2020 was a good year for 8(a) firms that also took part in the GSA Schedule Program. Overall, the number of 8(a) firms with a GSA contract remained virtually unchanged, 1,630 in 2020 compared with 1,633 in 2019. However, federal agencies drove more spending through the GSA schedule system.

Data Highlights:

• 60.1% sales increase for Facilities Support Services was the largest of all industries.

• $1.1MM dollar value increase for Security and Protection Services was the largest in terms of raw dollars.

Over a decade ago, my colleagues and I realized the importance of combining an 8(a) Certification with a GSA Schedule early in the 8(a) firm’s nine-year federal life cycle. Therefore, our firm promotes and performs both of these services simultaneously as often as possible. For details for 8(a) firms’ sales that come directly off the GSA Schedule System see the table below.

Note: these numbers do not include any other contracts for the 8(a) firms.

*Some GSA Schedule Holders sell multiple products, therefore the total of this column is less than the combined industry column.

If you are wondering how each of these business certifications could be an advantage standalone or together to help expand your business through federal contracting, I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as ez8a, Advance 8a and/or Advance GSA. All have the expertise to evaluate your firm's potential, and none of them charge for an initial consultation.