How to get on schedule

Obtaining a Schedules contract is a challenging process for a company of any size. GSA offers substantial help with this process, including free training held online and at GSA regional offices. See For Industry Partners - Getting On Schedule.

Some workshops are tailored for small businesses, while others target information technology products and services industry partners. The Vendor Support Center offers resources and self-study training that can be accessed at any time, from anywhere.

In addition to training resources, more information on the GSA Schedules program can be found at GSA Schedules and GSA eLibrary. Solicitations for federal business can be found at Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov.

For Small Businesses

The Office of Small Business Utilization at GSA offers a number of onsite and web-based courses to help small businesses succeed with government sales. SBU centers are located within GSA’s 11 regional offices across the country. These centers offer “How to Obtain a GSA Schedules Contract” throughout the year. For details on sessions in the local area, refer to the Events page for vendors seeking government contracts.

Web-based courses offered by SBU include:

• GSA Schedules Contract Training – Part 1 addresses the process, while Part 2 addresses how to respond to a solicitation. Register for one or both of these monthly sessions, which take place on the same afternoon.
• Marketing to the Federal Government – This quarterly webinar is designed for industry partners who already have a Schedules contract, helping them take the next step in landing business with federal agencies.
• Q&A webinars – A follow-up to the monthly Schedules and quarterly marketing sessions, this webinar provides further opportunity to ask questions about the solicitation process.

Self-Study Training on the Web

GSA provides online training and resources about GSA acquisition vehicles, including Schedules.

Industry partners can find training on:

• How to Become a Contractor – includes supplies and services covered by the Schedules program, Schedule solicitations and proposals, and marketing and administering a Schedule contract
• GWACs
• Cooperative Purchase Program
• Blanket Purchase Agreements

Vendor Support Center

The Vendor Support Center is an online resource where vendors can find information, review and report sales, and more. Available training includes:

• New Contractor Orientation – an introduction to the Schedules program for new recipients of Schedules contracts.
• Pathway to Success webinar – a course designed to help industry partners decide whether the Schedules solicitation process is a good match for their company, while providing tips on offer submission and marketing to the government after contract award. This webinar is also a prerequisite for the How to Obtain a Schedule 70 Contract seminar.

Visit the Schedules 70 News, Events, and Training page for more information.

How can I do business with the government while I am waiting to get on a GSA Schedule?

Here are some alternatives:

• GSA Global Supply. Able to move approximately 4,000 National Stock Numbers to industry partners, and to use their resources to fulfill customer requisitions.
• Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts. Provide access to IT solutions such as systems design, software engineering, information assurance, and enterprise architecture solutions.
• Subcontracting Directory. Published for small business concerns seeking subcontracting opportunities with GSA prime contractors. The directory lists large business prime contractors who, by law, are required to establish plans and goals for subcontracting with small business firms.
• U.S. Small Business Administration Subcontracting Network. Place where prime contractors post “solicitation” or “notice of sources sought” for small business.
• Vet Biz Website. Government website where Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses can be certified.