Government procurement offers various contracting vehicles to facilitate the acquisition of goods and services. Two such popular options are GSA Schedule 70 and Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs). This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of GSA Schedule 70 and GWAC, exploring their distinct characteristics, purposes, and applications in government procurement.
GSA Schedule 70, part of the General Services Administration's (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, is specifically designed to simplify information technology (IT) procurement for federal agencies. It offers a vast selection of IT products, services, and solutions from pre-approved vendors, making it a valuable resource for agencies seeking streamlined access to the latest IT innovations.
A Comprehensive Solution GWACs, on the other hand, are task order-based contracts that serve a broader range of goods and services, including IT and non-IT offerings. Managed by individual agencies, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), GWACs cater to specific government sectors and cover a wide scope of acquisitions.
One of the primary distinctions between GSA Schedule 70 and GWACs is their contract management and oversight. GSA Schedule 70 is overseen by the GSA, an independent federal agency responsible for government procurement and property management. In contrast, GWACs are managed by specific agencies with expertise in the respective domains they cover.
GSA Schedule 70 predominantly focuses on IT products and services, encompassing hardware, software, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions. It caters to agencies' diverse IT requirements and enables access to pre-negotiated pricing and terms.
GWACs, being more expansive, offer a wide array of goods and services beyond IT. Some GWACs concentrate on emerging technologies, healthcare services, and professional support services, among other areas. The broader scope allows agencies to acquire a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to their unique needs.
To become a GSA Schedule 70 holder, vendors must submit proposals to the GSA, which evaluates their qualifications and capabilities. The GSA has pre-negotiated prices and terms, making the selection process efficient and reducing competition between vendors.
In contrast, GWACs require vendors to undergo a competitive bidding process specific to each contract. Managing agencies set evaluation criteria based on technical proficiency, past performance, price competitiveness, and other factors. This fosters vendor competition and ensures that selected vendors offer the best solutions for each GWAC program.
GSA Schedule 70 contracts typically have a base period of five years, with the option for three five-year extensions, resulting in a potential total contract length of 20 years. On the other hand, GWAC contracts may have different durations, and their extension options can vary based on individual managing agency guidelines.
GSA Schedule 70 has a long-standing presence and is widely used by federal agencies for IT procurements. Its streamlined process, pre-negotiated pricing, and comprehensive IT offerings make it a preferred choice for many agencies seeking IT solutions.
GWACs, while equally popular, tend to serve specific government sectors and niches. Agencies opt for GWACs when their procurement needs align closely with the specialized goods and services offered by a particular GWAC.
GSA Schedule 70 offers agencies quick and efficient access to a vast array of IT solutions, providing flexibility and simplicity in IT procurement. However, its focused scope may not cover all the goods and services available under GWACs, limiting its suitability for certain requirements.
GWACs, with their diverse offerings and tailored solutions, cater to specific sectors' unique needs. However, their evaluation processes may involve more complexity and competition among vendors. Agencies may choose GWACs when seeking comprehensive solutions beyond IT.
In conclusion, GSA Schedule 70 and GWACs are distinct contracting vehicles that serve different purposes within government procurement. GSA Schedule 70 specializes in streamlining IT procurement, while GWACs offer a more comprehensive approach with a broader scope of goods and services.
Agencies must carefully evaluate their specific requirements and priorities when selecting the most appropriate contracting vehicle. Whether choosing GSA Schedule 70 for IT-specific needs or opting for a GWAC for more comprehensive solutions, both options empower agencies to efficiently acquire the products and services required to fulfill their missions effectively.
In order to become a GSA Schedule 70 holder, vendors must submit proposals to the GSA for evaluation of their qualifications and capabilities. The GSA has already established prices and terms, which simplifies the selection process and reduces competition among vendors. Conversely, GWACs require vendors to participate in a competitive bidding process specific to each contract. The managing agencies determine the evaluation criteria, which include technical proficiency, past performance, price competitiveness, and other factors. This encourages vendor competition and ensures that selected vendors provide the most optimal solutions for each GWAC program. GSA Schedule 70 contracts typically have a base period of five years, with the option for three five-year extensions.
although also popular, are typically more tailored to specific government sectors and niches. Agencies choose GWACs when their procurement needs closely align with the specialized goods and services offered by a specific GWAC. The advantage of GSA Schedule 70 is its streamlined process, pre-negotiated pricing, and comprehensive IT offerings, making it a preferred choice for many agencies seeking IT solutions. It provides quick and efficient access to a wide range of IT solutions, offering flexibility and simplicity in IT procurement. However, its focused scope may not encompass all the goods and services available under GWACs, making it less suitable for certain requirements.
The government provides different options for acquiring goods and services, and two popular choices are GSA Schedule 70 and Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs). This article aims to compare GSA Schedule 70 and GWAC in detail, examining their unique characteristics, purposes, and applications in government procurement. GSA Schedule 70 focuses on simplifying IT procurement for federal agencies through the General Services Administration's (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. It offers a wide range of pre-approved IT products, services, and solutions from various vendors, making it a valuable resource for agencies looking for streamlined access.
Pedro has extensive background as a Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist, has worked across seven federal agencies, managing contracts totaling over $1 billion in the professional and tech sectors. His notable tenure includes serving with the DoD/DARPA during the inception of their robotics program. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in initiating the Cyber Special Item Number (SIN) within the GSA's IT Schedule 70 as a Team Lead. After graduating from Harvard, he started Blackfyre to help you win your next contract.