The benefit for you is limited competition. Usually on any given schedule, there very few other companies. In addition, you and your company can be found quickly, your products and services can be identified quickly, and you can be contacted immediately by government buyers. That means more business for you.
The benefit for the government is that federal offices save money and time. Using the GSA Schedule allows federal agencies to review and evaluate products and services that have been predetermined to be acceptable to all federal standards in specific categories.
How do you get on a GSA schedule?
Biz "N" Need is your one stop source... We Can Help! The process involves a lot of often overwhelming paperwork. It can be a pretty painstaking ordeal. After all, pre-qualifying means that the government only wants to go through ONCE what it needs to do to evaluate your business and your products and services. But once the process is over – and you get your GSA number – you are ready to do business more quickly, more efficiently, and more successfully than ever before. Most federal buying agents now turn FIRST to GSA Schedules to establish their ‘sources’ list for competitions.
Why should contractors register with a GSA Schedule?
Having a GSA Schedule number is like being listed in a product catalogue or yellow pages directory containing ONLY contractors who have been certified as acceptable to the federal government, and most agencies now require that their procurement offices use GSA registered contractors. In some cases, procurement officers are not allowed to purchase goods or services from non-GSA Schedule holders. Being registered establishes your credentials, and certifies to the buyer that you will be a ‘responsible’ contractor. GSA Schedules are available to federal buyers across the nation, and in some cases at some state procurement offices. A GSA Schedule number lists your services and products and establishes your initial credibility immediately.
When should you consider getting on a GSA Schedule?
The process of registering for a particular GSA Schedule (there are over 60 Schedules now and the number is growing) can take from 4 to 6 months. So once you know you want to do business with the federal government, you should immediately take action to list your services or products under the appropriate GSA schedule. Getting your GSA Schedule will be a real "PLUS" in all of your marketing and selling efforts.
Which GSA Schedule is best?
The GSA Schedule is a twenty-year contract between you and the federal government, so careful consideration is given to which Schedule(s) you should apply for. Your long term and strategic goals for your company have to be considered, as well as your status quo and the available resources you can designate to support your application. Your products or services may initially appear to be appropriate for more than one Schedule, but your goals and objectives may indicate that just one will serve your needs better than the others. Biz "N" Need can help you develop a strategy to evaluate and pursue the appropriate Schedule listings for your long-term goals and objectives.
How do you apply to get on a GSA Schedule?
The application process for most Schedules is complex and time consuming. A careful accumulation of data about your company, your products, and your past business relationships is often required. The application process itself requires submission of carefully structured documents, completing several forms, and collecting certification and accreditations that establish your company’s business profile and past performance. If you sell products, information about the origin and classification of each product you choose to list is required. Once the applications and forms are submitted, several negotiation stages will occur between you and the government to assure that you both fully understand the relationship you are about to establish. After GSA awards you a GSA schedule number, you may be subject to a GSA representative visit to confirm your submitted data and facts. Biz "N" Need can handle all of the paperwork, working closely with you on your company data.
Is it really worth it to get a GSA Schedule number?
Yes, it is. Roughly 20% of the entire U.S. economy is based on government activities, and most of those are supported by contracted services. Holding a GSA Schedule number allows you to compete by positioning your company in the field where these dollars are spent. Let Biz "N" Need help you go for it!
Questions? Call Today
