In 2018, GSA released a pilot program, to allow government buyers to use their purchase cards on federal versions of online commercial platforms. This pilot program received much positive feedback and GSA now intends to increase the number of sellers and users as they continue to build this platform. GSA is preparing to release a broader Commercial Platform to allow buyers to use their Government Purchase Cards when purchasing Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items.
Draft Request for Proposal
On September 8, 2022, GSA released a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) to acquire information from companies that offer commercially available business-to-business (B2B) platforms. Offerors interested in responding to this Draft RFP, need to have a functioning online platform with commercial products and experience with sales from Government Purchase Cards. GSA is interested in the offeror’s involvement with managing and operating its own online platform. The offeror should include experience to demonstrate the ability to run the platform to best serve commercial and government clients. Please visit SAM.gov to see the full RFP.
The pilot program participants should be considered the lead candidates on this procurement. Once the e-Marketplace is awarded there will be path to adding products to those platforms awarded. As an example, here are the ways to include your products on the existing pilot program platforms.
Benefits of GSA eCommerce Platform
GSA stated that the pilot program’s success has cut cost for timely acquisitions of COTS items by modernizing and streamlining the purchasing process as well as providing key data to buyers in making purchasing decisions. Customers have also reported being more satisfied with their purchases and savings.
GSA believes that when contractors participate in this platform, they will save time with supply chain risk management and other compliance issues.
Responding to this RFP or adding your catalog of products to the platform is a strategic opportunity for companies to increase their government sales. Coley has experience helping clients respond to RFPs and is ready to help you navigate the requirements to respond.
Coley has over 20 years’ experience helping thousands of companies obtain their GSA Schedule. We are available to help make the process easy. Contact us today at hello@coleygsa.com or 210-402-6766 to get started on obtaining your GSA Schedule—a critical step on your road to success in the government market.
Vice President for Coley GCS, LLC, a Government Contracts Consulting, Coaching and Training company. Daniel is a Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) and leads the day-to-day operations of Coley’s consulting practice. He has two decades of experience with the acquisition, management, and marketing of Federal, State, and Local government contracts. Daniel specializes in all aspects of GSA Schedules management and marketing and has helped hundreds of Coley clients remain compliant with the terms of their GSA contract while helping them expand their business.