GSA Offer Best Practices, Volume 1

Understanding the daunting regulations and written requirements of composing a GSA offer can be hard enough. What’s worse is there’s no consistency in the GSA’s review process. Try as they may to create an efficient approach to reviewing an offer, the GSA has actually done the opposite. 

Once submitted, your offer is assigned to a Contracting Officer for a detailed review. Among other things, they look into:

·         -Company history

·         -Technical experience

·         -Pricing structure

·         -Financial background

Every Contracting Officer has their own approach for the review. This makes it difficult for people like you to recognize the difference between the requirements and the Contracting Officer’s preference. As a vendor, you can do your part to streamline the offer process.

Submitting a clean offer can make a huge impact on your review timeline. Ensuring the documents you submit are formatted and named properly is a great place to start. The Contracting Officers won’t spend much time trying to figure out your documents – so do them a favor and clarify! Title every document and name the files accordingly.

Another way to streamline the GSA’s review is to keep it simple. Don’t give them too much information! You’re only causing yourself more headaches in the long run. The GSA wants to see that you know how to read. Keep the offer to what’s requested and nothing more.

Most importantly, make sure that you know the regulations of the offer prior to submitting. The GSA will ask you questions. They’ll expect prompt and detailed responses. Give them what they want and you’re on track to the GSA Contract number. 

Look for Volume 2 in March!

-Stephanie Gowin

For more information on GSA Schedule or assistance with your offer give us a call. 216-662-7044