1. What is the GSA MAS schedule contract?
A Multiple Award Schedule is an Indefinite Quantity, Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) contract available to all Federal agencies worldwide. Agencies place orders directly with the contractor. The middleman has been removed. Interagency Agreements are not required to use Multiple Award Schedules.
2. Then what is the difference between a Multiple Award ScheduleIDIQ contract and other agencies’ IDIQ contracts?
The Multiple Award Schedules program provides Federal customers ith over 4 million products from more than 6,000 vendors, without ordering restrictions, around the world. Other agencies’ IDIQs primarily are for use by the host agency. Access is limited to other agencies and limited sources are available. In some cases ordering must go through the “host” agency. Some require approval letters, documentation for best value selection, price determinations, etc.
3. Who Can Buy off the GSA Schedule?
This contract is available for use by all federal government agencies as a source for services for domestic use. Executive agencies, other Federal agencies, mixed ownership Government corporations, and the District of Columbia; Government contractors authorized in writing by a Federal agency pursuant to 48 CFR 51.1; and other organizations authorized by statute or regulation to use GSA as a source of supply may use this contract.
4. How do I know I am getting the best price?
Multiple Award Schedules contracts offer Most Favored Customer discounts. Quantity discounts may also be available. Additional price reductions may be obtained by individual agencies. (This provision alone prevents anyone from claiming to beat GSA prices without contacting Multiple Award Schedule contractors first).
5. How is purchasing from Multiple Award Schedules better than purchasing on the open market?
GSA has already determined the price to be fair and reasonable. Synopsis is not required. Multiple Award Schedules contracts have been awarded in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Administrative time is reduced. A wide selection of commercial items are available. Easy ordering.
6. When I place an order under a Schedule contract does it really meet Competition in Contracting Act requirements?
YES! Use of the Multiple Awards Schedule program is a competitive rocedure (see FAR 6.102(d)(3)).
7. Can the Multiple Award Schedules meet all of my needs? Even large or complex requirements? What if the Schedule contractor doesn’t have everything under contract?
With over 4 million commercial items available, Multiple Award Schedules can meet the vast majority of your needs. For those large or complex requirements Multiple Award Schedules contractors can now join with other schedule contract holders and submit a total solution to meet your needs under a Team Arrangement. The modification process allows contractors to modify contracts at any time during the contract period. Therefore, contractors have the ability to place, under contract today, new items to meet your needs. This also assures the latest technology is always available to the customer. Incidental items may be added to a schedule delivery order as long as it results in the lowest overall cost, the appropriate procurement regulations have been applied, and the price has been determined fair and reasonable.
8. How can I be sure the products or services I need will always be available on a Schedule Contract?
Multiple Award Schedule contractors are shortening their delivery times. Multiple Award Schedules contractors will identify items in their price list that can be delivered faster, overnight or within 2 days.
9. Is PSS a “staffing agency” with always open positions?
No – although there are similarities. First, PSS pursues new contracts by proposing candidates to fill open positions. We have dedicated business development managers to identify such openings within our client base. Once an opportunity is identified, we propose candidates from our database of contacts and resumes. Then, based on various criteria set by the client – including the qualifications of proposed candidates – a contract may be awarded to PSS. Actual employment begins upon contract award. However, we will work out the details of your employment or hiring before you are considered for a position, and provide an Offer Letter or Agreement that will spell out the terms of your employment.