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A Federal Buyer Just Asked Me for My GSA Contract Number – Any Way I Can Save the Sale?

I talk to aspiring federal vendors all the time that are presented with this scenario. They walk into a federal buyer’s office and at the end of the conversation the federal buyers ask, “Do you have a GSA Contract Number?”  

 

This question could have taken many other forms, such as: 

 

“Do you have a GSA Schedule Contract?”  

“Are you on GSA?”  

“Are you a GSA Schedule Holder?”  

 

But the reason the Federal Buyer asks for the number is because it lets the aspiring federal vendor know the next question is going to be, “What exactly is that GSA number?”  

 

After years of asking these other questions and having people answer “Yes, I have a GSA Schedule Contract!” Then when they try to place an order, they find out the aspiring federal vendor has been running around for the past week trying to get on GSA Schedule. Asking for the number right away cuts to the chase.   

 

How long does it take to get a GSA Contract Number?

The answer is that it depends, it varies from three to six months. Obviously you can surmise then that it is not something you are going to be able to run out and get so you can use it on a pending order.  

 

Why is the GSA Contract Number so Important?

Federal buyers must follow something called FAR which stands for Federal Acquisitions Regulations. This means that a federal buyer cannot simply have a need and purchase a solution to that need. In order to make a purchase they must make sure the purchase that is made is FAR compliant. This requires something called a contracting vehicle. A GSA Schedule is a Contracting Vehicle that has two distinctions.  

 

Blanket Purchase Agreement – This means that a GSA Schedule is basically an open purchase order. Very similar to offering your products or services online. Prices are set and there is no obligation from federal agencies to make any purchases.

 

Governmentwide Contract – A GSA Schedule by FAR regulation is permitted to be used by any Federal Agency, including some state and local agencies as well. 

 

Because GSA Schedules have these two characteristics for a great deal of small business purchases, they are a great way for federal buyers to make purchases from small business. So, when the federal buyer asks, “What is your GSA Contract Number?” They are not asking this to be rude, they are simply cutting to the chase to see if they can legally purchase your product or service.

 

If you have interest in exploring how a GSA Schedule could exacerbate your future business development potential, I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as Advance GSA. They do not charge for an initial consultation.

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