At a Glance

• Main Takeaway: General Services Administration (GSA) eTools are an excellent means of entering the federal domain and reaching potential clients in the forthcoming era of digital procurement.
• Business Impact: Making the most out of GSA eTools means that your business has a better chance to connect with US federal government agencies.
• Next Steps: For more than 20 years, Aprio’s GSA practice has guided federal agencies and contractors through the intricacies of GSA eTools and the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract process. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with an Aprio advisor today.

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The Full Story:

The General Services Administration (GSA) offers a set of online tools called GSA eTools, designed to help federal agencies and contractors, especially small businesses, simplify the procurement process. Their primary functions are to assist in conducting market research, identify upcoming federal opportunities, respond more quickly to requests for quotes, and manage contracts with the GSA, such as the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). 

Key GSA eTools and Their Functions:

GSA eLibrary

GSA and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer many procurement options to federal, state, and local governments. The GSA eLibrary helps procurement personnel research and pinpoint the contractors that serve the government’s many procurement needs.

Contractors can also take advantage of the eLibrary for market research. Current contract or BPA award information can be found in the GSA eLibrary for these procurement solutions:

• GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
• VA Federal Supply Schedules (FSS)
• Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC)
• GSA Multi-Agency Contracts (MAC)
• Federal Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) Solutions
• Strategically Sourced Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA)

Having a contract listed in the GSA eLibrary increases visibility to federal buyers, provides a competitive advantage in securing new contracts, and opens up opportunities for subcontracting with prime contractors.

GSA Advantage

GSA Advantage is a system for online ordering that is used by government entities at the federal, state, and local levels to acquire products and services from MAS contractors. It offers a streamlined way to find, compare, and purchase a wide range of goods and services in a fashion that ensures compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

GSA eBuy

GSA eBuy is a web-based acquisition platform where federal agencies can request proposals from GSA Schedule contractors for products and services. It is a tool that enables fast and efficient online procurement that complies with the FAR. The platform provides a space for federal buyers and GSA Schedule contractors to interact, ensuring that procurement is competitive and transparent.

GSA Vendor Support Center

GSA provides a useful tool for its vendors in the form of the GSA Vendor Support Center (VSC), which offers key resources in a one-stop shop format. This makes the center a good solution for helping vendors navigate GSA’s many processes and procedures. The VSC also has staff ready to assist in the important tasks of preparing and submitting electronic catalog files to GSA Advantage, and in the submission and reporting of sales data.

GSA Interact

GSA Interact is an online platform that links federal customers and private industry partners. It allows for collaboration and provides a means to better inform and build relations in the arena of government acquisition.

In the span of acquisition, there are various procurement topics on which private industry has experience that can aid in fulfilling the needs of federal acquisition professionals. Interact includes communities focused on topics like MAS, OASIS+, large categories on MAS, events and training, and more.

GSA Interact is a space where best practices can be shared, up-to-date procurement news can be disseminated, and areas of similar interest can be found. Interact is primarily for acquisition professionals at both the federal and industry level.

The Bottom Line

Getting familiar with the various GSA eTools available to your organization is a great way to break into the government market and connect with a wide range of potential customers. GSA eTools offer transparent, competitive, and easy-to-use platforms that reflect the future of government buying — more digital, efficient, and user-friendly.

For both agencies and vendors, using GSA eTools can streamline the procurement process and open the door to new opportunities. Aprio’s GSA Consulting team is here to help you understand the usage and importance of different GSA eTools. Schedule a consultation today.

Related Resources:

• GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Pricing: What You Need to Know
• GSA MAS Technical Requirements: A Guide for Prospective Contractors
• Breaking Down the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)