Transitioning to GSA’s FAS Catalog Platform (FCP): What MAS Contractors Need to Know

Summary: The General Services Administration (GSA) has launched the FAS Catalog Platform (FCP) to help modernize catalog management for Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors. According to the GSA, the FCP “replaces the outdated Schedule Input Program (SIP)” and offers a web-based system that streamlines compliance, reduces errors, and integrates with other GSA platforms. Understanding the FCP is essential for MAS contractors to maintain accurate catalogs, meet reporting requirements, and avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding the Basics of the FAS Catalog Platform (FCP)

The FCP is designed to simplify how contractors update and maintain their MAS catalogs. It replaces the SIP, a desktop application that requires manual uploads and separate steps to publish to GSA Advantage. The FCP streamlines the process to create, update, and submit catalog information to GSA Advantage.

So, how exactly does the FCP differ from SIP?

The FCP differs from the SIP in several important ways, incorporating user-friendly improvements that reduce administrative burdens, perform pricing and compliance validation, and lessen catalog errors.

The table below highlights the key differences between the two systems:

Features	Schedule Input Program (SIP)	FAS Catalog Platform (FCP)
Interface	Desktop application	Web-based platform
Validation	Manual checks by the GSA after modification award	Automated compliance checks before modification submission
Templates	Multiple and fragmented templates	FCP Product File and Services Plus files replace the SIP files and the Price Proposal Template (PPT)
Publishing	Separate uploads required for GSA Advantage and eLibrary that must be approved by contracting personnel	Approved updates flow directly to GSA Advantage and eLibrary within 24 hours of modification award
Collaboration	Limited and separate platforms for contractors and the GSA	Shared platform for contractors and GSA reviewers

The FCP Baseline Process

When GSA transitions a contract from SIP to the FCP, the initial step is to baseline the contract.

This process ensures that the correct pricing and terms for all awarded products and services are memorialized in the FCP and listed on GSA Advantage. A MAS contract only goes through the FCP baseline process once.

Steps to Baseline on the FCP

1. Verify Seller Profile: Validate company details (e.g., authorized negotiators, minimum order limit) are accurate. This action is completed solely in the FCP.
2. Prepare Catalog Files: Download and complete the current FCP Product (for products) and/or the Services Plus files (for services) using the most recently incorporated PPTs.
3. Submit Baseline Modification(s): Start a Catalog Baselinemodification in eMod, then upload the pricing file to the FCP. Separate modifications are required for products and services.
4. Validation and Approval: The FCP will validate the Products and/or Services Plus files and notify the contractor of any errors. Once all errors are resolved, the FCP will instruct the contractor to return to eMod and submit the modification.
5. Terms & Conditions File: After the Contracting Officer (CO) awards the baseline modification(s), the contractor must upload a Terms and Conditions file to the FCP. Previously, most contractors included a pricing table in their Terms and Conditions file. That practice is no longer permitted under the FCP.

Can Changes Be Made During the Baseline Process?

There are restrictions on what can be done during the baseline process, such as:

• No additions or price changes are allowed, only deletions. Any awarded product or service not included in the baseline file is automatically removed from the contract. Note any deletions in your cover letter.
• Contractors must initiate the baseline modification within 60 days of receiving FCP access.
• There are character limits and word minimums for certain fields in the Services Plus and Products files. Contractors may need to revise titles and/or descriptions of currently awarded items to avoid generating system errors.

Best Practices for FCP Baselining

GSA notifies all authorized negotiators of a contract’s FCP transition date 60 days in advance. As you prepare to transition, here are some actionable steps that can be taken to help ensure a smooth transition:

• Review Administrative Data: Review the authorized negotiators on the contract to ensure the list is up to date. Make any necessary updates as soon as possible.
• Understand How Baselining Impacts Other Modifications: Once the FCP transition starts, contractors cannot submit certain modification types until the baseline is complete.If contract actions are planned or underway, promptly contact the CO to discuss timing. Modifications may need to be held until the baseline process is completed.
• Validate Your Catalog Data: Take time to ensure all information is accurate and current. Remove outdated products and verify that currently awarded pricing is reflected in the submission.
• Adhere to GSA Naming and Formatting Requirements: Use GSA-approved descriptions, character requirements, and minimum word limits.
• Separate Products and Services into Distinct Files: Avoid mixing products and services.
• Check and Correct Errors Prior to Final Submission: Use the FCP’s built-in checks to catch errors early on. Review any error file and make the necessary corrections before resubmitting.

The FCP’s Impact on TDR Sales Reporting

Even if your contract is not currently covered by Transactional Data Reporting (TDR), you need to consider TDR requirements when baselining because all SINs will be TDR-covered in FY 2026. Of note for service providers is the new field in the FCP Services Plus file called the Unique Catalog Item ID (UCID). The UCID is important considering recent GSA changes to TDR sales reporting standards. Contractors must now report either the GSA labor category (not the order labor category) or the UCID for services sales. Contractors should consider accounting system naming conventions when assigning UCIDs to make sales reporting easier.

Why does all of this matter?

After TDR sales reports are submitted, certain data is cross-checked against the awarded contract file. If the values do not exactly match, the contractor will be notified of non-compliant data. GSA may then require the contractor to complete a sales adjustment or draft a Corrective Action Plan.

How the FCP Integrates with Other GSA Systems

The FCP is designed to work seamlessly with other GSA systems, creating a unified environment for contract management and compliance. This allows contractors to initiate and manage catalog modifications, publish updates, and ensure accurate transactional data reporting in a connected workflow.

Rather than functioning as a standalone tool, the FCP connects with several key GSA systems:

• eMod: All contract modifications begin in eMod. Once initiated in eMod, catalog updates are submitted in the FCP. After the FCP accepts the Services Plus or Products file, the FCP will notify the contractor to submit the modification in eMod.
• GSA Advantage & eLibrary: Approved catalog updates are automatically published to these platforms. Changes are reflected in GSA systems for ordering agencies more rapidly.
• Sales Reporting Portal (SRP): FCP catalog data is used to validate TDR sales reports.
• Internal Pricing Database: For product actions, the FCP evaluates proposed pricing against GSA’s pricing database. The FCP generates a Compliance and Pricing Report comparing the proposed pricing to others in the market. Contractors can ignore C&P pricing flags in the baseline but will need to address those flags in future modifications before the system allows submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FCP and why is it replacing SIP?

The FCP is an online system that automates GSA MAS catalog management, replacing SIP’s manual processes and increasing efficiency and compliance.

Do I still need to upload pricelists to GSA Advantage separately?

No. The FCP automatically publishes updated pricelists to GSA Advantage and eLibrary upon modification award.

What happens if I miss the baseline deadline?

Failure to baseline within 60 days may result in compliance issues and delayed modifications. Remember: The requirement is to initiate the baseline action within 60 days. It does not need to be awarded in that timeframe.

How does the FCP affect TDR reporting?

TDR validates some sales reporting data against FCP catalog files. Accurate FCP catalog data ensures smoother TDR sale reporting submissions and fewer compliance errors.

Can I make price changes during baseline?

No. Only deletions are allowed during baseline. Price changes require a separate modification after baseline approval.

Final Thoughts

The FCP represents a major step forward in GSA’s modernization efforts. By understanding its features, integration points, and best practices, contractors can help ensure compliance, streamline catalog updates, and prepare for future reporting requirements. Plan ahead now to save time and avoid problems later.

Aprio’s Aerospace, Defense & Government team has extensive experience guiding contractors through the transition to the FCP, facilitating smooth migration from legacy systems like SIP. Reach out to Aprio today to get tailored support in developing strategies that maximize the value and effectiveness of your MAS contract in the new FCP landscape.