Obtaining a GSA certification is not ideal for every business. You must have come across the information about GSA Schedule Program and you think getting into the program will make your business fall in an advantageous position. It is not as simple as you think, so we recommend you to do thorough research before opting for the GSA certification.
In order to qualify and acquire GSA contracts, businesses must have at least two years of experience. The track record of a business has to be strong enough to be convincing. A company needs to meet all the financial and legal requirements as well.
In fact, you need to measure whether your products and services are meant for the federal market and agencies. For that reason, you need to evaluate the federal government’s demand for your products and services.
So as you can understand, the willingness to do business in the federal market is not enough. You need to understand if your company is suitable for government contracting.
Don’t get it wrong, you can participate in government contracting bids without a GSA schedule as well. Sometimes, some companies participate in the GSA Schedule program to secure government contract opportunities. It is because going through a contracting vehicle makes it easier for federal contractors or businesses to acquire government contracts.
Is a GSA federal supply schedule contract right for everyone?
Many businesses and contractors visit Procurement Technical Assistance Centers with the interest of getting GSA contracts.
However, before diving into the GSA business owners need to make sure it is right for their business. In many cases, the answer is no cause it is not meant for every business owner. Your local procurement specialist can help access your business relative to GSA purchasing practices, readiness, and pricing structure. This will help you determine the appropriate schedule for your company. It is important to evaluate because there may be several factors in your business which is not suitable for GSA Schedule.
So decide before you opt for getting GSA contracts. If you see that your business does not meet the requirements then you can take some time and prepare for getting a GSA schedule certification to get into the program and get contracts.
Should You Get a GSA Schedule?
The GSA Schedule program is a valuable tool to get GSA contracts and expand government sales. As we have discussed your company needs to have certain factors that meet all the requirements of the program, certification, and contracts. We have mentioned and explained the factors that a business should have. You also need to make sure that the situation is ideal for you to get a GSA schedule. So keep reading…
Customers requesting you get a GSA Schedule
If your business has already made positive contributions in the market and has developed good relationships with federal customers then you can opt for the certification. If you see that the federal customers are suggesting you or requesting you to get a GSA schedule certification to get into the program then it can be the right decision to get into GSA.
You cannot neglect the requests of your customers as matching their preferences with your business will help you generate more federal sales. So make decisions that meet your customers’ demands to make your business proficient.
Experience selling to the government agencies
One of the most basic requirements of the GSA schedule program is that the companies need to have at least two years of experience. Without that, companies cannot be eligible for GSA certification and the program. If you have already entered the federal market and gathered some valuable practical experience in dealing with the government agencies then you can apply for obtaining GSA certification. Having experience in the federal market gives a validation point to the federal agencies that buy your products or services. The government and the federal agencies cannot bear the risk of doing business with an amateur company with no experience. So gathering at least two years of experience will help you get into the GSA program after acquiring certification.
Competitors have a GSA Schedule certification
As you got to know that you must have some experience in dealing with the federal agencies. So if you already have that experience but you see most of your competitors are having a GSA schedule certification and got in the program then you should do the same. It will help you to keep up with your competitors in the federal market. Your business must have the potential to compete with the competitors in the market and stand out among others. If you don’t do so then you will see that all your competitors are availing all the advantages and moving ahead and your business is remaining in the same position.
Market research is supporting GSA Schedule sales
After conducting thorough market research if you figure out that the research reports are showing a necessity to obtain a GSA schedule contract then you must consider that. After all, you need to be with the market demands and trends to catch the new waves of opportunity. That is why we have been saying that conducting various kinds of research and proper evaluation will help you decide whether your business should be in the GSA schedule program or not. You must take the necessary steps depending on the market research report. So we recommend you learn more about the government market and conduct proper research to make the right decisions.
If your company is getting started in the government market and does not have enough employees with government sales experience, then getting a GSA schedule may not be the best step for your business.
Conclusion
Simply following blindly what others are doing may get you in trouble. You need to reach a conclusion that will be right for your business. Yes, the GSA schedule program and certification will help you in acquiring government contracts easily but you need to make sure that your business is suitable for the program and certification at the moment. So make your decisions carefully to keep your business out of uncertainty.
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