Federal Supply Schedule(FSS)
Long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms that provide federal agencies access to products and services at pre-negotiated prices.
Overview
The Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program — commonly known as GSA Schedules or the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) — provides federal agencies with a streamlined way to purchase commercial products and services. GSA negotiates pricing and terms with vendors, who are then listed on the schedule. Agencies can place orders directly without conducting a full competitive procurement.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Having a GSA Schedule is often described as having a "hunting license" for government sales. It does not guarantee revenue, but it dramatically simplifies the buying process for agencies, making schedule holders the path of least resistance for many purchases. It is one of the most popular entry points into federal contracting.
Key Details
- Consolidation: GSA consolidated dozens of individual schedules into a single Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) in 2019.
- Contract Length: 20-year maximum (five-year base period plus three five-year options).
- Pricing: Vendors offer their best commercial pricing, which GSA negotiates further. Prices are capped but can be discounted on individual orders.
- Ordering: Agencies use GSA Advantage (the online shopping platform) or contact schedule holders directly for larger buys.
- BPA Leverage: Agencies frequently establish BPAs against GSA Schedules for recurring needs.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data helps you identify which agencies are buying through GSA Schedules and track individual task and delivery orders issued under schedule contracts.
Related Terms
- GSA Schedule
- Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
- Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
More Contracts Terms
A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified vendors.
A numbered item in a contract that identifies a specific deliverable, service, or unit of work along with its quantity and price.
A contract type where the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit.
An order placed against an existing contract for the delivery of supplies or materials.
A contract type where the price is set at award and does not change regardless of the contractor's actual costs, placing maximum risk on the contractor.
A pre-competed, multiple-award IDIQ contract that any federal agency can use to purchase IT products and services.
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