This series of FAR summaries is meant to take a meaningful portion of the Federal Acquisition Regulations to ensure an easy-to-understand approach to maintain that readers comprehend the process of doing business with the government and that the government exercises a fair and reasonable approach to doing business with the general public.
FAR Part 38 Federal Supply Schedule Contracting
Many Contracting Officers in the field prefer not to use the schedules because they don’t update in real time. They can’t. There’s too many companies trying to get on them and too many companies updating their agreements. The VA’s FSS program does about $17B annually and the GSA MAS does about $68B if I am correct. So, some of those COs who don’t prefer the program either use it to place orders or are outnumbered by COs who don’t mind it because it generates a lot of money.
It’s a valuable tool for both its awardees and the government.
Per FAR 38.000, GSA directs and manages the FSS program and can share schedules with other agencies as they see fit.
The FSS simplifies the buying process so government agencies can buy commercial goods and services quicker and at a discount. Each contract houses a volume of like goods or services for an extended period of time within a specific geographic coverage area (FAR 38.101)(a). In accordance with FAR 38.101(b) each schedule designates manditory purchasers but any federal agency can use them (FAR 38.101)(c).
I worked in the VA’s FSS program for 9.5 years and employment there is a status symbol in the government because those that know understand it to be the trademark for high work ethic. Peers in the National Acquisition Center affectionately call it “The Morgue” because its employees leave looking dead. A well used schedule is a lot of work but helps a lot of people.
You would be surprised how many people either don’t use the schedules or don’t know what they are. During my travels, I would routinely light up somebody’s contracting world just by explaining what the FSS program is and what it does.
As with anything, tweaks can be made with technology, tools and procedures to mirror commercial practices but paper trails and databases track spending of tax dollars. Despite its shortcomings, the FSS program is a worthy tool for the whole federal government to use to bolster the mission of serving our citizens.
If you think I can help you then email nicholas.s.robertson@outlook.com for your introductory message and free consultation.
RobertsonKX Business Blog 