Securing a GSA Contract

Landing a General Services Administration (GSA) contract is an effective way for small businesses to grow revenues. The government spends nearly $425 billion each year on products it purchases from small businesses that are registered with the GSA.

To secure a GSA contract, business owners must familiarize themselves with federal supply schedules. Businesses that want to secure a contract for several branches of their company should also familiarize themselves with the agency’s multiple award schedules.

Applying for GSA Contracts

First time GSA contract applicants are encouraged to contact the agency’s Pathway to Success. You can also take the “How to Become a Contractor — GSA Schedules Program training course offered through the Center of Acquisition Excellence. The training course helps you to understand the agency’s different schedules as well as how to submit applications on time.

GSA schedules involve:

Blanket Purchase Agreements
Contractor Team Arrangements
New Technology
Purchase Card Acceptance
Environmental Programs
Contractor Use of Schedules
Price Reductions
Continuous Open Seasons
Evergreen Contracts
Worldwide Coverage

Qualifying for a GSA Contract Schedule

Prices for your products must be fair and reasonable in order to qualify for a GSA schedule. You can complete the application via hard copy or electronically through eOffer. To get started:

Review GSA schedule solicitations (they are posted at the GSA official website under “schedule solicitations)
Look through the GSA eLibrary to find products similar to yours. After you find products similar to the ones you want to contract to government agencies, select “Vendors” then review the current solicitation (under FedBizOpps)
Download the solicitation and complete the form

You will need a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to complete your application. Contact Dunn and Bradstreet for the number. Next, register your company in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. Make sure you have the DUNS number before you go to register your company.

Filling Out Your Business GSA Contract Application

Fill out the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). A DUNS number is required to access the system. If you are a recovery vendor, you will register your company on the Federalreporting.gov website. After you complete the Open Ratings Inc. Past Performance Evaluation form and your contract is approved you can begin to actively bid for orders from government agencies.

Contracts are competitive meaning that every company that submits a contract application to provide the same type of service to a government agency competes against each other for the winning bid. State and local governments can purchase products and services from small business owners who have approved GSA contracts. Local and state agencies must secure the business under one of the three programs: