The General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule 70 is an essential government contract vehicle that facilitates access to cutting-edge Information Technology (IT) products, services, and solutions for federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies. GSA Schedule 70, also known as the IT Schedule or IT70, plays a pivotal role in streamlining the procurement process, enabling the government to leverage the latest advancements in technology to improve efficiency, security, and innovation.
The inception of GSA Schedule 70 dates back to the early 1980s when the GSA recognized the need for a centralised acquisition system for IT products and services. Before Schedule 70, government agencies faced complex and time-consuming procurement processes for their technology needs. The establishment of GSA Schedule 70 aimed to simplify the acquisition of IT goods and services, while also promoting competitive pricing and fostering small business participation.
As the nation's premier acquisition agency, the GSA negotiates and manages contracts with commercial suppliers to offer a wide array of IT products and services through Schedule 70. The GSA contracts with reputable vendors, ranging from large industry players to small, innovative businesses, ensuring that government agencies have access to a diverse pool of suppliers.
GSA Schedule 70 streamlines the acquisition process, reducing procurement lead times, and minimising administrative burden. Government agencies can quickly procure IT solutions without compromising on quality or security.
GSA negotiates pricing with vendors, ensuring that government agencies receive competitive rates for their technology needs. This results in significant cost savings for taxpayers and enhances overall budget efficiency.
Vendors listed on GSA Schedule 70 undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure their compliance with various regulations, including the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and cyber security standards. This mitigates potential risks associated with non-compliant or insecure technology solutions.
GSA Schedule 70 encourages small businesses to participate in government contracting by setting aside a portion of contracts specifically for them. This fosters innovation and provides the government access to specialized technologies and services from emerging companies.
GSA Schedule 70 encompasses a vast range of IT solutions, addressing the ever-evolving technological landscape. Some of the key areas covered include:
Government agencies can procure a diverse array of software applications, including productivity tools, cybersecurity software, database management systems, and cloud-based services.
The schedule covers various IT hardware such as servers, computers, networking equipment, and peripherals like printers and scanners.
Government agencies can access expert IT consulting services, system integration, software development, and training to support their specific requirements.
In today's digital age, cyber security is of paramount importance. Schedule 70 offers a wide range of cyber security products and services to safeguard government systems from potential threats.
The schedule includes cloud computing services, data storage, and data analytics solutions, empowering agencies to harness the power of big data for informed decision-making.
Government agencies looking to procure IT products and services through GSA Schedule 70 follow a simple yet comprehensive process:
Agencies identify their specific IT requirements and outline their objectives and budget constraints.
Agencies search the GSA eLibrary or GSA Advantage! online platform to find vendors offering the desired IT solutions.
Agencies issue RFQs to the selected vendors, detailing their requirements and seeking competitive bids.
Agencies evaluate the received quotes based on various factors, including technical capabilities, pricing, and past performance. The selected vendor's GSA Schedule contract number is used to complete the procurement process.
The agency awards the contract to the chosen vendor, and work commences according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
GSA Schedule 70 has revolutionized the way government agencies acquire and utilize IT solutions. By providing a streamlined procurement process, competitive pricing, and access to cutting-edge technologies, Schedule 70 has played a pivotal role in advancing the government's capabilities and driving efficiency, security, and innovation across various sectors. As technology continues to evolve, GSA Schedule 70 remains a critical enabler of the government's technological advancements, ensuring that agencies can meet their IT needs efficiently and effectively in the digital era GSA Schedule 70, also known as the General Services Administration Schedule 70, is a pre-approved government contract vehicle that offers a streamlined and efficient way for federal, state, and local government agencies to acquire technology products, solutions, and services. As technology continues to play a vital role in government operations, Schedule 70 provides a comprehensive catalog of information technology (IT) offerings from authorized vendors. This article will delve into the details of GSA Schedule 70, its benefits, and how it simplifies the procurement process for government agencies.
GSA Schedule 70 is part of the GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, which serves as a centralized procurement platform for government agencies. Established in 1970, Schedule 70 is specifically dedicated to IT products and services. It encompasses a wide range of technology categories, including software, hardware, cloud computing, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and IT consulting services.
Under Schedule 70, vendors enter into long-term contracts (typically five years, with three additional option periods) with the GSA. These contracts have pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and conditions, enabling government agencies to save time and effort in the procurement process. The GSA thoroughly vets vendors before awarding them a Schedule 70 contract, ensuring that they meet stringent requirements and comply with relevant regulations.
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.