Beginner’s Guide to the GSA Contract

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  • About
      • Providing full-service assistance to help businesses obtain and manage a GSA Schedule Contract Explore to learn more.
      • Our Team
      • Our Founder
      • Community Impact
      • Careers
      • Clients
      • Download the Beginner’s Guide
  • Get a GSA Schedule
      • Businesses, non-profits and educational institutions can obtain a GSA Schedule Contract to sell products and services to government customers. We'll help you navigate the GSA Schedule process. Explore to learn more.
      • GSA Schedule Beginner's Guide
      • GSA Schedule FAQ
      • GSA MAS Consolidation
      • Consolidated Schedule
      • GSA Post-Award Checklist
      • VA Schedule Contracts
      • Download the Beginner’s Guide
  • Industries
      • Industry Categories
      • Office Management
      • Facilities
      • Furniture & Furnishings
      • Human Capital
      • Industrial Products & Services
      • -
      • Information Technology
      • Miscellaneous
      • Professional Services
      • Scientific Solutions
      • -
      • Security & Protection
      • Transportation & Logistics
      • Travel
      • List of Legacy GSA Schedules
      • Download the Beginner’s Guide
  • Services
      • Discover tailored solutions to meet your contract needs – whether you need assistance assessing your current situation and obtaining the right GSA Schedule, or ensuring your awarded GSA Schedule Contract is up-to-date and compliant. Explore to learn more.
      • Obtain a GSA Schedule
      • Manage Your GSA Contract
      • GSA Advantage
      • GSA Streamlined Offer
      • GSA Contractor Assessment
      • GSA Audit Support
      • -
      • GSA Schedule Training
      • GSA Contract Modifications
      • Federal/State Contracts
      • GSA Contract Extension
      • Download the Beginner’s Guide
  • Resources
      • Explore a variety of resources ranging from educational materials and upcoming events to contracting news and exclusive reports. Explore to learn more.
      • Resource Types
      • Key Resources
      • Insights
      • Reports
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1/25/2019

Common GSA Proposal Mistakes

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We work with hundreds of clients each year to help them obtain a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract, also known as a GSA Schedule. Sometimes, companies attempt the process on their own before coming to us. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common mistakes companies make when pursuing a GSA MAS Contract.

Any one of these mistakes could lead GSA to reject your proposal, so take note. When you’ve spent months sorting through the solicitation, compiling information, and piecing together your GSA Schedule proposal, the last thing you want is a rejection notice from GSA.

Don’t Make These Mistakes Getting Your GSA Schedule

☒    Incorrect Special Item Number

In order to obtain a GSA MAS Contract, your products or services must fit within one of the Special Item Numbers (SINs). Your proposal requirements will vary by SIN, so it’s important to select the appropriate SIN(s).


☒    Poor Financials

GSA wants to ensure prospective contractors are financially stable and not at risk of going under after receiving a contract award. If you’re not confident your company has healthy financials, you may need to wait depending on the circumstances.


☒    Negative Customer Feedback

Make sure to reach out to references ahead of time. Otherwise, you risk being surprised by negative feedback that will complicate the review process.


☒    Lack of Past Performance

If you plan to offer services through your GSA Schedule Contract, they should represent your core competencies. Save yourself time and don’t try to submit services you can’t substantiate with past performance.


☒    Outdated Past Performance

In most cases, the past performance you submit in support of services must be within the past two years. This goes back to offering your core competencies – if you haven’t provided the service in a year or more, is it really a core competency?


☒    Out of Scope Past Performance

GSA is a stickler for past performance matching the services you propose. This is particularly true when it comes to distinguishing between IT and Professional Services. We’ve helped a number of companies resubmit for PSS after being rejected by GSA for scope.


☒    Inconsistent Pricing

GSA can see discrepancies between invoices, Commercial Sales Practices, and your price proposal template as a red flag – make sure your numbers add up.


☒    Incomplete Proposal Submission

GSA will pre-screen your proposal for completeness before it’s assigned to a Contracting Officer for an in-depth review. If your proposal is missing documentation, it’s automatic grounds for rejection.


Want to Reduce or Eliminate Your Risk of Rejection?

Obtaining a GSA Schedule Contract can be a stressful and complicated process. Our contract experts can relieve the stress and successfully guide you through the process. It’s been our area of expertise since 1986. Contact Us to find out how we can help your company.

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Federal Schedules has helped businesses of all sizes successfully obtain, manage and grow with GSA and VA Schedule Contracts for more than 35 years. As the leading government contracts consultant, FEDSched provides an unrivaled level of expertise and guidance businesses can trust to navigate the intricacies of the GSA Schedule Contract and stand out in the federal market space.

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