Federal procurement just got easier. The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program is a key tool for government buyers. It simplifies purchasing with pre-negotiated terms, competitive pricing, and compliance with federal regulations. Here’s what you need to know:

• $52 billion spent annually through GSA MAS contracts.
• Access to 17,000+ contractors offering a wide range of products and services.
• Supports 430+ federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
• Purchases can be completed in as little as 24 hours.
• Promotes small businesses: 80% of contractors are small businesses, with billions allocated to them annually.

Whether you’re managing large-scale projects or recurring needs, GSA MAS is designed to save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. Read on for a deeper dive into the program’s benefits, tools, and buying process.

GSA MAS Program Overview and Benefits

What is the GSA MAS Program?

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), also referred to as the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), is a long-term contract system designed to simplify how commercial companies sell products and services to federal, state, and local government agencies. It operates as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, meaning there’s no upper spending limit, giving government buyers the flexibility to purchase what they need without restrictions. Another advantage? The program is continuously open to new proposals, ensuring a steady influx of qualified vendors.

MAS contracts can last up to 20 years, starting with a five-year base period and offering three additional five-year renewal options. This structure allows for long-term partnerships while maintaining competition, as GSA awards contracts to all qualified companies. The result is a dynamic marketplace where government buyers can access a wide range of solutions at competitive prices. This setup paves the way for the streamlined processes and benefits highlighted below.

Main Benefits of Using MAS

The MAS program is all about making government procurement faster and more efficient. With pre-negotiated terms, pricing, and conditions, purchases can sometimes be completed in as little as 24 hours. For professional services alone, MAS offers access to nearly 4,000 pre-vetted contractors, cutting down the time and effort needed for qualification processes. Its acquisition procedures, aligned with FAR 8.405, help reduce both administrative costs and procurement lead times.

The program also simplifies contracting by using standardized clauses and conducting pre-award reviews, which ensure that buyers are matched with the most suitable contractors. Whether the need is for firm-fixed-price, time-and-material, or labor-hour contracts, MAS provides flexible options to meet diverse procurement requirements. Additionally, buyers can establish blanket purchase agreements for recurring needs, creating an agile purchasing environment that mirrors modern trends in federal procurement. Importantly, MAS supports small businesses and promotes diversity by offering set-aside opportunities for socioeconomic subgroups.

How MAS Supports OMB M-19-13 Requirements

MAS isn’t just about speed and cost savings – it plays a crucial role in helping federal agencies meet compliance goals and manage spending effectively. Every purchase through MAS contributes to an agency’s Spend Under Management (SUM) metrics. Under the category management framework, MAS qualifies as a Tier II contract, aligning with the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) M-19-13 guidance, which emphasizes smarter use of common contract solutions. Some Special Item Numbers (SINs) under MAS even achieve Tier III status, meeting the standards for Best-in-Class solutions.

Federal agencies have made impressive strides in managing spending. In fiscal year 2019, $181 billion in common spend was tracked under management, a jump from $117 billion in fiscal year 2016. Of that, $37.6 billion came from Best-in-Class solutions. The consolidated MAS Contract was specifically designed to align with government-wide Category Management objectives, with its categories and subcategories directly tied to the GWCM structure. This alignment simplifies tracking and reporting for agencies. Additionally, the Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) Goal Action Plan aims to have 75% of common spend managed through Tier 1, 2, and 3 solutions by the end of fiscal year 2025. MAS provides federal agencies with a clear pathway to achieve these goals while ensuring access to competitive pricing and high-quality contractors.

Buying Services Through GSA Schedules – Basics of Buying Part 1

How GSA MAS Works for Federal Buyers

Federal buyers rely on streamlined digital tools and well-established procedures to navigate the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) system effectively. These features ensure that MAS remains a reliable solution for timely, compliant, and cost-efficient procurement.

Contract Terms and Timeline

MAS contracts follow a structured timeline that offers stability for long-term planning. Each contract starts with a five-year base period and includes three optional five-year extensions, allowing the potential for a 20-year contract duration. This extended timeframe enables agencies to establish lasting partnerships with contractors while maintaining competitive pricing.

It’s important to note that task orders must be issued and awarded before the MAS contract expires. However, once awarded, these task orders can extend for up to five years beyond the contract’s expiration. This flexibility ensures that projects are completed without disruption, even if they begin near the end of a contract’s lifecycle.

This structure gives federal agencies the confidence to plan large-scale projects, knowing they have ample time to execute complex initiatives. It also provides contractors with the predictability to invest in specialized resources and maintain skilled personnel. Complementing this timeline, the ordering process further simplifies procurement through efficient SIN-NAICS mapping.

Ordering Process and SIN-NAICS Mapping

The MAS ordering process revolves around Special Item Numbers (SINs), which categorize products and services specifically for GSA. These SINs are linked to NAICS codes (North American Industry Classification System), aligning GSA’s procurement categories with standard industry classifications.

As part of a consolidation effort, GSA has reduced the number of SINs from over 940 to just over 300, making it easier for buyers to locate what they need. However, the relationship between SINs and NAICS codes isn’t always one-to-one. For instance, NAICS Code 339920 (Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing) corresponds to three SINs: 339920, 339920S, and 339920PARK, which cover target systems, sporting goods, and playground equipment, respectively.

Federal buyers can initiate procurement in several ways:

• Browsing GSA Schedule Contract holders and their offerings on the GSA eLibrary.
• Searching for specific products on GSAAdvantage!.
• Issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) through eBuy, GSA’s online procurement system.

When placing orders under Multiple Award contracts, buyers must obtain at least three quotes unless they use eBuy to post a Request for Quote (RFQ). This ensures competitive pricing while offering flexibility in how responses are solicited. Additionally, the MAS program allows for the inclusion of supplementary materials through order-level authority.

Order-Level Materials Authority

The Order-Level Materials (OLM) authority allows federal buyers to add supplies or services that directly support a primary order but were not included in the original MAS contract.

"Order-level materials, or OLMs, are supplies or services acquired in direct support of an individual task or delivery order placed against a MAS contract or BPA, when the supplies or services are unknown at the time of the MAS contract or BPA award."

This authority addresses the challenge of acquiring unexpected materials or services. Instead of initiating separate procurements, buyers can add these items directly to their MAS order, provided they do not exceed 33.33% of the total order cost (excluding travel, freight, and open market items).

The OLM SIN operates differently from other contract mechanisms. It cannot function as a standalone SIN – it must support other SINs within the same order. For items that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, contractors are required to gather at least three quotes to ensure fair pricing. The ordering contracting officer is responsible for confirming that all OLM prices are reasonable.

This authority levels the playing field between MAS and other indefinite delivery contracts, enabling agencies to take full advantage of the MAS program without needing separate open market procurements. It eliminates the need to create duplicate contracts for incidental materials, simplifying the process.

As GSA highlights:

"GSA gives federal, state, and local government buyers access to millions of commercial products and services while saving you time and money."

Digital Tools for GSA Buyers

Federal buyers have access to a range of digital tools that simplify the acquisition process and provide real-time insights. These tools, designed to work hand-in-hand with the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, enhance efficiency by offering market research capabilities, pricing analysis, and step-by-step guidance for complex procurement needs. Together with MAS, these platforms make federal acquisition more manageable and data-driven.

Acquisition Gateway

The Acquisition Gateway is a central online hub for federal acquisition professionals, offering a wealth of resources, tools, and expertise from across government agencies. It provides access to market research tools, pricing data, and best practices to help buyers make informed decisions.

The platform is organized into 17 category hallways, reflecting federal spending priorities. These hallways cover 10 civilian-focused categories that account for 80% of federal spending. A standout feature is the Procurement Co-Pilot, which grants access to pricing data for over a million government-purchased products. This tool equips acquisition professionals with the information they need to identify cost-effective solutions, estimate budgets accurately, and negotiate better deals.

In a November 18, 2024, update, the platform introduced Login.gov integration for enhanced security. It also enables federal buyers to connect with subject matter experts, compare solutions, access templates, and explore success stories, fostering collaboration across agencies.

Contract-Awarded Labor Category Tool

The Contract-Awarded Labor Category (CALC) tool simplifies market research and pricing analysis by consolidating rate data from thousands of GSA contracts. Its database includes pricing details for 48,000 labor categories from more than 5,000 contracts, covering hourly rates across various schedules like MOBIS, Environmental, LOGWORLD, and more.

As of May 30, 2025, the tool’s labor ceiling rate data remains up to date. Users can search for awarded rates and filter results based on criteria like education level, experience, business size, or work location. The tool displays up to 200 rates per search, with the option to download full datasets for further analysis.

The rates shown in CALC include fully burdened hourly rates, factoring in the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF). By providing price ranges and averages, the tool helps contracting officers determine fair pricing quickly, replacing time-consuming paper-based methods with instant database searches. CALC is now integrated with GSA’s buyer experience platform at buy.gsa.gov, alongside the Price Estimating Tool (PET).

Steps to Performance-Based Acquisition Tool

For guidance beyond pricing, the Steps to Performance-Based Acquisition (SPBA) tool offers a structured playbook for implementing performance-based acquisition strategies. It breaks the acquisition process into eight steps: Establish the Team, Identify the Objectives, Market Research, Define Requirements, Develop Acquisition Strategy, Source Selection, Manage Performance, and Complete Closeout. Each step is supported by examples, templates, and resources to ensure effective execution.

The tool addresses key procurement questions: What is needed? When is it needed? Who is responsible for delivery? How is quality verified? By answering these questions, the SPBA tool enhances service contracting outcomes. It also emphasizes best value selection by evaluating both cost and non-cost factors to ensure contracts deliver maximum value to the government.

With its searchable repository and practical resources, the SPBA tool is especially useful for program offices managing complex procurements. It provides everything from market research tools to templates, making the acquisition process more straightforward and effective.

These digital tools collectively streamline the federal acquisition process, guiding buyers from initial research to contract closeout and performance evaluation. Whether it’s finding the best pricing, developing strategies, or managing contracts, these platforms make the process more efficient and collaborative.

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GSA MAS Advantages for Small Businesses

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program opens up significant opportunities for small businesses to secure federal contracts. Impressively, about 80% of GSA contractors are small businesses. In 2024 alone, the federal government allocated over $13.4 billion to contracts involving approximately 12,000 small business vendors under the GSA MAS program. Nearly 34% of all contract spending through GSA programs is directed toward small businesses, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting these enterprises.

Set-Aside Contract Opportunities

One of the standout benefits of the GSA MAS program is the ability for federal agencies to set aside orders and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) specifically for small businesses. Federal law requires that 23% of all federal prime contracting dollars go to small businesses. Within that, specific goals include 5% for Women-Owned Small Businesses, 5% for Small Disadvantaged Businesses, 3% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and 3% for HUBZone businesses.

The impact is clear: Small Disadvantaged Businesses earned over $1 billion in set-asides, equating to nearly 14% of all contract sales. Women-Owned Small Businesses saw $3.66 billion in sales from 3,381 vendors, contributing 9.8% of GSA small business contract sales. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses secured $2.86 billion across 1,712 vendors, while the 8(a) Program added $2.04 billion in sales from 1,383 vendors.

To maintain eligibility, contractors need to keep their socioeconomic certifications up to date on platforms like SAM.gov, eLibrary, and GSA Advantage. The government uses NAICS codes to determine small business eligibility, with specific criteria varying by industry.

Flexible Contract Structures

The GSA MAS program also supports small businesses through flexible contract structures, making it easier to cater to diverse business models and project needs. For example, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) streamline repetitive purchases, offering a convenient way to manage ongoing services. The program allows for several contract types – such as firm-fixed-price, time-and-material, and labor-hour contracts – enabling small businesses to tailor pricing approaches to their operations and risk levels.

Additionally, small businesses can form Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs), pooling resources and expertise to compete for larger contracts. Notably, every federal purchase between $10,000 and $250,000 is automatically set aside for small businesses, provided at least two qualified vendors can deliver the product or service at fair and reasonable prices.

Pre-Award Scope Review Process

To further support small businesses, GSA offers a no-cost pre-award scope review service. This service evaluates Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objectives (SOO), or Performance Work Statements (PWS) to ensure the project aligns with GSA contracts and is matched to the right contract vehicle. For small businesses, this process provides valuable guidance, helping them determine if their capabilities meet the requirements before investing time in proposal preparation.

To request a scope review, businesses need to complete an online form, select the appropriate NAICS code for their project, and submit their SOW along with an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). GSA also offers Market Research as a Service (MRAS), helping businesses understand market conditions and competitive dynamics. Staying responsive to Requests for Information (RFIs) and keeping price lists updated on GSA Advantage! are additional ways small businesses can influence procurement decisions. Building relationships with agency small business offices and Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBUs) can further enhance engagement and lead to contract awards.

Key Points for GSA Buyers

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program has established itself as a cornerstone of government procurement, managing over $50 billion annually in federal spending. Here’s why MAS is such a critical tool for federal buyers:

MAS simplifies and speeds up procurement processes. With pre-negotiated terms in place, purchase cycles can be shortened to as little as 24 hours. This efficiency stems from the program’s ability to eliminate lengthy negotiations.

"The MAS Schedule program facilitates and simplifies the Government procurement process by having pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and pricing."

The program’s financial scale is equally impressive. In fiscal year 2024 alone, GSA Schedule sales are projected to hit $52 billion, underscoring its role as a major player in federal contracting.

Another significant benefit is compliance and risk reduction. MAS contracts require contractors to meet stringent criteria, including financial stability, solid performance records, ethical business practices, and technical proficiency. This pre-vetting process not only reduces the workload for individual agencies but also ensures alignment with federal regulations, such as its classification as a Tier II contract under OMB M-19-13.

Cost savings are another key advantage. Beyond offering competitive pricing, MAS centralizes procurement, cutting down on administrative efforts across agencies. Since prices are already assessed as "fair and reasonable", agencies can allocate their resources to mission-critical tasks instead of spending time on extensive price evaluations.

MAS also stands out for its broad access and variety. It provides agencies with a centralized platform to procure millions of commercial products and services at competitive rates. By consolidating multiple industries under a single solicitation, MAS simplifies vendor management and enhances accessibility.

Finally, the program’s streamlined ordering procedures, governed by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.4, allow agencies to focus on their unique purchasing needs while minimizing administrative overhead. These efficient processes are a cornerstone of MAS’s value to federal agencies, making it an indispensable tool for government buyers.

FAQs

How does the GSA MAS program support small businesses and what opportunities does it offer?

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program: A Gateway for Small Businesses

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program opens the door for small businesses to tap into the vast federal marketplace. It offers a unique opportunity to compete for government contracts with fewer competitors compared to traditional open-market options. By streamlining the procurement process with pre-negotiated terms and pricing, the MAS program not only reduces administrative headaches but also speeds up the entire sales cycle.

One standout feature of the MAS program is its alignment with federal agencies’ small business spending goals. When agencies make purchases through MAS, they can count those transactions toward their small business targets, creating more chances for small businesses to secure contracts. Furthermore, socioeconomic set-asides within the program ensure participation from businesses representing diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in government contracting.

With annual GSA Schedule sales surpassing $50 billion, the MAS program presents a tremendous growth opportunity for small businesses ready to step into the federal market. For those looking to expand their reach and scale their operations, this program is a game-changer.

What compliance and risk reduction advantages does the GSA MAS program offer for federal procurement?

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program offers federal agencies a streamlined way to manage procurement while addressing compliance and reducing risks. Here’s how it helps:

• Ensures Compliance: The program aligns with federal procurement laws and regulations, including those outlined by the OMB and FAR, ensuring agencies stay within legal boundaries.
• Pre-Vetted Contractors: With nearly 4,000 pre-screened vendors, agencies can avoid the risks tied to non-compliant or unreliable suppliers.
• Standardized Clauses: MAS contracts include standard procurement clauses, which lower legal risks and maintain consistency across agreements.
• Faster Procurement: The simplified acquisition process helps cut down timelines, reducing the chances of delays or compliance challenges.

For federal buyers, the GSA MAS program isn’t just about convenience – it’s a dependable way to meet agency objectives without unnecessary hurdles.

How do GSA’s digital tools improve the procurement process for federal buyers?

GSA’s Digital Tools for Smarter Procurement

The General Services Administration (GSA) offers digital tools that simplify and speed up the procurement process for federal buyers, making it more efficient and cost-conscious. For instance, the Acquisition Gateway serves as a one-stop platform where buyers can find resources, connect with vendors, and refine their acquisition strategies. Another standout tool, the Contract-Awarded Labor Category (CALC) tool, helps users compare labor category pricing, ensuring more informed and competitive cost decisions.

These tools are designed to save time by streamlining market research, cutting down on administrative tasks, and improving overall decision-making. By utilizing GSA’s digital resources, agencies can not only secure better procurement results but also uphold their responsibility to use taxpayer funds wisely.