How The GSA Schedule Works in Practice
So what is a GSA Schedule Contract? GSA Schedule Contracts are long-term contracts with the General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program, which allow all federal agencies to purchase from you in a streamlined manner. GSA Schedule Contracts assist federal buyers and Contracting Officers buy products and services. With pre-negotiated prices, delivery terms, warranties, etc. A GSA Schedule Contract is what makes the complicated federal acquisition process simpler and less dangerous for government buyers. A company with a GSA Contract is viewed as pre-screened and validated, which makes them more trustworthy to buy from. I GSA Schedule Contract is not tied to any actual purchases, it is simply an established contract vehicle, or a “”License to Hunt.””
Hopefully, you now have a clear answer to your question “”What is a GSA Schedule Contract?,”” if you have any further questions do not hesitate to call us at (866) 916-6484.
List of GSA Schedules
There is a GSA List of about 350 different SIN Categories , or main product / service categories, and there are another 12 Large Categories under the VA/FSS program. Each VA or GSA Schedule has numerous subcategories called Special Item Numbers (SINs). Sometimes this is difficult to identify the appropriate GSA Schedule and SIN, so please call us at (866) 916-6484 if you have questions. We have prepared a full list of GSA Schedules, with many helpful details for each.
Benefits of getting a GSA Schedule
Now that you have an answer to the question “”What is a GSA Schedule Contract?,”” you are likely asking how this will benefit your company. In the eyes of a government buyer, a GSA Contract legitimizes a Contractor as a trusted source. You are not required to get a GSA Contract to do business with the government, however it is the preferred contracting source for many buyers. Every GSA Contract holder has access to online GSA systems, such as GSA Advantage!, GSA E-Buy, GSA Reverse Auctions, and are easily found by buyers seeking out a particular product or service. So, access to these systems is a very large advantage.
Additionally, GSA Contract Holders have completed many parts of a Purchase Order already, which cuts-down the paperwork effort required for a buyer. Many businesses experience rapid growth through a GSA Contract, but it is not easy. You must still work very hard to connect with buyers, and keep competitive.” around 350
GSA Schedule = Better Opportunities
The GSA program (AKA – Multiple Award Schedule) provides a gateway into the federal marketplace.
A GSA Schedule is a long-term government-wide contract that lets federal agencies buy from commercial businesses at pre-negotiated prices, terms, and conditions.
In plain english…a GSA Schedule:
 (1) removes complexity
 (2) saves procurement officers time, and
 (3) makes you a trusted source.
If your company is looking to expand into federal contracts, securing a GSA Schedule is often the first real step forward.
Think of it as your express lane into the federal buyer’s decision process.
GSA Schedule vs. Open Market Sales
Doing business with the government without a GSA Schedule is possible—but slower, harder, and less scalable.
With the GSA Schedule program, competition is very low under $25,000. For larger bids, GSA competition is in the tens, while Open market is often in the hundreds.
Also, federal buyers must justify every procurement step. With a GSA Schedule, the agency can issue a task order or purchase directly.
Think of it this way: open market is like auditioning for every sale. A GSA Schedule means you’re already cast—you just need to show up and perform.
This makes you the go-to choice when timelines or urgency matter.
| Feature | GSA Schedule | Open Market Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement Speed | Fast – agencies can issue task orders or direct purchases without full solicitation. | Slow – requires full solicitation, evaluation, and justification processes for contracts over $25,000. |
| Competition | Limited – only GSA-approved vendors are considered. | High – dozens to hundreds of vendors may compete on each opportunity. |
| Approval Status | Pre-vetted by GSA for pricing, past performance, and financials. | No pre-approval; each proposal is evaluated from scratch. |
| Compliance Requirements | Ongoing compliance after award (e.g., quarterly reporting, price list maintenance). | One-time compliance for each proposal; varies by solicitation. |
| Sales Scalability | High – reusable contract with long-term selling potential. | Low – each sale requires new effort and paperwork. |
| Ease for Contracting Officers | Preferred – simplifies agency acquisition workload and reduces risk. | Difficult – more internal steps, risk assessment, and paperwork required. |
| Example Scenario | Agency buys IT services via GSA task order in 1–2 weeks. | Agency issues RFP, reviews bids, and awards after 2–6 months. |