Why are GSA Schedules different?

GSA Schedules are not owned by any one agency and are not directed to solve the particular problems of a single agency and then, almost as an afterthought, opened for use by all agencies. GSA, in its role as a solutions provider, issues schedules and contracts for use by all agencies. The uniform Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) — paid by the vendor — applies to all sales under the schedules. (Yes, even when GSA orders under a schedule contract the IFF must be paid.) No other contract vehicle has the universal acceptance and respect that the GSA Schedules have. No federal marketing program is complete without a GSA Schedule.