Are You Ready for the GSA Schedule Application?

The GSA Schedule application is far from simple. What many businesses don’t realize when they start researching GSA Schedules is that it’s not just a form you fill out and then you’re good to go. Unfortunately, like many things with the government, it’s just not that easy.

A GSA Schedule application is a long, tedious process, but it can be extremely beneficial for your company if executed correctly. The key here, however, is that your application has to be exactly correct the first time, because one small mistake can lead to huge setbacks.

On average, a GSA Schedule application can take your team up to 70 hours to complete. Working your way through all the paperwork on top of running your business can take a great deal of time. Without expert help, the application process can take your business more than a month to complete.

Once you submit your application, your fate as a GSA Schedule holder is then in the hands of the GSA. Your application will be put in line to be reviewed based on when it was received, and there’s no limit for how long that can take. With this waiting period out of your control, it’s best to start as early as possible.

However, going it alone also puts you at a higher risk for mistakes. When you submit your application to the GSA and it’s your turn to be reviewed, any kind of mistake can cause them to send the application back. You’ll be responsible for correcting the mistake, and when your application is returned you will be placed at the bottom of the pile for review. This process could go on in circles until all mistakes are fixed, and it only prolongs the time that you could be selling to federal agencies with a contract.

A major factor for your business that can be a game changer is working with government contracting experts. They’ll know how to avoid easy mistakes and be able to take the bulk of the work off of your team to help the process move quicker and more efficiently. At GCS, our team of experts are the right choice to help your business successfully complete a GSA Schedule application. We’ll make sure you fully understand the process while completing the majority of the application to be sure it’s accepted the first time.

What Does Your Business Need to Complete a GSA Schedule Application?

If you’re interested in applying for a GSA Schedule, a good place to start is to make sure you qualify. Believe it or not, not every business is applicable for a GSA Schedule. The basic standards are:

• Stable financially
• At least two years old
• Providing commercially available products
• Compliant with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA)

If you have these factors nailed down, the next step is to make sure you and your business are ready to begin the GSA Schedule application process. It’s good to ask yourself if you have the time to dedicate towards the application, and if you have team members who would be able to assist you and take chunks of their time to complete the application.

Even with expert help, the application can still take 10 to 18 hours, and if it’s a busy time at your business, it might not be a good time to take on something that has little room for error.

When you’re considering how much time and manpower you have at your disposal, keep in mind that the GSA Schedule application does not run light on what it asks of you. Each schedule is different, but on average an application will require you to provide up to 300 pieces of information about your business. The GSA puts prospective businesses through an extreme vetting process in order to provide federal agencies with the best vendors possible that are guaranteed to deliver what they need to keep their offices running smoothly. This makes the selling process easier on both ends, but reinforces the gravity that the application carries.

With expert help from our team at GCS, you won’t have to carry all the weight of the GSA Schedule application. We’ll help you complete the process with minimal stress on your end, and ensure that your application is submitted with no mistakes.

Having GCS on your side can also take care of making sure you’re compliant with the different regulations that the GSA has in place. The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) requires that all products sold through GSA Schedules are made in either the United States or designated countries. If you obtain materials from outside the U.S., making sure you’re TAA compliant is imperative to having your application approved, and GCS can make sure you have all the proper documentation in place.

The GSA Schedule application can be difficult, but with the right help you can navigate the process with ease. GSA Schedules can be the boost your business needs to find success, and completing the GSA Schedule application is the first hurdle for many. A good understanding of what’s expected from you will help you start of on the right foot.