Capitalizing on the GSA Schedule: A Guide for State and Local Government

The General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) may predominantly function to serve federal government procurement needs, however, it extends its benefits to state and local governments through several specified programs. A detailed overview of these programs and how they can be utilized is given below.

1. Cooperative Purchasing

Authorized Categories: Various - Mainly Information Technology (IT) and Security.
Qualifying Circumstance: The program can be utilized under any circumstance.
Details: This initiative allows state and local governments the ability to purchase IT and security-related products and services from those GSA Schedule Contractors who choose to participate in the program. Note that there are zero restrictions attached to the kind of purchase.

2. Disaster Recovery Purchasing

Authorized Categories: All GSA MAS Categories.
Qualifying Circumstance: The purchase must be associated with recovery from a major disaster, as declared by the President, or for the purpose of disaster preparation and response.
Details: This program works to widen the product and services range accessible to state and local governments for tasks tied up with disaster-related activities.

3. Public Health Emergencies (PHEs)

Authorized Categories: All GSA MAS Categories.
Qualifying Circumstance: The purchases need to be connected with the response efforts for Public Health Emergencies, as declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Details: In times of public health emergencies, this program allows state and local bodies to procure supplies and services under any GSA MAS Category, making use of federal grant funds.

4. 1122 Program

Authorized Categories: Specific Equipment under Select GSA MAS Categories.
Qualifying Circumstance: The purchases need to aim at providing equipment support to counter-drug, homeland security, and emergency response activities.
Details: The program places a clear focus on equipment procurement for specific law enforcement and emergency response activities.

State and Local Government Spending in GSA Schedule: An Overview (FY2017-2021)

The data below highlights how the Disaster Recovery and Cooperative Purchasing programs have been utilized by state and local governments over several fiscal years:

1. FY 2017: Disaster Recovery - $133,000,079; Cooperative Purchasing - $828,566,270
2. FY 2018: Disaster Recovery - $151,393,116; Cooperative Purchasing - $776,890,664
3. FY 2019: Disaster Recovery - $180,739,927; Cooperative Purchasing - $788,040,117
4. FY 2020: Disaster Recovery - $189,459,388; Cooperative Purchasing - $787,619,902
5. FY 2021: Disaster Recovery - $187,690,728; Cooperative Purchasing - $804,596,129

Who Qualifies as a State and Local Government Entity?

As outlined by the General Services Administration Manual (GSAM), when we refer to state and local government entities, we include states, cities, counties, towns, tribal governments, public authorities, colleges, and other similar educational institutions among others.

Key Takeaways

• These GSA programs furnish state and local governments with access to an extensive range of products and services.
• They offer the advantage of simplified purchasing and potentially better pricing due to the federal government's buying power.
• During emergencies and disasters, these programs are especially beneficial for prompt procurement.
• Participation by state and local entities in these programs has observed significant growth, particularly in the realms of IT and disaster recovery.

If you're interested in how these programs can benefit your local or state government department, our expert GSA Schedule Consulting services, led by a former GSA Schedule Reviewer, are available to assist you.