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GSA Advantage is working on two solutions to this potential problem.
One is to revise the programming and extend the time available for users to find and enter the verification code. The goal is to lengthen this time to 30 minutes by mid-June 2020.
The second is to allow for multiple options (e.g. text message) instead of the email message for customers facing system delays or other email obstacles.
There are two types of orders available on GSA Advantage and so the answer depends on the product(s) ordered:
GSA Advantage displays millions of products under contract with Schedule vendors or GSA Global Supply. In most cases, those orders flow directly to the responsible party for fulfillment.
A “Special Order” is typically for an item that is not under contract. It may be a National Stock Number with Acquisition Advice Code “J,” meaning it is “buy-on-demand.” In most cases this is because demand is very low, and insufficient to justify a standing contract. It may also be a commercial item that is new, or for some reason is not offered by a Schedule vendor. If requested, GSA can perform a one-time “Special Order” purchase on behalf of a customer.
Yes. In 2018 launched a program to support EUCOM customers with expedited delivery of high-demand National Stock Numbers. Working with a vendor partner, customers can order from up to 900 such items stocked in Germany and available for delivery to customers throughout Europe in less than a week. (The original inventory was ~720 NSNs and has expanded twice.) Customers order through existing mechanisms (e.g. MILSTRIP, DLMS or GSA’s websites) and relevant items are delivered in just a few days. Items outside the EUCOM inventory ship from CONUS via the standard CCP process.
In FY 21, GSA is adapting this concept to INDOPACOM via four sites. Again, contractor-managed facilities store high-demand NSNs and deliver in less than a week. Customers order as they wish (e.g. MILSTRIP, DLMS or GSA’s websites) and “local” items are delivered in a few days. Items outside the local inventory ship from CONUS via the standard CCP process. The sites are Guam (350 NSNs), Korea (660), Japan (750) and Hawaii (660). Guam opened in November 2020, while Korea is scheduled for December and the others in Q2 of FY 21.
Some of the key benefits are:
While we defer to agencies on their interpretation of the FAR (e.g. Section 8), the key point is that GSA, in all its programs, operates in a competitive marketplace. We understand that our customers are driven to achieve the best value in their spending, so on program attributes like price, customer service, product quality and choice, GSA always operates as if customers have alternatives. In fact we manage some of those potential alternatives (Multiple Award Schedule) so our wholesale and retail programs need to be aggressive and competitive.
Shopping at a ServMart store supported by GSA Retail Operations is very similar to submitting a requisition that is fulfilled by GSA Global Supply. In both cases, the entity providing the products is a government agency. The purchase is a requisition, a transaction executed on a government-to-government basis. It is simple and safe.
GSA Advantage is a portal for both requisitions (G2G transactions between customer agencies and GSA Global Supply) and acquisitions (B2G transactions between business entities and a government buyer.) Different portions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation govern requisitions vs acquisitions.
Online transactions performed on the GSA Global Supply or USMC ServMart website are all requisitions. All items visible there are managed by GSA and neither site displays items from Multiple Award Schedule vendors.
A requisition is a transaction between two federal agencies. For example, any agency, civilian or military, which purchases an item from GSA Global Supply is executing a requisition. Even though GSA Global Supply may rely on a commercial vendor to store or ship that item, the transaction is between the purchasing agency (e.g. USDA, Navy, etc.) and GSA.
An acquisition is conducted between the purchasing agency and a commercial supplier. This is true whether the vendor holds a GSA Schedule contract or is an open market supplier. The name of the commercial entity will appear on the buyer’s purchase card bill.
There are multiple uses for a Department of Defense Activity Address Code, including:
It is rare that a customer needs a new DoDAAC. In most cases, there is an existing DoDAAC, even if it has not been used and has been forgotten by potential users. GSA has an Order Management team that works regularly with agency or military service coordinators to validate DoDAACs. In rare cases they collaborate to issue a new DoDAAC. If you need help, send an email to that Order Management team.
FOB is the acronym for “Freight on Board.” FOB Destination indicates that the GSA price includes delivery to the CONUS destination or the relevant DLA Consolidation and Containerization Point (CCP). FOB Origin indicates that there will be a freight charge to get from the point of origin to the destination.
Every part-numbered item available from GSA Global Supply (~800,000) is FOB Destination. In addition, more than 96% of NSNs visible online at the Global Supply site and GSA Advantage are FOB Destination.
Customers buying items among the relative handful of FOB Origin items are billed either the actual freight charge or a flat fee (e.g. 5% or 10% of item value), depending on the underlying GSA contract with the supplier. Customers with questions can contact NCSC at 800-488-3111 or via email NCSCcustomer.service@gsa.gov
Customers buying online at GSA Advantage or GSA Global Supply may be prompted to enter a destination zip code to confirm the availability of shipping. In most cases, shipments to OCONUS users will be routed through a DLA Consolidation and Containerization Program (CCP) site.
There are three ways to report a problem on a GSA Global Supply Order:
Before re-ordering the material contact GSA National Customer Service Center to investigate the supply discrepancy and determine the best course of action to resolve an non-receipt order.
Learn more about Overseas Ordering Instructions on GSA Advantage’s Help & Assistance page. Select “Ordering from GSA Advantage”
The default shipping option for GSA Global Supply orders destined for OCONUS locations is via the DLA Consolidation and Containerization Point. The same is true for products from Schedule vendors. In both cases, the exception would be State Department functions, which use a network of freight forwarders to reach OCONUS destinations.
It is conceivable that a Schedule vendor would be able to mail small orders (under 150 lbs.) to an OCONUS destination, bypassing the DLA CCP. However, only a few Schedule vendors will provide this service. A vendor’s geographic coverage is generally visible on the far right of the search results matrix on GSA Advantage. It may, for example, indicate “CONUS” only. Customers wishing to request direct delivery should verify that this is acceptable within their agency. If so, it is best to contact the vendor directly to place an order, so that all parties are aware of planned delivery methods, timing, cost, etc.
Generally, GSA Global Supply will bill a customer account, whether GPC or direct billing via AAC/DoDAAC, after the requested item has shipped. Our vendor partners submit an invoice to GSA after an item has shipped and that triggers GSA to bill the customer.
Listed below are GSA contacts from multiple OCONUS locations. They are available to provide valuable assistance and information on all GSA programs.
Transportation Account Codes are managed by the Military Services with the exception of our Stores and Global Supply TAC Account. Defense Finance Accounting System serves as the conduit in accounts payable and receivables. Transportation Global Edit Tables and Electronic Shippers System is the system used to manage all services TACs including Retail Operations Stores Accounts.
For more detailed information, see the Defense Transportation Regulation (part ii, appendix v) [PDF - 1 MB].
GSA’s Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center offers a wide variety of furniture products and services. Learn more about the range of options on this slipsheet.
AskGSA is a community that supports GSA Global Supply customers with order search functionality, order tracking, order billing, and DodAAC/AAC based order reports with additional functionality to submit supply and transportation discrepancy reports to the National Customer Service Center for investigation and resolution.
Four types of processes are used and they have distinct calculations based on mode of transportation and booking systems:
The simplest way to see if there is an applicable MOQ is to click on an item in the search results on GSA Advantage or GSA Global Supply. While GSA seeks to reduce or eliminate MOQs, there are some which apply. Often the minimum will not be for a specific line item (e.g. “you must buy 3 of this item”) but is for a vendor’s contract pricing. In that case, you can satisfy the minimum by choosing additional items from that same vendor/contract to reach the relevant dollar threshold.
If you have questions, call GSA’s customer service team at 800-488-3111.
Products ordered from GSA Global Supply are requisitions, managed entirely by GSA Global Supply. Information on status can be found online, 24/7, at AskGSA. Users can create an account there and search for status on a specific line item using the relevant requisition number, order number or GSA Advantage session number, or scan for all orders in a given time period before drilling down to specific status. If Internet access is problematic, customers can call GSA’s National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 800-488-3111 any time between 9 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 p.m. Friday. Users can also send an email to NCSCcustomer.service@gsa.gov.
See FAQ #2 above for additional information regarding status on orders placed with a Multiple Award Schedule vendor.
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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Department of Defense.
Rates for foreign countries are set by the Department of State.
Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.
The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.
Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.
Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."
Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."
When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.
An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
From 5 USC 5701(6), "continental United States" means the several states and the District of Columbia, but does not include Alaska or Hawaii.
A multiple-award IDIQ governmentwide acquisition contract offering complete and flexible IT solutions worldwide. A best-in-class GWAC and preferred governmentwide solution, Alliant 2 offers:
It provides best-value IT solutions to federal agencies, while strengthening chances in federal contracting for small businesses through subcontracting.
A dedicated, flexible fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.
An investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges.
An agreement established by a government buyer with a Multiple Award Schedule contractor to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services.
Types of funds to use on specific expenses.
The work done to make a structure or system ready for use or to bring a construction or development project to a completed state.
Negotiated firm-fixed pricing on airline seats for official government travel. The locked-in ticket prices for the fiscal year save federal agencies time and money. Federal employees enjoy flexibility to change their plans without incurring penalties or additional costs. All negotiated rates have:
Use the CPP search tool to find current fares.
A space where individuals work independently or co-work collaboratively in a shared office. The work environment is similar to a typical office, usually inclusive of office equipment and amenities. Typical features of co-working facilities include work spaces, wireless internet, communal printer/copier/fax, shared kitchens, restrooms and open seating areas. May also be referred to as a “shared office.”
A system that is bought from a commercial vendor to solve a particular problem, as opposed to one that a vendor custom builds.
An employee who negotiates and awards contracts with vendors and who has the sole authority to change, alter or modify a contract.
An employee whose duties are to develop proper requirements and ensure contractors meet the commitments during contract administration, including the timeliness and delivery of quality goods and services as required by the contract.
A request of GSA where a federal agency retains and manages all aspects of the procurement process and is able to work with the selected vendor after award.
The process of handling real property that is surplus to the federal government’s needs. Federal law mandates the disposal process, which has these major steps (although not every property goes through every step):
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage devices, as defined by 10 C.F.R. § 474.2. It includes a battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a fuel-cell electric vehicle, etc.
Also called electric vehicle chargers, this includes EV charge cords, charge stands, attachment plugs, vehicle connectors, and protection, which provide for the safe transfer of energy between the electric utility power and the electric vehicle.
The primary regulation for federal agencies to use when buying supplies and services with funds from Congress.
Use acquisition.gov to browse FAR parts or subparts or download the full FAR in various formats.
The travel and relocation policy for all federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at government expense.
A program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment.
A GSA business line that provides safe, reliable, low-cost vehicle solutions for federal agency customers and eligible entities. Offerings include:
A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for fuel and maintenance of GSA Fleet vehicles. Find out where the Fleet card is accepted, how to use it and more.
A Department of Homeland Security program that allows members to use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when crossing international borders by air, land and sea.
A charge card for certain U.S. Government employees to use when buying mission-related supplies or services using simplified acquisition procedures, when applicable, and when the total cost does not exceed micro-purchase thresholds.
A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for reimbursable expenses while on official travel. Visit smartpay.gsa.gov for more.
A vehicle used to perform an agency’s mission(s), as authorized by the agency.
A pre-competed, multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract that agencies can use to buy total IT solutions more efficiently and economically.
A ceremony marking the official start of a new construction project, typically involving driving shovels into ground at the site.
An online shopping and ordering system at gsaadvantage.gov that provides access for federal government employees and in some cases, state and local entities, to purchase from thousands of contractors offering millions of supplies and services.
An online auction site at gsaauctions.gov that allows the general public to bid on and buy excess federal personal property assets such as:
Real property for which GSA is responsible. It can be either federally owned or leased from a public or private property owner.
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
A type of contract when the quantity of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, the government will require is not known. IDIQs help streamline the contract process and speed service delivery.
A fee paid by businesses who are awarded contracts under Multiple Award Schedule to cover GSA’s cost of operating the program. The fee is a fixed percentage of reported sales under MAS contracts that contractors pay within 30 calendar days following the completion of each quarter.
A law that provides $3.375 billion for us to:
This includes $2.15 billion for low embodied carbon materials in construction projects, $975 million to support emerging and sustainable technologies, and $250 million for measures to convert more buildings into High Performance Green Buildings.
A written agreement entered into between two federal agencies, or major organizational units within an agency, which specifies the goods to be furnished or tasks to be accomplished by one agency (the servicing agency) in support of the other (the requesting agency).
A facility, also known as a border station, that provides controlled entry into or departure from the United States for persons or materials. It houses the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies responsible for the enforcement of federal laws related to entering into or departing from the U.S.
An employee who is responsible for preparing, negotiating, awarding and monitoring compliance of lease agreements.
Criteria used to select the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. Solicitations must specify that award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors.
The rate of reimbursement for driving a privately owned vehicle when your agency authorizes it. Current rates are at gsa.gov/mileage.
Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. Also called Schedules or Federal Supply Schedules.
The standard federal agencies use to classify business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
A family of seven separate governmentwide multiple award, IDIQ contracts for program management, management consulting, logistics, engineering, scientific and financial services.
A formal, signed agreement between GSA’s Public Buildings Service and a federal agency for a specific space assignment.
Services performed under a contract with a federal agency that include:
Official verification of someone’s origin, identity, and nationality. A U.S. passport is required of U.S. citizens for international travel and reentry into the United States. There are three types of passports: diplomatic, official, and regular. A government official may have at the same time a valid regular passport and a valid official or diplomatic passport. Use GSA Form 2083 to begin a request for an official passport.
The per day rates for the lower 48 continental United States, which federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. Per diem includes three allowances:
An identification card that allows credentialed government personal to access facilities, computers, or information systems. May also be referred to as HSPD-12 card, LincPass, Smart Card, or CAC.
Furniture and equipment such as appliances, wall hangings, technological devices, and the relocation expenses for such property.
Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either alone or when combined with other information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Get more info from OMB Circular A-130 [PDF].
You should only drive a privately owned vehicle for official travel after your agency evaluates the use of:
When your agency has determined a POV to be the most advantageous method of transportation, you are authorized reimbursement for mileage and some additional allowances (parking, bridge, road and tunnel fees, etc.).
Approvals from GSA’s congressional authorizing committees, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for proposed capital and leasing projects that require funding over an annually established threshold.
Region 1 (New England): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Region 2 (Northeast and Caribbean): Northern New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic): Delaware, parts of Maryland, Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, parts of Virginia, West Virginia
Region 4 (Southeast Sunbelt): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Region 5 (Great Lakes): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Region 6 (Heartland): Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Region 7 (Greater Southwest): Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Region 8 (Rocky Mountain): Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
Region 9 (Pacific Rim): Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Region 10 (Northwest Arctic): Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Region 11 (National Capital): Washington, D.C., area including parts of Maryland and Virginia
Formal agreements between GSA and a federal agency customer where GSA agrees to provide goods, services, or both, and the federal agency agrees to reimburse GSA’s direct and indirect costs. The customer portal for RWA information is called eRETA at extportal.pbs.gsa.gov.
A document used in negotiated procurements to communicate government requirements to prospective contractors (firms holding Multiple Award Schedule contracts) and to solicit proposals (offers) from them.
A document used to communicate government requirements, but which do not solicit binding offers. Quotations submitted in response are not offers. The Multiple Award Schedule order is the offer, and then the contractor can do something to show acceptance, like ordering supplies or contacting subcontractors.
Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. Also called Multiple Award Schedule or Federal Supply Schedules.
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business.
See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
To improve and stimulate small business utilization, we award contracts to businesses that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. We have contracting assistance for:
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Section 124.1001 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
The basis for the lease negotiation process, which becomes part of the lease. SFOs include the information necessary to enable prospective offerors to prepare proposals. See SFO minimum requirements.
Specific supply and service subcategories within our Multiple Award Schedule. For the Information Technology Category, a SIN might be new equipment or cloud services.
A national policy committing to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.
An online system at sam.gov, which the U.S. Government uses to consolidate acquisition and award systems for use by contractors wishing to do business with the federal government. Formerly known as FBO.gov, all contracting opportunities valued over $25,000 are posted at sam.gov.
When you use a government purchase card, such as the "GSA SmartPay" travel card for business travel, your lodging and rental car costs may be exempt from state sales tax. Individually billed account travel cards are not tax exempt in all states. Search for exemption status, forms and important information.
The finishes and fixtures federal agency tenants select that take a space from a shell condition to a finished, usable condition and compliant with all applicable building codes and standards.
A statute that applies to all Multiple Award Schedule contracts, unless otherwise stated in the solicitation or contract, which requires contractors to sell to the U.S. Government only products that are manufactured or “substantially transformed” in the U.S. or a TAA-designated country.
An option for vendors to report transactional data — information generated when the government purchases goods or services from a vendor — to help us make federal government buying more effective.
See our TDR page for which SINs are eligible and which line-item data to submit.
A unique number required to do business with the federal government.
An indicator of how efficiently a federal agency is currently using space, it is traditionally calculated by dividing the usable square feet of the space, by the number of personnel who occupy the space.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
A governmentwide acquisition contract exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to sell IT services such as:
The amount of solid waste, such as trash or garbage, construction and demolition waste, and hazardous waste, that is reused, recycled or composted instead of being put in a landfill or burned.
A GSA program designed to promote recycling and reuse of solid waste.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
Vehicles that, when operating, produce zero tailpipe exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) or greenhouse gas. These include battery and fuel cell electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles that are capable of operating on gas and electricity. They also may be called all-electric vehicles.
U.S. General Services Administration