The Federal Supply Schedule Program

History

The Treasury Department created commercial product schedules over 50 years ago as an efficient way to buy small dollar, repetitive supply requirements. By the late 1950's, it was clear that this was a good idea--so schedule management was transferred to GSA. Today, the GSA Federal Supply Service and to a smaller extent, the Veteran's Administration manage the Schedules. Suffice it say that, especially after the legislative and regulatory changes in Federal procurement during the 1990's, you cannot play in the Federal marketplace competitively without a GSA schedule.

Offerings

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program offers a suite of existing contracts with over 8,000 vendors providing over 4 million products and professional services in all industries. Under the program, GSA enters into contracts with commercial firms to provide supplies and services at stated prices for given periods of time. Price lists are then published both in paper and on the GSA website (GSA Advantage!) to provide ordering data for these contracts.

Use

GSA Schedules closely mirror commercial buying practices. They provide Government Agency customers with literally millions of state-of-the-art, high-quality commercial services and products at volume discount pricing on a direct delivery basis. All customers, even those in remote locations, are provided with the latest technology, quality services and products, convenience, and most-favored customer pricing. GSA Schedules also offer the potential benefits of shorter lead-times, lower administrative costs, and reduced inventories, including significant opportunities for agencies to meet small business goals, while promoting compliance with various environmental and socio-economic laws and regulations.

Agencies place orders directly with the Schedule contractor and deliveries are direct from the contractor to the Agency customer.

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