What Does GSA Stand for?
By Delta Scientific | October 25, 2022
Delta Scientific is proud to be a GSA contractor providing security products to government agencies at the federal, state, and local level. What does GSA stand for? What does it mean to be a GSA contractor? How did we become one? What benefits does it offer to customers who aren’t affiliated with government agencies? Find out how to become a GSA contractor and other answers to see how Delta Scientific is helping equip the federal government with reliable security products.
What Does GSA Stand For?
GSA stands for the United States General Services Administration. First created in 1949 by President Harry Truman, the GSA handles federal government acquisitions. This self-funded agency follows the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF), allowing it to continue to operate even when government shutdowns temporarily close other agencies.
In the year 2023 alone, the GSA had budgetary resources of $58.9 billion. The amount of these resources used for contracts in the same year was $23.8 billion, which includes over 1.46 million transactions.
What Does the GSA Do?
The main responsibilities of the GSA include providing law enforcement tools to state and local governments and equipment to the U.S. military and other government agencies. It accomplishes this via a system of centralized procurement through which it provides products and services to federal agencies as well as local and state governments. Here are some of the key duties of the GSA:
- Manage real estate and federal buildings
- Provide IT solutions for the federal government
- Manage and acquire vehicles
- Organize and maintain global supply chains
- Oversee financial management
Over 12,000 employees manage these and other operations of the federal government. In order to accomplish these tasks, the GSA works with commercial entities who qualify as approved vendors. These vendors supply essential services and supplies to the military and federal organizations.
What Is a GSA Schedule?
Now that you know what GSA stands for, it’s important to understand GSA Schedule contracts. Vendors that meet certain qualifications can be added to the GSA Schedule and become GSA contractors. This is a government contract that involves multiple parties. It uses pre-established terms, conditions, and pricing to streamline the sales process to government agencies.
To ensure vendors and contracts meet federal guidelines, GSA Schedule contracts are divided into a variety of short- and long-term opportunities. Contracts are awarded through the Multiple Award Schedule program. This program allows for long-term contracts at pre-negotiated pricing between the federal government and qualifying contractors, like Delta Scientific.
Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
One of the most popular GSA Schedule contract types is known as an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. When the specific amount of products or length of service required isn’t known, an IDIQ allows for the government agency to place an order for ongoing service over a length of time.
IDIQ contracts typically have minimum and maximum quantity limits of services or supplies. Contractors must be ready to provide services and/or support within those limits as needed.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a GSA Contractor?
As a GSA contractor, Delta Scientific has been reviewed and approved to offer the U.S. federal government safety and security equipment. Why become a GSA contractor? Direct access to the world’s largest buyer of services and goods comes the following benefits:
- Access to IDIQ contracts, which can last up to 20 years
- Competitive procurement process to do business with the U.S. government
- Access to GSA Schedule-only contracts
What are the Eligibility Requirements to Qualify for a GSA Contract?
To become a GSA contractor, a company has to demonstrate healthy financials and meet each of these other qualifications. Delta Scientific met or exceeded all of the following requirements to become eligible to do business with the U.S. government as a GSA contractor.
GSA Schedule Category
The GSA organizes products and services available on its Schedule into 12 different categories. These categories are further broken down into subcategories and special item numbers. For a company to qualify for a GSA contract, a company has to provide goods or services that fall under one of the GSA’s 12 categories.
For example, Delta Scientific products fall under Category J: Security and Protection. As physical access control systems, they fall into Subcategory J05 – Security Systems.
TAA Compliance
GSA contractors have to comply with the Trade Agreements Act, meaning that the products either have to be manufactured in the United States or in another designated country. Because our manufacturing facility is located in Palmdale, California, Delta Scientific is TAA compliant.
Past Performance
GSA contractors need to demonstrate that their products live up to the claims that they make about them. Delta Scientific products all go through rigorous crash testing. We quantify the results according to standards set by the Department of Defense as well as a respected civilian organization, ASTM International.
How Does a Company Become a GSA Contractor?
After discovering what GSA stands for, determining eligibility is only the first step in the process. The next step is to develop a proposal according to stringent guidelines set by the GSA. If the proposal is accepted, the company then negotiates mutually beneficial terms and pricing with the GSA.
Even after a company becomes a GSA contractor, it is possible for it to lose its place on the schedule. To maintain its contract, the company has to keep it current and comply with GSA best practices for selling.
How Can Non-Government Agencies Benefit From Working With a GSA Contractor?
Even if you are not purchasing on behalf of a government agency, working with a company on the GSA Schedule has certain advantages. The government has verified the products’ technical capabilities, meaning that you know that the products do what they are supposed to do. Also, you know you are getting a good price because the company has met government standards for pricing that is fair and reasonable.
Why Should You Work With Delta Scientific?
As a trusted government GSA Schedule contractor, Delta Scientific is a leading provider of high-security access and control products. We’ve successfully secured commercial, government, and military from unauthorized access for almost 50 years. Now that you know what GSA stands for, it’s time to contact us today to learn more about the benefits of our vehicle barricades and high-security bollards.
Sources:
https://gsa.federalschedules.com/industries/category-j-security-protection/
https://gsa.federalschedules.com/resources/taa-designated-countries/
https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/mission-and-background/background
https://info.winvale.com/blog/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-having-a-gsa-schedule
https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/general-services-administration?fy=2023
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