The General Services Administration (GSA) is considered the chief buying agent for the federal government. GSA monitors and regulates federal buying practices.  The GSA MAS program allows for contractors and vendors to submit product and services for consideration, review and approval to participate as providers to government buyers.

Once approved as a vendor, the GSA issues your organization a contracting vehicle that can be used throughout the Federal Government (and the individual states for some select services).  These contracts have a term of 5 years, with three option periods, resulting in a 20-year GSA contract vehicle. Once approved, Government Purchasing Agents and Program Management Personnel can procure your services/products directly, saving you and your customers a great deal of time and money.

The GSA provides training, forms, and procedures on how to get your company’s products and services approved for inclusion on the GSA Schedule Approved Contractor List. HLC will help you with these requirements, provide explanations and advise you regarding pricing presentation and discount strategies.  Utilizing HLC support services will save you time and money.

Upon completion of the requirements in the MAS Solicitation, the Proposal (also referred to as the offer) is loaded through the GSA electronic portal, eOffer.  The Proposal is assigned to a Contracting Specialist and/or a Contracting Officer. Additional information is requested and your prices will be negotiated. After fulfilling all of the Government’s requests and agreeing on the pricing of your products/services, the GSA will issue your organization an open-ended, government-wide contracting vehicle.

HLC provides support through all levels of this process until an award is made.  

HLC provides follow up and contract maintenance support for SIP, FCP, SRP eLibrary, SAM, GSA Advantage!, Modifications, Novations, and Audits/Reviews.

The number of services or products you propose, the complexity of the offer, and the workload of your assigned Contracting Officer will affect the length of the process. A typical Proposal will take 3-6 months, but can be much faster.

Proposal Creation

Your organization is in control of how long it will take to create your proposal. An example: If your organization’s Point of Contact (POC) can contribute 4-6 hours a week for four weeks; it is possible to finish your proposal in that time frame.

How quickly we can move through the proposal creation process depends on your schedule and availability to collect and develop the information needed. HLC can create a proposal response within two weeks if all information is easily accessible.  Modifications can be accomplished in one week if all data is readily available.  

GSA Review

Once you submit your proposal through eOffer, GSA is in control of the time-frame. However, the goal of many GSA Schedule Program offices has been to approve a fully responsive proposal within 90 days. The complexity of your offer and the assigned Contracting Officer’s schedule affects the time frame. 

Negotiation

The length of negotiations is dependent primarily on the GSA reviewer. However, the ability to respond to clarification requests quickly and effectively will speed the process. We have over three decades experience in working and negotiating with GSA Contract Officers and Reviewers. Our considerable negotiation experience may expedite the process and can contribute to a faster award process.  

How much in-house time will it take my company?

In general, HLC will assume 60-70% of the effort.  However, the data required is derived from your company’s internal records. The organization, availability and accuracy of these records affect the time frame. 

How much will it cost?

Consulting support is offered at a firm fixed price (from inception to award) or at an hourly rate of $245/hour, depending on your needs.

The exact cost of GSA proposal support depends on the complexity of your offer to GSA.  To receive a quote, please contact HLC via email to set a time for phone discussion.  We will provide you with an estimate specific to your project.