Watch the Deep Dive of this post

Beyond Products: Understanding Construction Services on Your GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract

The General Services Administration (GSA) is widely recognized as the primary vehicle for federal agencies to quickly acquire commercial products and non-complex services. However, the operational needs of federal facilities are vast, requiring constant maintenance, repair, and minor alterations. To address this persistent requirement, the GSA has incorporated specific mechanisms to allow construction-related services onto the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), creating a critical, albeit nuanced, path for federal procurement.

The Power of the GSA MAS Framework

To appreciate how construction fits in, one must first grasp the structure of the GSA MAS, often called the Federal Supply Schedule.

The MAS functions as an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. These contracts typically cover a five-year base period with three five-year option periods, potentially lasting up to 20 years. Because these contracts feature pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and conditions, they significantly streamline the federal procurement process. Government buyers can purchase directly from GSA contractors, reducing the need for lengthy Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and extensive price negotiations.

The entire schedule is organized into specific functional designations called Special Item Numbers (SINs).

Strategically Including Minor Construction Work

While major construction projects (like building a new federal facility) are traditionally handled through large, standalone contracts managed by the GSA Public Buildings Service (PBS), the day-to-day operation of existing facilities demands quick access to lower-dollar, recurring services.

The GSA strategically incorporated specific SINs under the Facilities Large Category to address this need, allowing agencies to quickly acquire small-scale construction-related services that adhere to strict criteria.

Key Construction-Related Special Item Numbers (SINs)

The construction work permitted on the GSA Schedule is always limited in scope and cost.

1. SIN 238910: Installation and Site Preparation Services This designation covers services necessary for the installation, modification, or repair of products that are already sold under a GSA contract. This can include services like carpet laying, minor electrical wiring, plumbing, or drywall work required to make a scheduled product (like new office furniture) operational.
2. SIN ANCRA: Ancillary Repair and Alterations This is often the most versatile construction SIN on the MAS. It specifically allows for ancillary repair and alteration (R&A) services, but only when they are necessary and incidental to a larger, non-construction purchase already on the MAS. For example, if an agency buys a new IT or security system, the minor construction required to install the accompanying infrastructure—such as cutting holes in walls or pouring a small concrete pad—would fall under this category.
3. SIN 238160: Roofing Products and Services Solutions This SIN explicitly allows for the acquisition of both roofing products and the associated labor for roof repair, restoration, and replacement of existing structures.

Why Federal Agencies Prefer the MAS for Minor Projects

The integration of these services offers critical advantages for government procurement officers:

• Speed and Efficiency: Utilizing the MAS for minor repairs and small-scale projects is dramatically faster than initiating a standard, lengthy competitive bidding process for a traditional construction contract. This allows agencies to address urgent maintenance issues quickly.
• Regulatory Compliance: Since MAS contracts are pre-vetted by the GSA, they already ensure compliance with major federal acquisition regulations, simplifying the procurement officer’s job.
• Single-Source Solution: Agencies gain the ability to use one contract to acquire both the necessary products (e.g., HVAC units or security components) and the incidental services (site preparation or minor alteration) required for completion.

The Strict Limitations: What the MAS Cannot Do

It is crucial to stress that the GSA MAS is strictly not a vehicle for major construction.

The following projects are strictly prohibited from being ordered under the MAS:

1. Major Construction: Building a new facility or performing major renovations that significantly alter the building’s footprint or function.
2. Exceeding the SAT: Any construction work where the R&A component exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), currently set at $250,000.
3. Standalone Projects: The construction-related work must always be ancillary or incidental to a larger MAS purchase. A contractor cannot simply bid on a standalone demolition or repair job without an associated product or service from their schedule.

In summary, the GSA’s decision to include construction-related services onto the Multiple Award Schedule is a pragmatic step designed to enhance efficiency. It simplifies the acquisition of the minor, ancillary, and recurring maintenance and repair services essential to the daily operation of government facilities.

Tags GSA, Multiple Award Schedule, MAS, Federal Contracts, Government Construction, SINs, Ancillary Repair and Alterations, Simplified Acquisition Threshold, IDIQ, Federal Procurement, Facilities Management, marketus