GSA Schedule Contracts

GSA Schedules are a necessity, not a luxury, for any vendor serious about selling to the federal government. They are the preferred procurement vehicle by agencies throughout the government. In addition, not only does the recently enacted Cooperative Purchasing program allow state and local governments to procure IT products and services directly from IT Schedule vendors, but state governments often look to GSA Schedules as a benchmark for their own procurements. A contractor without one or more GSA Schedules will come across not as a serious participant but as a bit player in the government market.

GSA Schedules now offer agencies a wide array of goods and services. In the world covered by Government Video, agencies can buy or lease a wide array of products, including analog and digital broadcast, recording, editing and audio products, systems, and suites. With the addition of services to the Professional Communications and Audio/Video Security Equipment Schedule and the implementation of the Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions Schedule, agencies can now order a variety of services, including videography, public service announcements, kiosks, media analysis, and public relations services.

Other than "Today GSA, Tomorrow the World," which talks about the importance of GSA Schedules, the articles in this chapter provide a nuts and bolts perspective on GSA Schedule contracting. "Placing GSA Schedule Orders," " What GAO and DOD are Saying About Schedule Orders," the "Incidentals" two-part series, the "Mod Squad" two-part series, and "Back Door Schedules" cover areas essential for a GSA Schedule contractor. "Leasing Nuts and Bolts" discusses how this alternative to purchasing has regained popularity. Finally, the "Industrial Funding Fee " three-part series is crucial for todayÕs GSA Schedule contractor.