Securing a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract can be a transformative step for businesses aiming to expand their footprint in the federal marketplace. Here are 11 compelling reasons why a GSA MAS contract is considered the gold standard in government contracting.
- Access to the World’s Largest Buyer
- The U.S. federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services globally. A GSA MAS contract provides direct access to this vast market, opening doors to numerous procurement opportunities across various agencies.
- Pre-Vetted Status Enhances Credibility
- Obtaining a GSA MAS contract involves a rigorous evaluation process, including financial assessments and past performance reviews. This pre-vetting enhances your company’s credibility, assuring government buyers of your reliability and compliance.
- Streamlined Procurement Process
- The GSA MAS program simplifies the procurement process through pre-negotiated pricing and terms. This streamlining benefits both contractors and government agencies by reducing administrative burdens and accelerating transaction times.
- Government-Wide Utilization
- GSA MAS contracts are used by all federal agencies and, under certain programs, by state and local governments as well. This broad applicability increases your potential customer base significantly.
- Diverse Product and Service Offerings
- The MAS program encompasses a wide range of categories, including Information Technology, Professional Services, Security, and more. This diversity allows businesses to offer multiple solutions under a single contract vehicle.
- Self-Funded and Sustainable Program
- Funded through the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF), the MAS program is largely self-sustaining. This financial structure ensures program stability and ongoing support for contractors.
- Long-Term Contract Stability
- GSA MAS contracts have a five-year base period, with the potential for three additional five-year extensions totaling up to 20 years. This longevity provides contractors with sustained access to federal opportunities.
- Flexible Contract Types
- The MAS program supports a variety of contract types, including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time-and-Materials (T\&M), and Labor-Hour (LH), offering flexibility to meet diverse project requirements.
- Foundation for Other Government Programs
- A GSA MAS contract often serves as a prerequisite for participation in other federal and state contracting programs, making it a powerful platform for broader government market access.
- Alignment with Category Management Goals
- The MAS program supports the government’s category management strategy, encouraging agencies to buy smarter and more efficiently through standardized procurement channels.
- Adaptability to Market Changes
- The MAS program continuously evolves to incorporate new technologies, services, and policy priorities, enabling contractors to stay competitive and aligned with federal needs.
