for companies looking to do business within the federal marketplace and beyond by centralizing access to multiple eligible buyers and supporting streamlined purchasing procedures. These benefits reinforce the program’s role as a lowest cost entry point into government contracting.
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