The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is also known as a GSA Schedule, GSA Contract, or a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). MAS is a type of indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract that is awarded and managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for similar or comparable supplies, or services, established with more than one supplier, at varying prices. MAS brings commercial products and services to all federal customers. These contracts making buying streamlined in that they verify your company’s ability to perform and contain pre-negotiated fair & reasonable prices, delivery terms, warranties and other essential conditions to make the buying process easier and more efficient for the government and you.
The benefits of being a GSA schedule vendor are many. One of the primary benefits is that it greatly simplifies the lengthy and complicated procurement process for government buyers, which makes it one of the most widely used contracting vehicles. In fact, in FY2023, the Government purchased over $65 Billion worth of Services and Supplies from GSA Schedule and VA FSS vendors, which was a 14% increase from the previous year. Other significant benefits of being on GSA Schedule, include:
- Ideal for Small Businesses – GSA uses programs like set-asides and subcontracting plans to ensure that a significant portion of MAS business is awarded to small businesses. In FY2023, over 37% of MAS spending went to Small Businesses.
- Springboard Program – GSA’s Springboard program helps companies with limited experience to qualify.
- Increased Opportunities– GSA eBuy expands your pool of opportunities by giving you access to opportunities reserved only for GSA Schedule vendors.
- Increased Visibility– Government buyers can view and purchase products on GSA Advantage!, an online shopping site for GSA approved items.
- One Contract Serves All– You can use a GSA Schedule Contract to sell to all federal buyers, quasi federal agencies, tribal communities, some non-profits, many others and, in some cases, even state and local government.
- 20-Year Contract – GSA MAS is a five-year contract with three option periods, which means it can be good for up to 20 years
- Limited Competition– When an agency issues a bid under the GSA Schedule, your pool of competitors is greatly reduced.
- Shorter Sales Cycle– When an agency purchases products or services through the GSA Schedule, everyone saves time with streamlined ordering procedures.
With a GSA schedule, you could solicit hundreds of Federal customers through your single MAS contract. Potential customers include Federal agencies, Department of Defense, State and Local Governmental agencies, as well as tribal communities and more.
Government buyers can purchase almost everything through the GSA MAS contract. MAS is divided into 12 categories which are broken down into subcategories and Special Item Numbers.
12 GSA Schedule Categories:
- Facilities
- Furniture & Furnishings
- Human Capital
- Industrial Products and Services
- Information Technology
- Miscellaneous
- Office Management
- Professional Services
- Scientific Management and Solutions
- Security and Protection
- Transportation and Logistics Services
- Travel
Interested in becoming a GSA MAS Vendor? There are several qualifications that you must meet and the approval time for a GSA schedule can vary from 3-6 months for most large categories, but up to 9-12 months for others. The key to a successful GSA offer is being comprehensive and responsive to the solicitation requirements.
That’s where Coley GCS can help. Coley has 24 years’ experience helping thousands of companies obtain and succeed with a GSA Schedule. We are available to help make the process easy. Contact us today at hello@coleygsa.com, by phone at 210-402-6766, or schedule a call to get started on obtaining your GSA Schedule—a critical step on your road to success in the government market.
If you’re a government contractor looking for business development resources, check out FedMap.us, the number one growth-focused online community for government contractors looking to Accelerate their Growth.


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