Question 1

What is a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)?

Accepted Answer

A GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is a long-term, government-wide contract between the General Services Administration and a commercial company that establishes pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and conditions for specific products and services. Once awarded, any of the 430+ federal agencies can purchase directly from your schedule without conducting a full competitive procurement for each order.

Question 2

How much money flows through GSA Schedules annually?

Accepted Answer

Over $50 billion in federal procurement flows through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule program each year, making it the single largest procurement vehicle in the U.S. federal government. The Information Technology Large Category alone accounts for more than $20 billion annually.

Question 3

How many Large Categories does the consolidated GSA MAS have?

Accepted Answer

The 2020 consolidated Multiple Award Schedule has 12 Large Categories: Information Technology, Professional Services, Facilities, Furniture & Furnishings, Office Management, Security & Protection, Transportation & Logistics, Industrial Products & Services, Human Capital, Travel, Scientific Management & Solutions, and Miscellaneous.

Question 4

What is a Special Item Number (SIN)?

Accepted Answer

A Special Item Number (SIN) is a category code under the GSA MAS that groups specific types of products or services. You must identify and propose under the SINs that match your offerings. Your SINs determine which GSA eBuy opportunities you can view and respond to, and how agency buyers find you.

Question 5

How long does it take to get a GSA Schedule?

Accepted Answer

The GSA Schedule application process typically takes 4 to 6 months from initial submission to contract award. Preparation of the offer package before submission takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks. Complex applications with extensive product lines or significant pricing negotiations may take longer.

Question 6

What is the minimum sales requirement for a GSA Schedule?

Accepted Answer

GSA requires contractors to achieve a minimum of $25,000 in GSA Schedule sales within the first 24 months of contract award and each subsequent 24-month period. Contractors who do not meet this threshold risk contract cancellation.

Question 7

What is the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF)?

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) is a 0.75% fee assessed on all GSA Schedule sales. It is remitted to GSA quarterly through the 72A reporting system. The IFF funds GSA's operations and administration of the Schedule program. Contractors must report quarterly even in periods with zero sales.

Question 8

Do I need a GSA Schedule to win government contracts?

Accepted Answer

No. You can compete for and win contracts posted on SAM.gov without a GSA Schedule. However, a GSA Schedule streamlines purchasing for agencies, opens access to GSA eBuy opportunities only visible to schedule holders, and signals to buyers that your pricing and terms have been pre-vetted by the government.

Question 9

What is GSA eBuy?

Accepted Answer

GSA eBuy is an online marketplace where federal buyers post Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and Requests for Information (RFIs) specifically for GSA Schedule holders. Only companies that hold a GSA Schedule with applicable SINs can view and respond to eBuy opportunities. eBuy is the primary source of task order work for most schedule holders.

Question 10

What is the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) requirement?

Accepted Answer

The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) requires that all products sold through the GSA Schedule must be manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or a designated TAA-compliant country. Contractors must certify TAA compliance for each product offered on their Schedule. Non-compliant products cannot be listed on the GSA Schedule.

Question 11

Can a small business hold a GSA Schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The GSA Schedule is open to businesses of all sizes — small, mid-size, and large. In fact, the majority of GSA Schedule holders are small businesses. Small businesses on the Schedule can also combine their schedule with SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) to compete for set-aside task orders under their SINs.

Question 12

What is the Most Favored Customer (MFC) pricing policy?

Accepted Answer

GSA requires that your Schedule pricing is equal to or better than the pricing you offer your most favored commercial customer under similar terms and conditions. You must disclose your commercial pricing discounting practices during the offer process and maintain compliance through the Price Reductions Clause.

Question 13

Can I hold multiple Large Categories on the same schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single GSA Schedule contract can include SINs from multiple Large Categories. You only need one contract number regardless of how many categories or SINs you hold. This is one of the key benefits of the 2020 consolidation — previously, companies had to maintain separate Schedule contracts for each category.

Question 14

How does SamSearch help companies with their GSA Schedule?

Accepted Answer

SamSearch helps companies maximize their GSA Schedule revenue by aggregating GSA eBuy opportunities, SAM.gov solicitations, and agency-level spending data in one platform. Our AI surfaces the most relevant task orders under your SINs, tracks agency buying patterns, and sends real-time alerts so you never miss an eBuy opportunity that fits your schedule.

Question 15

What is the GSA Schedule contract term?

Accepted Answer

GSA Schedule contracts are awarded for a 20-year base period with no option periods. There are no extensions needed — the contract runs for up to 20 years as long as the contractor remains compliant with all schedule terms and achieves the minimum sales requirement.

GSA Multiple Award Schedule

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Operations & Support

How to Get on the GSA MAS

Win More Orders Through Your Schedule

GSA Multiple Award Schedule — Frequently Asked Questions