What is GSA’s Common Catalog Platform (CCP)?
AKA SIP’s Upcoming Replacement
The Common Catalog Platform is a web-based application that will eventually replace the Schedule Input Program (SIP) used to upload catalogs to GSA Advantage. That’s the brief explanation of CCP. However, as Peter Han of GSA explained in a recent webinar, GSA isn’t simply replacing SIP, they’re transforming the process.
Currently, if you want to make a change to your GSA Contract, it involves a two-step submission process. First, you must submit your modification to GSA for approval. Upon approval, you are then required to submit your updated catalog to GSA Advantage using either SIP or the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
CCP is designed to be a modernized platform that streamlines the workflow for submitting, modifying, reviewing, and approving GSA Contract catalogs. The new application will allow contractors to enter their data, review initial market research, and submit their modification. GSA Contracting Officers will 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.
How Will CCP Differ from the Legacy SIP/EDI?
The Common Catalog Platform will include several functionalities that should benefit GSA Contract holders. When CCP is launched, it will allow contractors to:
- Review 4P generated market research and make adjustments to a modification before submitting it to GSA.
- View the status of submissions.
- Track catalog changes.
- Have multiple concurrent users and roles.
- Work within the same systems as GSA Contracting Officers
- Access the system from any web browser, unlike the current system. CCP will also be API accessible, allowing it to connect to other systems.
Human Centered Design
Last year, CGI Federal won the contract to develop the Common Catalog Platform. During a user outreach event, Kevin Doyle of CGI Federal joined GSA to explain their Human Centered Design approach to building CCP. Human Centered Design focuses on the user during the design and development process in order to create an intuitive application that is highly useable. While past attempts to replace SIP have failed, Human Centered Design may be the key that helps CCP succeed.
Timeline for Common Catalog Platform
GSA hopes to launch the pilot to a limited number of contractors during the first half of fiscal year 2023 (between October 2022 and March 2023). Following the pilot, GSA will first rollout the program to product vendors with detailed catalogs on GSA Advantage, followed by service providers with text files on Advantage.
Looking Ahead
While we are still a long way out from seeing a final product, the Common Catalog Platform looks to be a welcome improvement and promising step forward.
Tom McCrary, an Executive Contracts Manager at FEDSched shared his thoughts. “In GSA’s own words, SIP is antiquated. There may be some bumps in the road during the rollout process, as there were when GSA took on the task of consolidating multiple, siloed federal systems into the System for Award Management. However, in the end, the result of one streamlined, modern system was well worth the effort. That’s what we hope GSA achieves with CCP.”
Our team here at FEDSched is participating in user testing, so stay tuned for additional updates.
