Should You Have a GSA Schedule?
From GOVSALESWIKI
Installment [ 11 ] Should You Have a GSA Schedule? By Richard White
A common comment from attendees at our Federal Sales Academy seminars is: "Long time federal customers are now telling us we need a GSA schedule to do business with them."
Other seminar attendees ask us if they should obtain a GSA schedule contract. Our reply: "Ask your customer if you need a schedule." If you don't have a federal customer, then you really need a schedule contract if you are serious about entering the market.
The federal agencies authorized to use GSA schedules are:
- Federal Executive Agencies: (87) http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8128&contentType=GSA_BASIC#appA
- Other Eligible Users: (53, including Congress, Federal Banks, the District of Columbia) http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8128&contentType=GSA_BASIC#appB
- International Organizations: (58,including the Red Cross, World Health Organization, and the United Nations) http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8128&contentType=GSA_BASIC#appC
The information technology GSA schedule can be used by state and local governments.
GSA schedules aren't necessarily for everyone. Who doesn't need a schedule?
- Companies with price points under $25k
- Companies selling to agencies not using GSA schedules as a buying mechanism (they may have a competing multiple award schedule contract of their own)
- Specialty products sold under other agencies, existing multiple award schedule contracts, e.g., military parts.
- Companies in markets not covered by GSA schedules, e.g., construction, architecture, and engineering.