The General Services Administration (GSA) released a request for information (RFI) Friday, June 7 on the agency’s plan to consolidate its 24 existing schedules into one contract vehicle, including a draft version of the terms and conditions for the new Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). Feedback is due by June 21.
GSA’s plan to consolidate its schedules aims to allow vendors to bid on more contracts by allowing them to add any applicable special item numbers (SINs) without needing a new contract on another schedule.
“Our goal is to reduce the administrative burden for all who interact with GSA schedules, and this RFI will allow us to further hear from industry on the needs of today’s buyers and sellers,” said GSA Administrator Emily Murphy in a statement.
The revised terms and conditions aim to address any conflicts between the existing 24 schedules, and set common standards for duplicative clauses.
“Streamlining our current terms and conditions, and making it easier for buyers and sellers to work with government is a big part of schedules consolidation,” said Stephanie Shutt, program manager for MAS.
Shutt detailed the agency’s plans in a May webinar, noting that the final terms and conditions are likely to reach new contract applicants in October, and existing schedule holders in January.
Shutt also noted during the webinar that under the new MAS, the number of SINs would likely be reduced to “just over 300.” The GSA release noted that updated SINs are currently under review, but will be released for public comment when finished.