Some ordering offices are issuing GSA Schedule BPAs for millions of dollars. Is there a dollar amount too large for GSA Schedule BPA procedures? Is there a limit on the dollar value of an order placed against a BPA?

There is no limitation on the total dollar value of a GSA Schedule BPA. In addition, with the elimination of maximum order limitations and the implementation of maximum order thresholds, contractors may now accept “any size” order, including any size order under a BPA. In accordance with FAR 8.404, in addition to seeking price reductions…

Are MAS/BPAs being used in place of the IDIQ government-wide acquisition contracts like Desktop V, with decentralized ordering by several agencies?

A BPA should not be used to establish a government-wide IDIQ. Multiple agencies may, however, consolidate their requirements in an effort to obtain better discounts under a Schedule BPA. To assure they obtain the best value the BPA should reflect the consolidated requirements of all users, and include an estimated quantity. If a BPA is…

Can agencies join together to establish GSA Schedule BPAs?

Yes. Multiple agencies may combine their requirements in an effort to obtain better discounts under a Cooperative GSA Schedule BPA. Agencies should consolidate their requirements before the Cooperative GSA Schedule BPA is established. In order to ensure that the “best value” is obtained under the BPA, the Cooperative GSA Schedule BPA should reflect the consolidated…

Would GSA be willing to negotiate less than the 3/4 percent industrial funding fee for MAS/BPAs?

GSA recovers a 0.75% industrial funding fee for all orders placed under multiple award schedule contracts, including blanket purchase agreements. GSA must recover this fee on orders placed with FSS schedules, because, in 1995 Congress started phasing out appropriations so the agency can be self supporting. The 0.75% fee covers the spectrum of administrative costs…

In establishing a GSA Schedule BPA is there a requirement to solicit more than one source, or can the BPA be negotiated with one specific GSA Schedule contractor?

When establishing a BPA, an ordering office must first follow the Ordering Procedures For Services (Requiring A Statement of Work) or the Ordering Procedures For Services And Products Not Requiring A Statement Of Work in FAR 8.404. The net result of following these ordering procedures is that for a requirement exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, an…

When we establish a BPA is there a requirement to solicit more than one source or can we negotiate with one specific vendor?

When establishing a BPA the customer must follow the ordering procedures in FAR 8.404, which state, for orders above $2500 the customer must review 3 price lists or use GSA Advantage and make a best value selection. Once this selection process is completed and the BPA is established orders are simply placed against the BPA…

What cost or pricing information does GSA require to establish a GSA Schedule contract? If cost or pricing information is used as the basis for award of a GSA Schedule contract, do ordering offices need this information to establish GSA Schedule BPAs?

GSA evaluates GSA Schedule offers in accordance with procedures in the FAR and the General Services Administration Acquisition Manual (GSAM). GSA Contracting Officers determine that prices are fair and reasonable, prior to the award of a GSA Schedule contract, by comparing the prices or discounts that a company offers the government with the prices or…

What cost and pricing information do you require to establish a Federal Supply Schedule contract? If cost and pricing data is used as a basis for award of an FSS contract, do we need this information to establish a MAS/BPA?

The evaluation of an MAS offer is in accordance with FAR and GSAR procedures. Those regulations specify under what circumstances cost and pricing data is required. The GSA Contracting Officer has evaluated the Multiple Award Schedule offer prior to award, and determined the prices to be fair and reasonable. This determination is partially based upon…