Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program?
3. Eligibility Requirements
4. Benefits of the GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program
5. Fun Facts about the GSA MAS Program
6. How to submit a GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program Proposal
7. Conclusion

Introduction

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a government agency responsible for managing federal assets and overseeing procurement policies. One of the programs the GSA offers is the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, which allows government agencies to purchase goods and services from pre-approved vendors. This program is open to all businesses, including startups. However, startups may find it challenging to navigate the MAS program, which is why the GSA created the MAS Startup Springboard program. This blog post will explore the MAS Startup Springboard program, highlighting its advantages, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

What is the GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program?

The MAS Startup Springboard program is designed to help startups navigate the MAS program and win government contracts. It provides startups with various resources and support to help them succeed in the government contracting market. These resources include training and educational materials, access to GSA’s e-tools and resources, and guidance on navigating the procurement process.
The Springboard program aims to help startups accelerate their progress and secure contracts as quickly as possible. By participating in the program, startups can take advantage of GSA’s pre-approved pricing and terms and conditions, which can help them compete more effectively in the government contracting market.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the MAS Startup Springboard program, startups must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a small business: To be eligible for the program, startups must meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards for their industry. These standards vary by industry based on annual revenue and the number of employees.

Have a Universal Entity Number (UEI) number: Startups must have a UEI number to participate in the program. A UEI number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses and is required for all federal contracting.

Be registered in SAM: Startups must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to participate in the program. SAM is a database of government contractors used to verify a contractor’s eligibility for government contracts.

Submit a MAS Proposal: Startups must have a completed MAS Proposal to participate in the program. The proposal process can be lengthy and complex, but the Springboard can help make it easier.

Benefits of the GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program

There are many benefits to participating in the MAS Startup Springboard program. Some of the key benefits include:

Access to resources and support: Startups participating in the Springboard program have access to various resources and support to help them succeed in the government contracting market. These resources include training and educational materials, access to GSA’s e-tools and resources, and guidance on navigating the procurement process.

Pre-approved pricing and terms and conditions: Startups participating in the Springboard program can take advantage of GSA’s pre-approved pricing and terms and conditions, which can help them compete more effectively in the government contracting market.

Opportunity to showcase products and services: Startups participating in the Springboard program have access to GSA’s e-marketplace, where they can showcase their products and services to potential government buyers. This can help startups get noticed and win contracts more efficiently.

Increased visibility: Startups participating in the Springboard program can benefit from increased visibility in the government contracting market. By participating in the program, startups can demonstrate their commitment to doing business with the government and position themselves as reliable and trusted vendor.

Fun Facts about the GSA MAS Program

• The GSA MAS Contract Vehicle is the federal government contracting officers’ oldest, most widely used contract vehicle.
• The GSA MAS recognized as a “gateway” contract for small businesses to gain access to the federal government market.
• In 2022, the GSA MAS generated $41 Billion in contract awards, equaling 8-9% of total federal government spending with private sector companies (over 8% of the approximate $500 Billion market).
• Initial Award Period: 5 years
• Option Periods: Three (3) Potential 5-Year Options
• Possible Total of 20 Contract Years!
• Number of Firms on GSA MAS: Approximately 12,000
• Small Businesses: Approximately 8,000 small businesses representing less than 10% of small businesses that do business with the federal government
• Approval Process: Submit a Technical, Administrative, and Cost Proposal in response to the current GSA Solicitation to be evaluated by GSA

Length of Time for Approval: Three (3) – Six (6) Months

How to submit a GSA MAS Startup Springboard Program Proposal

To apply for the MAS Startup Springboard program, startups must follow these steps:

1. Review eligibility requirements: Startups should review the eligibility requirements for the program to ensure that they meet the criteria.
2. Submit a MAS Proposal: Startups must submit a MAS proposal to participate in the program. The proposal process can be lengthy and complex, but the Springboard can help make it easier. The application will require startups to provide information about their business, including financial statements, references, and past performance history.
3. Submit the GSA MAS Proposal: Once the proposal is complete, startups must submit it to GSA for review. GSA will evaluate the proposal to determine if the startup meets the eligibility requirements for the program.
4. Participate in Springboard training: If the startup is approved for the program, it will be required to participate in Springboard training. This training is designed to help startups navigate the MAS program and prepare them to compete in the government contracting market.
5. Get on the GSA eBUY: Startups participating in the Springboard program can showcase their products and services on the GSA eBUY. This can help them get noticed by potential government buyers and win contracts more easily.

Conclusion

The MAS Startup Springboard program is a valuable resource for startups wanting to do business with the government. By participating in the program, startups can take advantage of GSA’s pre-approved pricing and terms and conditions, access various resources and support, and position themselves as reliable and trusted vendor. However, startups must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application process to participate in the program. The MAS Startup Springboard program can be a game-changer for startups entering the government contracting market and should be a part of their growth strategy.