At Cordatis we have an active GSA Schedule practice representing numerous manufacturers, dealers, and service providers in all aspects of GSA Schedule contracts. From the most sophisticated high-technology products to basic office supplies, and from financial services to counter-terrorism protection training, we have represented contractors selling commercial goods and services to government customers via the GSA Schedule program. Following are answers to some frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please contact us.

• application process
• definitions
• purchasing
• selling

How Long Does It Take To Get a Schedule?

It depends. There are several factors that play a part in determining the timeframe for obtaining a Schedule. First, some GSA groups are less burdened with proposals than others. For example, a proposal to the Group 36 office which handles office equipment including copiers will probably go through a lot quicker than a proposal to the Group 70 Information Technology department which is currently receiving hundreds of offers each month. Second, the pace at which a proposal moves depends largely on the contracting officer that the proposal is assigned to. Some contracting officers have their own particular way of handling a proposal and some contracting officers are more experienced than others. All factors considered, a proposal takes, on average, four to nine months from the date of submission through award, although GSA has been known to take more than a year to award a proposal.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a Schedule?

It depends. The cost of getting a GSA Schedule depends on the complexity of the offer and whether or not an offeror has standard commercial practices. An offer for goods that are sold to the commercial public at commercial list price without discounts will take less time to prepare and negotiate than a proposal for services where the offeror has granted various discounts for various reasons. The price of negotiating a proposal also depends on the level of effort contributed by the offeror. Cordatis can contribute as little or as much time as the offeror desires. As such, Cordatis charges a hourly fee for its services.

What Is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?

BPAs are simplified contract vehicles allowing agencies to fill repetitive orders for commercial goods and services. A BPA establishes a charge account by which the agency can charge its purchases with qualified vendors. A BPA reduces the need for conducting numerous, individual procurements for the same type goods or services.

What Are Teaming Agreements?

Under a Teaming Agreement, two or more GSA Schedule contractors work together, by complementing each other’s capabilities, to offer a total solution to meet an agency’s procurement needs. Orders placed under a Teaming Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of each team member’s individual Schedule contract.

What Is an FPR?

Once referred to as a best and final offer (BAFO), a Final Proposal Revision documents the parties agreement on key terms of the offer such as price and also outlines the basis of award for purposes of the price reduction clause.

What Is the IFF?

The Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) is a service charge collected by GSA to compensate it for reviewing, negotiating, and awarding GSA Schedule contracts that are used by other ordering activities. The IFF cost is borne by the ordering activity and merely collected and remitted by Schedule contractors.

Who Can Purchase Off the GSA Schedule?

GSA Schedule contractors can sell to more than just federal agencies. In addition to all of DoD, NASA and civilian agencies, Schedule contractors can sell to the World Bank, Bonneville Power Authority, and the District of Columbia government. Schedule contractors can also sell to prime contractors authorized to use Schedules.

A list of authorized users is set forth in GSA Order ADM 4800.2F.

Can I Sell Non-Schedule Items On a Schedule Purchase Order?

Yes. Ordering agencies can purchase non-schedule items on a Schedule purchase order as long as the following conditions are met:

1. all applicable acquisition regulations pertaining to the purchase of the items not on the Federal Supply Schedule have been followed ((e.g., publicizing (Part 5), competition requirements (Part 6), acquisition of commercial items (Part 12), contracting methods (Parts 13, 14, and 15), and small business programs (Part 19));
2. the ordering activity contracting officer has determined the price for the items not on the Federal Supply Schedule is fair and reasonable;
3. the items are clearly labeled on the order as items not on the Federal Supply Schedule; and
4. all clauses applicable to items not on the Federal Supply Schedule are included in the order.