GSA Schedule 75 open after 7 year hiatus

The reopening of GSA Schedule 75 after a 7-year hiatus is a significant development for companies in the office product and service industry. This article provides an overview of the changes and considerations for obtaining or updating a GSA Schedule 75 contract:

1. Background of the Closure:

The closure of Schedule 75 was primarily influenced by the implementation of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) for office supplies, specifically the Second Generation Office Supplies (OS2) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The FSSI aimed to streamline government procurement and enhance savings by consolidating the purchasing of common goods and services. The anticipation was that OS2 would significantly fulfill the government's office supply needs, reducing the necessity for new Schedule 75 contracts.

2. The Reopening and Changes:

GSA Schedule 75 will reopen to new offers with several modifications aimed at increasing efficiency and compliance:

• Stronger Letters of Supply (LOS): There's an emphasis on robust and reliable supply chains.
• Compliance with Trade Agreements Act (TAA): Enhanced systems and oversight for TAA compliance are expected.
• New Special Item Numbers (SINs): Two new SINs, 75 220 (Office Products/Services) and 75 280 (Overseas Office Products/Services), known as Enhanced OS4 SINs, will be introduced. These SINs mirror the OS3 requirements but have additional mandates such as mandatory Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) and a Contract Access Fee of 1.25%.

3. Enhanced vs. Legacy SINs:

The Enhanced OS4 SINs (75 220 and 75 280) offer similar products and services as the Legacy SINs (75 200 and 75 210) but come with stricter requirements. For instance, Enhanced SINs require contractors to be AbilityOne Certified Distributors and provide faster delivery times, among other stipulations. Companies will have to choose between holding an Enhanced or Legacy SIN as they cannot have both.

4. Application Process:

Companies interested in obtaining a Schedule 75 contract, whether for Legacy or Enhanced SINs, must undergo the GSA proposal process. This involves preparing a comprehensive offer, including financial statements, commercial sales practices, pricing information, and other required documents. Contractors with existing Schedule 75 contracts cannot modify to add Enhanced OS4 SINs; instead, they must go through the new proposal process.

5. Considerations for Prospective Contractors:

Before pursuing Schedule 75, companies should consider the following:

1. Market Potential: Evaluate the demand for your office products and services in the government market.
2. Compliance Capabilities: Ensure that you can meet the stringent requirements of the Enhanced OS4 SINs or maintain compliance with the Legacy SINs.
3. Supply Chain Strength: Assess your ability to provide robust and reliable supplies, which is critical for a strong LOS.
4. Strategic Fit: Determine how a GSA Schedule 75 contract aligns with your overall business strategy and capabilities.

6. Seeking Assistance:

The process of obtaining a GSA Schedule can be complex, particularly with the additional requirements of the Enhanced OS4 SINs. Companies may benefit from consulting with experts who specialize in GSA Schedule proposals and can guide them through the process, ensuring compliance and enhancing the likelihood of a successful contract award. The reopening of GSA Schedule 75 presents new opportunities for companies in the office product and service sector. By understanding the changes, preparing thoroughly, and seeking appropriate guidance, businesses can navigate this avenue effectively, expanding their market reach and contributing to government efficiency. Led by former GSA Schedule Reviewer, we offer the best GSA Schedule Consulting services.