GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
A GSA Schedule contract is a long-term, government-wide vehicle with pre-negotiated ceiling pricing and terms. It doesn't guarantee sales, but it removes the acquisition friction that keeps small firms out of many agency buys.
- Who it's for
- Commercial firms selling products or services to government buyers
- Primary benefit
- A pre-negotiated contract every agency can buy from
- Term / renewal
- Five-year base with three five-year options
- Certifying authority
- General Services Administration
Key takeaways
- Certification opens doors — it does not win proposals on its own.
- Keep your SAM.gov registration, NAICS list, and capability narrative synchronized with the certification record.
- Target set-aside solicitations where the certification narrows the field to a handful of credible bidders.
- Pair the certification with same-scope past performance to convert eligibility into awards.
Eligibility requirements
You generally need two years of corporate experience, financial statements showing stability, commercial sales history for the offerings you propose, and past performance evidence. Some Special Item Numbers have specific technical or licensing requirements.
How to apply
Prepare your offer in eOffer against the MAS solicitation: choose Special Item Numbers, build the Commercial Sales Practices disclosure, price your labor categories or products, document past performance, and negotiate with the contracting officer. Six to twelve months from start to award is normal.
How to use it competitively
Getting the Schedule is the beginning of the work, not the end. Build a marketing plan around GSA eBuy task orders, register for the Contractor Assessment reviews, keep your catalog current, and track the sales minimums so your option periods are exercised.
FAQ
Is a GSA Schedule worth it for a small firm?
Yes if your buyers already purchase through GSA and you can invest in post-award marketing; no if you have no identified demand.
What are the sales requirements?
MAS contracts carry a minimum sales expectation over defined periods; falling short risks non-exercise of options.
Can I use my Schedule with any agency?
Yes. Any federal agency, and in defined cases state and local buyers under cooperative purchasing, can order from MAS.
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