GSA Schedule 70, also known as IT Schedule 70, is one of the most prominent and widely used schedules under the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. It is a pre-approved contract vehicle that offers a vast array of information technology (IT) products, services, and solutions to federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies. In this article, we will explore GSA Schedule 70 in detail, including its history, features, benefits, and how it facilitates government procurement in the IT industry.
GSA Schedule 70 was established in 1968 as part of the GSA's efforts to streamline and simplify the procurement process for IT products and services for government agencies. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive contracting vehicle for IT solutions, covering everything from hardware and software to professional services and cloud computing.
The primary objective of GSA Schedule 70 is to provide government agencies with a convenient and efficient means to acquire cutting-edge IT products and services from pre-vetted vendors. It serves as a centralised marketplace for federal, state, and local government entities to access the latest technology and expertise in the IT industry.
GSA Schedule 70 encompasses a broad range of IT-related products, services, and solutions. Some of the key categories of offerings available under Schedule 70 include:
This category includes a wide variety of IT hardware and software products, such as computers, laptops, servers, storage devices, networking equipment, operating systems, productivity software, security software, and more.
Under this category, vendors offer specialised IT consulting and professional services, including system design, system integration, data migration, cybersecurity services, cloud migration, software development, and project management.
GSA Schedule 70 includes cloud computing services, allowing government agencies to access cloud-based platforms, infrastructure, and software solutions from trusted vendors.
Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity, this category provides a range of cybersecurity products and services, including risk assessment, incident response, security operations center (SOC) services, and vulnerability scanning.
This category covers telecommunications services, such as voice and data communication, virtual private network (VPN) solutions, managed network services, and other network-related offerings.
As new technologies emerge, GSA Schedule 70 adapts to include cutting-edge solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and other innovative IT products and services.
GSA Schedule 70 offers numerous benefits for government agencies and vendors alike. Some of the key advantages of using GSA Schedule 70 include:
GSA Schedule 70 streamlines the procurement process by providing pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and pricing. Government agencies can easily access a wide range of IT products and services without going through lengthy and complex bidding procedures.
The GSA negotiates competitive pricing with vendors, leveraging the collective buying power of the federal government. This allows government agencies to achieve cost savings on IT purchases compared to open-market procurement.
Vendors awarded GSA Schedule 70 contracts undergo a rigorous vetting process, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and performance standards. This provides government agencies with the assurance that they are dealing with reputable and reliable suppliers.
GSA Schedule 70 includes a diverse pool of vendors, ranging from large corporations to small and minority-owned businesses. This allows government agencies to choose from a wide variety of products, services, and solutions that meet their specific needs.
By utilising GSA Schedule 70, government agencies can expedite the procurement cycle, leading to faster delivery of IT products and services. This is especially important for time-sensitive projects and urgent technology requirements.
While GSA Schedule 70 offers pre-negotiated terms and conditions, it also allows for some degree of customization to meet specific customer requirements. Contracting officers can tailor terms and conditions within certain parameters, enabling customers to align the contract terms with their unique needs.
GSA Schedule 70 vendors are committed to providing ongoing support and customer service to government agencies. This includes assistance with implementation, training, maintenance, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the contract period.
GSA Schedule 70 simplifies the government procurement process for IT products and services through the following mechanisms:
GSA Schedule 70 provides a user-friendly platform for government agencies to access a list of pre-approved vendors and their offerings. This centralised marketplace, known as GSA eLibrary, allows agencies to search for specific products or services, review contract details, and identify potential vendors.
GSA Schedule 70 operates on a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) basis, meaning that multiple vendors are awarded contracts for the same categories of products and services. This creates a competitive environment where government agencies can solicit quotes from multiple vendors to secure the best value for their IT requirements.
The Cooperative Purchasing Program enables state and local government entities to access GSA Schedule 70 contracts for specific IT products and services. This allows state and local governments to benefit from the pre-negotiated terms and pricing that federal agencies have already secured.
Government agencies can establish Blanket Purchase Agreements with GSA Schedule 70 vendors. BPAs are pre-negotiated contracts that simplify the process of ordering recurring or repetitive IT products and services. They allow agencies to establish long-term relationships with vendors for ongoing procurement needs.
GSA Advantage! is an online shopping and ordering system that facilitates government procurement from GSA Schedule vendors. Government agencies can use GSA Advantage! to search for specific IT products and services, compare prices, and place orders directly with GSA Schedule 70 contractors.
GSA Schedule 70 includes set-aside provisions for small businesses, promoting opportunities for small, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to participate in government contracting. This supports the government's commitment to promoting small business growth and fostering diversity in federal procurement.
GSA Schedule 70 plays a pivotal role in meeting the IT needs of government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. By offering a broad spectrum of IT products, services, and solutions from pre-vetted vendors, GSA Schedule 70 streamlines the procurement process, promotes cost savings, and ensures compliance with relevant regulations. As technology continues to evolve, GSA Schedule 70 will continue to adapt and expand its offerings, making it a vital resource for government agencies seeking to acquire innovative IT solutions to serve the needs of the public and support their missions.
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.