Next you have to obtain a copy of the solicitation pertaining to the Schedule you want to get on. Copies of the relevant solicitation can be downloaded from the federal government point-of-entry for federal government procurement opportunities at www.fedbizopps.gov. GSA's Schedule E-library website also provides links to the various Schedule solicitations.
You should read the solicitation very carefully as the terms and conditions set forth in the solicitation will become the terms and conditions of your Schedule contract. While the terms are not particularly egregious there are certain administrative burdens associated with doing business with the government and you need to be aware of these issues before entering into a contract with the federal government.
You need to be careful and make sure that all relevant sections of the solicitation are completed and pertinent information is submitted. Failure to complete all sections will not necessarily lead to rejection of the proposal but will significantly increase the speed at which the proposal process will move along. Currently, and depending on the group to which the proposal is submitted, it is taking GSA anywhere from three to nine months to review, negotiate and award a GSA Schedule contract.
GSA Solicitations are open season solicitations and thus there is no due date for submitting a proposal.
How Can Cohen Mohr Help Me Get A GSA Schedule?
Cohen Mohr can give as little or as much help as you need with respect to preparing and negotiating a GSA Schedule. The extent of our involvement is up to you. Cohen Mohr can prepare the entire proposal or simply act as a Red Team to review and comment on a proposal prepared by you. Services we provide include:
- Proposal preparation
- Evaluation and assessment of the products or services your company provides in order to identify the appropriate schedule.
- Preparation of an easy to follow “To Do” list that highlights and explains the areas of the lengthy solicitation document that need to be addressed.
- Conduct interviews to ensure full and accurate disclosure of your company’s Commercial Sales Practices – the heart and sole of the GSA proposal.
- Develop GSA pricing strategy based on your company’s Commercial Sales Practices.
- Prepare or review Letters of Supply with manufacturers or dealers as necessary.
- Prepare or review Reseller Agreements as necessary.
- Prepare a Small Business Subcontracting Plan as required for large businesses.
- Prepare a memorandum highlighting the legal ramifications and compliance issued associated with entering into a contract with the federal government.
- Prepare and review the terms and conditions of the Authorized GSA Schedule Price List.
- Negotiate and prepare the Final Proposal Revision.
Why Should I Use Cohen Mohr and Not A GSA Schedule Shop?
A GSA Schedule is a contract with the Federal Government which raises many compliance issues that don't occur in the private sector. Cohen Mohr is a law firm and understands the legal implications associated with contracting with the Federal Government and can adequately apprise you BEFORE you enter into the contract. GSA Schedules are not for everyone. We don't simply have you check off boxes and fill out forms, we explain what the boxes and forms mean and how they can affect your commercial business. GSA Schedule Shops can't do that. Cohen Mohr can also help you with any compliance issues that arise after performance such as audits and OFPP reviews. We can explain the law to you, and can represent you in the case of legal action. GSA Schedule Shops can't do that.
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