A GSA Schedule, officially the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), is a long-term government contract run by the General Services Administration. Once you're on it, federal (and many state and local) buyers can order your products or services at pre-negotiated prices without a full open competition each time. It's a hunting license, not a guarantee of sales.
How a GSA Schedule works
- You negotiate ceiling prices and terms with GSA once.
- Your offerings are listed in GSA Advantage! and GSA eBuy, where agencies shop and post requests for quotes.
- Agencies order directly or run quick competitions among Schedule holders.
- The contract can last up to 20 years: a 5-year base period plus three 5-year options.
- GSA charges an Industrial Funding Fee of 0.75% on what you sell through the Schedule, which you build into your prices.
Who should get one
A Schedule makes sense if agencies already ask for it, if you sell repeatable products or services (IT, professional services, facilities, security, office supplies), and if you'll actively market to federal buyers. It's usually not the best first step for a business that has never bid a federal contract. Many small businesses start by winning open bids and set-asides first. See how to get government contracts and open contracts you can bid on now.
Typical requirements
- An active SAM.gov registration.
- Usually at least two years in business (GSA's Startup Springboard can allow newer firms with relevant experience of the owners).
- Financial statements showing you can perform.
- Past performance references or a past performance report.
- Commercial pricing information to support the prices you offer.
- GSA's required readiness training before you submit.
How to apply, step by step
- Read the current MAS solicitation and pick the Special Item Numbers (SINs) that match what you sell.
- Complete GSA's readiness assessment and required training.
- Gather documents: financials, past performance, pricing and commercial sales practices.
- Submit your offer in GSA's eOffer system with a digital certificate.
- Respond to the contracting officer's questions and negotiate prices.
- Once awarded, upload your catalog to GSA Advantage! and start marketing to agencies.
Expect the process to take a few months. GSA's own resources and your local APEX Accelerator can help for free.
Keeping the Schedule
- GSA expects meaningful sales. Schedules with very low sales over time can be cancelled, so plan how you'll sell before you apply.
- Report sales and pay the 0.75% fee quarterly.
- Keep prices and catalog current through modifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GSA Schedule?
A long-term GSA contract (the Multiple Award Schedule) that lets government buyers order your products or services at pre-negotiated prices.
How long does it take to get a GSA Schedule?
Usually several months from preparing the offer to award, depending on how complete the offer is and the negotiation.
How much does a GSA Schedule cost?
Applying to GSA is free. You pay a 0.75% Industrial Funding Fee on sales, plus your own time or consultant fees if you hire help.
Do I need a GSA Schedule to sell to the government?
No. Most small businesses win their first federal contracts through open bids and small-business set-asides posted on SAM.gov, without a Schedule.
Want to win contracts while you decide?
Thousands of open contracts don't require a Schedule. See the ones that fit you, or have us prepare a bid from $495.