Startup Springboard: Can Your New Company Get a GSA Schedule?

You Don't Need Years of Experience to Get a GSA Schedule Anymore

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One of the most common questions I hear from startup founders and newer companies is: "Can we even get a GSA Schedule? We've only been in business for a year." The answer used to be complicated. Now, thanks to GSA's Startup Springboard program, it's much simpler: yes, you can.

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Startup Springboard was created to lower the barrier to entry for innovative companies that don't have the traditional two years of corporate experience or extensive past performance that GSA normally requires. But the program has gone through some important changes recently, and you need to understand the current rules before you apply.

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What Is Startup Springboard?

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Startup Springboard is a GSA initiative that allows companies with less than two years of corporate experience to submit an offer for a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract. Under the traditional process, companies need to demonstrate at least two years of experience performing the types of work they're proposing. Springboard waives that requirement for qualifying companies.

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The program recognizes that many innovative companies — especially in technology, cybersecurity, and professional services — have the capabilities to serve the government but haven't been around long enough to meet the standard experience threshold.

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Recent Changes Under Refresh #31

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This is where it gets important. MAS Refresh #31 made changes to the Startup Springboard program that you need to be aware of:

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• Reduced Scope — GSA has narrowed the Springboard program, limiting which SINs are available to Springboard offerors. Not all product and service categories are open to companies using the Springboard pathway.
• Expanded TDR Interaction — Springboard companies on TDR SINs will need to comply with Transactional Data Reporting from day one. Make sure you have the systems in place to report transaction data accurately.
• Evaluation Adjustments — GSA has refined how it evaluates Springboard offers, placing more emphasis on the qualifications of key personnel and the strength of your technical approach when corporate experience is limited.

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Who Should Use Startup Springboard?

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Springboard is ideal for:

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• Technology Startups — If you've built innovative software, cybersecurity tools, or cloud solutions and want to sell to the government, Springboard gives you a fast path to market.
• Veteran-Owned Startups — Veterans transitioning from government service often have deep domain expertise but new companies. Springboard lets you leverage your knowledge without waiting years to qualify.
• Spin-Off Companies — If your company was recently formed as a spin-off from a larger organization, you may have the capabilities but not the corporate history. Springboard bridges that gap.
• Companies with Strong Key Personnel — If your team has extensive individual experience even though the company is new, Springboard allows you to showcase that expertise in lieu of corporate past performance.

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Tips for a Winning Springboard Offer

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• Lead with Your People — Since you can't rely on corporate past performance, your key personnel resumes become your strongest asset. Highlight relevant experience, certifications, and accomplishments.
• Write a Strong Technical Approach — Your technical proposal needs to demonstrate that you understand the government's needs and have a clear plan to deliver. Be specific, not generic.
• Price Competitively from Day One — As a new entrant, your pricing needs to be compelling. Research market rates and position yourself competitively without undercutting your ability to deliver quality work.
• Get Your Compliance House in Order — SAM.gov registration, financial statements, and all required certifications need to be in place before you submit. Missing documents will delay or kill your offer.
• Work with an Experienced Consultant — The Springboard process has nuances that aren't obvious from reading the solicitation. A consultant who's been through the process can help you avoid common pitfalls and submit a stronger offer.

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The Bottom Line

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Startup Springboard is a fantastic opportunity for newer companies to access the federal market through the GSA Schedule. But it's not a shortcut — it's an alternative pathway that still requires a strong offer. The companies that succeed are the ones that take the process seriously and submit professional, well-documented proposals.

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Blackfyre specializes in helping startups and newer companies win GSA Schedules. We've guided companies through both the traditional and Springboard pathways, and we know what GSA evaluators are looking for. If you're a startup ready to sell to the government, let's make it happen.