GSA Schedule 70, a long-standing contracting vehicle for information technology (IT) products and services, has been a cornerstone of government IT procurement for several decades. It is one of the most widely used acquisition options for federal agencies seeking a diverse range of IT solutions. However, there is often confusion surrounding whether GSA Schedule 70 is a Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) or not. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of GSA Schedule 70, its characteristics, and how it differs from GWACs.
GSA Schedule 70, established in 1970, is part of the General Services Administration's (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. It is specifically designed to streamline the procurement of IT products and services for federal agencies. Under GSA Schedule 70, vendors offer a wide array of IT solutions, including hardware, software, cloud computing services, cybersecurity, and more. The schedule's pre-negotiated pricing and terms make it an attractive option for government agencies seeking efficient and cost-effective IT acquisitions.
Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are task order contracts that provide federal agencies with access to IT products and services from multiple vendors. GWACs are managed by government agencies, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), and are separate from the GSA's MAS program.
GWACs are typically established to meet the specific needs of a group of agencies or a particular government sector. They focus on providing a comprehensive set of IT solutions and services that may go beyond what is available under GSA Schedule 70. GWACs may cover a wide range of IT areas, including emerging technologies, software development, data center support, and more.
Unlike GSA Schedule 70, which is managed by the GSA, GWACs are administered and overseen by specific government agencies that have the authority to establish and manage these contracts.
To become a GWAC contractor, vendors typically go through a competitive bidding process, where their offerings and capabilities are evaluated against specific criteria set by the managing agency. The evaluation process may include technical proficiency, past performance, price competitiveness, and other factors.
One of the primary distinctions between GSA Schedule 70 and GWACs is the entity responsible for contract management. GSA Schedule 70 is administered by the GSA, an independent agency of the federal government responsible for managing government procurement and property management. On the other hand, GWACs are managed by specific government agencies, such as NASA's Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) GWAC or DoD's Alliant GWAC. This means that GSA Schedule 70 operates under the GSA's purview, while GWACs fall under the jurisdiction of their respective agencies.
GSA Schedule 70 primarily focuses on IT products and services, with offerings such as hardware, software, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions. While the schedule is comprehensive, it may not cover all IT areas available under GWACs. GWACs, on the other hand, are designed to meet the specific needs of a particular group of agencies or a government sector. As a result, GWACs may offer a broader and more specialized range of IT solutions that cater to specific agency requirements.
The process of becoming a GSA Schedule 70 holder involves vendors submitting proposals to the GSA, which then evaluates the proposals and awards contracts to qualified vendors. The GSA has pre-established prices and terms that vendors must adhere to under the schedule. In contrast, GWACs typically involve a competitive bidding process specific to each GWAC. The managing agency establishes criteria for evaluating vendors' capabilities, past performance, and price competitiveness. Successful vendors are then awarded contracts as part of the GWAC program.
GSA Schedule 70 contracts typically last five years, with the option for three five-year extensions, totaling a maximum of 20 years. GWAC contracts may have different durations depending on the managing agency's guidelines. While some GWACs may also have multiple extension options, the length and extension terms can vary between different GWAC programs.
Streamlined Procurement: GSA Schedule 70 offers a simplified procurement process, allowing government agencies to quickly access IT products and services from pre-qualified vendors.
Pre-Negotiated Pricing: The GSA negotiates pricing and terms with vendors, ensuring agencies have access to fair and reasonable prices without the need for extensive negotiations.
Vendor Accountability: GSA Schedule 70 ensures that vendors meet specific qualifications and adhere to contract terms, promoting transparency and accountability in government procurement.
Tailored Solutions: GWACs are designed to meet the specific needs of a particular group of agencies or a government sector. This focus allows for the provision of highly tailored and specialized IT solutions.
Specialized Expertise: Some GWACs may focus on emerging technologies or specialized services, providing access to vendors with unique expertise in those areas.
Agency Control: GWACs are managed by specific government agencies, giving those agencies more direct control over the contract terms, evaluation criteria, and the vendors selected.
In conclusion, GSA Schedule 70 and Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) are distinct contracting vehicles for government IT procurement. While GSA Schedule 70 is part of the GSA's Multiple Award Schedule program, offering a wide range of IT products and services, GWACs are separate task order contracts managed by specific government agencies. Each serves a unique purpose and offers advantages that cater to different agency requirements. GSA Schedule 70's streamlined procurement process, pre-negotiated pricing, and comprehensive offerings make it a popular option for agencies seeking diverse IT solutions. On the other hand, GWACs provide tailored solutions and specialized expertise, aligning with specific government sectors' needs. Understanding the distinctions between GSA Schedule 70 and GWACs allows government agencies to make informed decisions about the most appropriate contracting vehicle for their IT procurement requirements.
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.