Many advantages make Federal Buyers seek out firms with GSA Schedule Contracts. The reason for this is that in many purchasing situations, GSA Schedule provides, bar none, the best customer service to federal buyers. The advantages these federal buyers realize are the following:

1.Savings – both in the ordering process, as well as price comparison.

2.Flexibility and Choice – There are over 12 million products and services listed on the GSA Schedule System. 

3.Shorter Lead Time – Federal buyers can purchase, in some cases, in a matter of minutes with a point-and-click process, compared to months for other federal buying methods.

4.Transparency – Quantities and prices are clearly stated on the federal vendor’s schedule.

5.Control of the Procurement – The federal buyer can view online various purchasing options as well as utilize the GSA eBuy feature to solicit quotes from vendors they think have the capabilities to satisfy their given procurement. 

6.Lower Administrative Costs – The GSA handles the administrative burden during the schedule application process. This allows federal buyers to focus on their agencies' mission, not paperwork.

7.Reduced Inventories – Because federal buyers can point, click, and often repetitively buy from the same suppliers on GSA Advantage, receiving goods in a few days, there is no longer a need to make bulk orders of routine items. This saves the government from having to take routine inventories, as well as having expired or obsolete items.

8.Small Business Targets – Agencies are required to spend 23% of federal procurement dollars with small businesses. Because of the advantages a GSA Schedule provides, locating capable small businesses, small businesses account for 36% of GSA Sales. This leads to Small Businesses with a GSA Schedule averaging approximately $1MM in federal sales.

Throw in the following sales numbers demonstrating the growth of small, socioeconomic businesses on the GSA Schedule, and you can see why getting on GSA Schedule is a no brainer if you want to do work in the federal marketplace.

Therefore, if you are interested in getting into federal contracting in 2024, a GSA Schedule is a great way to make working with the federal government a major part of the plan. If you need guidance navigating the process of getting a standalone GSA Schedule, or coupling that with a SBA Federal Certification, I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as Advance GSA or ez8a. Neither charge for an initial consultation.