Free GSA PreScreen Tool

GSA PreScreen Tool

GSA PreScreen Tool

Are You Eligible for a GSA Schedule Contract?

Investigate and assess the potential benefits a GSA contract could offer your company. The GSA grants unique access to exclusive opportunities, reserved solely for GSA contract holders.

Securing a GSA contract can pave the way for new business prospects, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, being awarded a GSA contract enhances your company’s profile significantly, as the GSA’s evaluation process is rigorous and demands contractors to maintain high standards.

It’s crucial to evaluate whether your company is well-suited for a GSA contract. Utilize the free PreScreen Tool provided below to gain clarity on this matter. This tool is designed to help you understand if your business aligns with the requirements and standards of a GSA contract.

Primary Factors

To be eligible for any GSA Schedule Category, your business must have been operational for at least two years. This requirement is substantiated by presenting two years of financial records, including tax returns and balance sheets.

It's common for some companies to have only one year's worth of financial documents while having been in operation for over a year. This situation typically arises because financial documents are generally compiled at the conclusion of the financial year.

In such cases, the key requirement is the submission of these financial documents, regardless of the size of the revenues. What matters is the availability of these financial records to demonstrate your business's operational history and financial stability.

Your products or services must "match the scope" or fit into the description of at least one Special Item Number (SIN), or subcategory. The majority of small and medium Businesses will fit into at least one SIN, here is the list of primary categories:

Facilities
Furniture & Furnishings
Human Capital
Industrial Products and Services		Information Technology
Miscellaneous
Office Management
Professional Services		Scientific Management and Solutions
Security and Protection
Transportation and Logistics Services
Travel

Sometimes it is not 100% clear if your company fits, so please schedule a free consultation if you have questions. We can help you 

Every vendor holding a GSA Schedule is obliged to achieve a minimum annual sales threshold of $25,000 through the Schedule to retain their contract and to qualify for future Option Periods. For newly awarded GSA contractors, there is an initial grace period of 24 months to reach this $25,000 sales milestone. However, after this initial two-year period, the $25,000 requirement becomes an annual target.

Financial stability is closely monitored; encountering a loss in the past two years or having a less favorable Current Ratio or Debt-to-Equity Ratio can be a cause for concern. If your financial standing isn't ideal, it's highly advantageous to seek guidance from a seasoned GSA Specialist. Their expertise can be invaluable in successfully navigating the process and addressing any potential issues that may arise from your financial situation.

Secondary Factors

Documenting Past Performance: To be considered for a GSA contract, your company is required to demonstrate previous experience in the products or services you intend to offer to the GSA. The GSA prioritizes partnering with contractors who have a proven track record of successful business engagements. To illustrate your past performance, you should present examples such as copies of invoices, contracts, and work orders that reflect your experience and capabilities in your field.

Labor Category Specifications for Services: When proposing services, it's essential to provide detailed descriptions for each labor category involved in the service delivery. Every individual contributing to the service must be categorized appropriately based on their role. This categorization involves creating a document that outlines job titles, specific roles and responsibilities, educational qualifications, minimum experience required, and proposed hourly rates for each category. Additionally, the proposed hourly rates should be substantiated with relevant supporting documents, such as invoices or purchase orders, to validate your pricing structure. This comprehensive approach ensures that each aspect of the service offering is clearly defined and meets the GSA's standards.

Evidence of Sales Through Invoices: For product-based GSA offers, it's essential to include a selection of invoices. These serve as proof to the GSA that your company has a solid history of sales and fulfillment for the products you intend to offer.

Product Information Documentation: Furnish comprehensive product literature, including technical specifications, photographs, and other relevant details that are typically used in your product sales. This helps to provide a clear understanding of your product offerings.

Warranty Details: Outline a detailed warranty for your products. This should include information on after-sales support, terms for replacement and repair, and the duration of the warranty. A clear warranty description is crucial in demonstrating the reliability and support for your products.

Letter of Supply (LOS): If your business involves reselling or distributing products manufactured by other companies, a reseller agreement, partnership agreement, or a Letter of Supply from the manufacturer is required. This document should confirm that the manufacturer can supply these products to you.

Compliance with Trade Agreement Act (TAA): Ensure that the products you offer comply with the TAA. Products originating from countries not listed in the TAA are ineligible for inclusion in a GSA contract.

Navigating TAA Complexities: The TAA compliance can become complex, especially if your product's components originate from a non-compliant country but are assembled in a compliant country. To effectively navigate these intricacies, it's advisable to consult with a GSA WINS expert. Their expertise can guide you through the complexities of TAA compliance and ensure that your products meet the necessary criteria.

Hopefully, you now have a good handle on if your Company qualifies for the program?

Another Resource: Prospective Schedule Contractors – Are Schedules a Good Fit for Me?