Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (GSA MAS)?
The General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule (GSA MAS) is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract available to all Federal Agencies worldwide. Agencies place orders directly with the contractor. The middle man has been removed and the process shortened. Best of all the GSA MAS can be used to purchase a wide variety of environmental advisory services
What exactly is the difference between a Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) and a GSA MAS contract?
A Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract available to all Federal agencies worldwide. Agencies place orders directly with the contractor. The middle man has been removed. Interagency Agreements are not required to use Multiple Award Schedules.
GWACs are contracts for various resources owned by one Federal agency but all other federal agencies can use them on a limited basis. The owning (host) agency establishes the maximum value of the contract based on their requirements plus an additional 20% for the use by other agencies.
What is the difference between the GSA MAS IDIQ and other agencies’ IDIQ contracts?
The GSA MAS program provides Federal customers worldwide with a multitude of services from more than 6,000 vendors, without ordering restrictions.
Other agencies’ IDIQs are primarily 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 determination, etc.
How is purchasing from MAS better than purchasing on the open market?
- GSA has already determined the price to be fair and reasonable. Synopsis is not required.
- MAS contracts have been awarded in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
- Administrative time is reduced
- A wide selection of commercial items is available. Easy ordering.
What exactly is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)?
Setting up a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a MAS contractor is a way to fill recurring needs while taking advantage of quantity discounts, thus saving administrative time and reducing paperwork.
In the past, individual orders under a BPA could not exceed the maximum order limitation. Today, that is no longer true. With the removal of the maximum order limitation, agencies are no longer restricted by any dollar limitations when placing orders under a BPA.
With a MAS BPA an agency can order as much as they want, as little as they want and as often as they want. The agency can use a BPA as an ordering device for field offices worldwide, allowing them to place orders directly. In doing so, the entire agency reaps the benefits of additional discounts negotiated into their own BPA.
Teaming agreements are permitted with MAS Contractors in accordance with FAR 9.6. Teaming agreements may be incorporated into an agency BPA! Are BPA’s only for Simplified Acquisition Purchases and are they still restricted to $100,000?
The use of BPA’s under Multiple Award Schedules has been permitted for a long time. Check Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.202(c): "BPA’s may also be established with Federal Supply Schedule contracts...". In the past, individual orders under a BPA could not exceed the maximum order limitation. Today, that is no longer true. With the removal of the maximum limitation, agencies are no longer restricted by any
dollar limitations when placing orders under a schedule BPA.
What is the new Maximum Order Threshold?
The new commercial practice brings more value and choice to our customers. The minimum order is $100 per order. Customer orders will no longer be restricted by a maximum order limitation. New procedures have been developed that allow Schedule contractors to accept "any size" order. In accordance with FAR 8.404(b)(3) the maximum order threshold represents the point where it is advantageous for customers to seek a price reduction. In
fact, for orders exceeding this threshold, after a customer reviews the price list(s) or GSA Advantage!™, the FAR instructs customers to generally seek price reductions from schedule contractor(s) which provide best value (considering price and other factors).
Can an agency use a Government credit card for payment?
Payment by government credit card is preferred and strongly encouraged. Generally, contractors that accept government credit cards commercially will accept them under the Schedule for orders of $2,500 or less.
How can an agency be certain that they will always be able to get the latest technology under Schedule?
With the new modification process, schedule contractors can continually refresh their MAS contracts. With our GSA Schedules a continual open season permits offers to be submitted at any time.
Is it true ordering from MAS is as easy as 1-2-3?
YES! An Agency simply:
- Obtains the Federal Supply Schedule from companies that the agency is interested in, or clicks on the GSA Advantage!™ web site address at http://www.fss.gsa.gov.
- Reviews products or services to make a best value selection. (Seeks price reductions; see FAR 8.404(b)(3) + (5).
- Places an order through the agency’s own contract and procurement office (not GSA).
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