GSA is continuously taking steps to transform one of their flagship purchasing programs, the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract. While GSA’s goal is to streamline the government procurement process, contractors can often be overwhelmed with ongoing changes. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the most noteworthy initiatives contractors should keep an eye on over the next year.
- Transactional Data Reporting
- GSA/SBA 8(a) Partnership
- Common Catalog Platform
- OASIS+
- Joint Venture Policy
Transactional Data Reporting
Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) was first introduced to select GSA MAS contractors in 2016 as a pilot program, but last year GSA announced plans to expand TDR to all interested GSA MAS Contractors. Companies that choose to participate in TDR are exempt from certain traditional GSA Contract requirements, in exchange for monthly sales reporting.
Currently, TDR is only available to companies who hold or are pursuing certain Special Item Numbers (SINs) — view the list here. When the program is expanded to include all GSA MAS SINs, contractors will have the ability to either opt-in to TDR or to continue with the traditional, non-TDR GSA MAS Contract.
Who Is Impacted? This will impact all current and potential GSA MAS Contract holders who would like to participate in TDR, once GSA moves forward with the expansion of the program.
When? GSA anticipates expanding TDR to all GSA MAS Contractors in the next few months, however there is currently no set date.
Learn more about the benefits of TDR.
GSA/SBA 8(a) Partnership
A new 8(a) Program Partnership Agreement (PA) was recently signed by GSA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) which will increase 8(a) contracting opportunities and also make it easier for GSA customers to use the MAS program to access solutions from 8(a) contractors.
Who Is Impacted? All 8(a) certified GSA Contract holders.
When? GSA anticipates implementation of this Partnership Agreement in spring of 2023.
Read the announcement regarding the new agreement.
Common Catalog Platform
The Common Catalog Platform (CCP) is an online application that will replace the Schedule Input Program (SIP), which is used to upload catalogs to GSA Advantage, for GSA MAS contractors. Beyond simply replacing SIP for GSA MAS Contractors, CCP will modernize how GSA MAS contract changes are submitted, reviewed, and approved.
This new application will allow contractors to enter their data, review initial market research, and submit their modification. GSA Contracting Officers will then work within the same application to review and approve the modification. Upon approval, CCP will simultaneously transmit the updated data to GSA Advantage, eliminating the need for a separate SIP/EDI upload.
Who is Impacted? All GSA MAS contractors.
When? GSA plans to begin the CCP pilot in March and begin rolling out the program to all GSA MAS Contract holders in early fiscal year 2024.
OASIS+
If your company offers non-IT professional services to the federal government, you may already be familiar with GSA’s widely used OASIS Contract. This popular contract vehicle is currently being overhauled and expanded upon to include a wider range of services to better meet agency needs. The new contract is named OASIS+.
If you missed the first draft Request for Proposal (RFP) that was released two months ago, you’ll have another opportunity soon. GSA plans to release a second draft RFP over the next few months.
Who is Impacted? OASIS contract holders and non-IT services contractors interested in the OASIS Contract vehicle.
When? The final RFP is expected this year, with awards potentially as early as Q4 of FY 2023 and continuing through FY 2024.
Get the latest updates on OASIS+ here.
Joint Venture Policy
Joint Ventures typically faced challenges in meeting the requirements to obtain a GSA MAS Contract. While the expansion of the Startup Springboard didn’t specifically address joint ventures, it did help many joint ventures qualify by providing an alternative to the traditional two-year business requirement. Meanwhile, GSA has been working on a policy to address joint ventures.
Who is Impacted? Joint ventures looking to obtain a GSA MAS Contract.
When? GSA originally expected to release the new joint venture around spring of this year. However, they recently announced it could be rolled out sooner.
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