The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is one of the most important procurement tools used by federal agencies to acquire a wide range of products and services. Established by the General Services Administration (GSA), the MAS program streamlines the purchasing process, allowing government buyers to procure goods and services more efficiently by pre-negotiating contracts with vendors. These contracts provide agencies with access to fair and reasonable pricing, reducing the need for lengthy competitive bidding processes.
- Key Benefits of the GSA Schedule for Agencies
- Which Agencies Spend the Most through the GSA Schedule?
- Top Agencies by Percentage of Spending
- Trends in GSA Schedule Spending by Agency
- Who Is Eligible to Buy through the GSA Schedule?
- Conclusion: Is GSA Schedule the Right Tool for Your Agency?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Agency Spending through GSA Schedule
In fiscal year 2023, government agencies spent more than $65 billion through the GSA Schedule, underlining its critical role in federal procurement. This figure includes purchases made through both the GSA Schedule and the VA Federal Supply Schedule (VA Schedule). From IT solutions and professional services to office supplies and building maintenance, the GSA Schedule helps agencies meet their mission needs while adhering to federal procurement regulations.
GSA Schedule contracts are particularly valuable because they enable agencies to meet their procurement needs in a more cost-effective and timely manner. These contracts not only ensure compliance with federal regulations, but they also simplify the purchasing process, allowing agencies to focus on mission-critical tasks rather than procurement hurdles. For vendors, being on the GSA Schedule opens up opportunities to work with multiple agencies, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Key Benefits of the GSA Schedule for Agencies
The GSA Schedule offers federal agencies a range of benefits that streamline the procurement process and ensure compliance with federal guidelines. These benefits make the GSA Schedule an attractive option for agencies seeking efficient and cost-effective purchasing solutions.
Pre-Negotiated Pricing and Simplified Procurement
One of the standout features of the GSA Schedule is the pre-negotiated pricing. Before vendors are awarded a GSA Schedule contract, their pricing is evaluated and negotiated by GSA to ensure it is fair and reasonable. This upfront negotiation removes the need for agencies to engage in lengthy bidding processes, allowing them to procure goods and services without worrying about price disparities. As a result, federal buyers can be confident that they are getting competitive prices on the items and services they need.
Regulatory Compliance
The GSA Schedule also ensures that all purchases are in line with federal procurement regulations. Vendors on the GSA Schedule have already undergone rigorous vetting to meet standards set by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This means that agencies can use the GSA Schedule with the assurance that their purchases will adhere to all necessary legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of procurement violations and ensuring compliance.
Faster Acquisition Process
Compared to open-market procurements, the GSA Schedule offers a much faster acquisition process. With pricing and terms already pre-approved, agencies can skip the time-consuming steps involved in traditional competitive bidding, drastically reducing procurement lead times. This speed is particularly advantageous when agencies need to respond quickly to urgent needs or meet tight deadlines.
Support for Category Management
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the importance of category management, a strategy designed to streamline spending by grouping similar products and services into categories. GSA Schedule contracts support this strategy by offering Best-in-Class (BIC) solutions for various procurement categories, from IT and professional services to office supplies and security equipment. These contracts help agencies achieve cost savings and improve procurement efficiency, contributing to the government’s broader category management goals.
Which Agencies Spend the Most through the GSA Schedule?
While larger federal agencies dominate overall spending through the GSA Schedule, many smaller agencies rely on this procurement tool for a significant percentage of their total budgets. These agencies find the GSA Schedule particularly useful to streamline and optimize their procurement needs, often allocating a higher percentage of their budgets through the program compared to larger agencies. Below is a table that illustrates the percentage of total spending through the GSA/VA Schedule for smaller federal agencies in fiscal year 2023:
| Contracting Agency | % of Total Spending through GSA/VA |
| National Endowment for the Humanities | 59% |
| Federal Election Commission | 55% |
| Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled | 52% |
| National Endowment for the Arts | 49% |
| Commodity Futures Trading Commission | 48% |
| Export-Import Bank of the U.S. | 42% |
| Small Business Administration | 38% |
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | 38% |
| Merit Systems Protection Board | 38% |
| Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service | 38% |
As shown in the table, several smaller agencies, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Federal Election Commission (FEC), allocate a significant portion of their total procurement budgets to GSA Schedule contracts. The NEH, for instance, dedicates 59% of its total spending to purchases made through the GSA Schedule, which is critical for supporting its operations in areas such as IT services and professional consulting.
Similarly, the FEC, which oversees campaign finance regulations, allocated 55% of its budget to GSA Schedule spending in fiscal year 2023. This reliance on the GSA Schedule allows the FEC to efficiently acquire the technology and services needed to fulfill its regulatory mission.
Other agencies, such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), also direct a significant portion of their procurement budgets to GSA Schedule contracts, underscoring the program’s value in simplifying procurement and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. By relying heavily on the GSA Schedule, these agencies can focus their resources on achieving their strategic goals while reducing administrative burdens.
Top Agencies by Percentage of Spending
The GSA Schedule is a crucial procurement tool for many federal agencies, particularly the largest ones, which account for significant portions of overall government spending. The Department of Defense (DoD) leads in GSA Schedule spending, with over $5.7 billion in fiscal year 2023. The DoD’s extensive use of the GSA Schedule reflects the complexity and scale of its procurement needs, which range from IT services and infrastructure to logistics and professional services.
Following the DoD, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also rank among the top spenders, with expenditures of $4.1 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively. These agencies rely heavily on the GSA Schedule for healthcare services, medical supplies, and IT solutions.
Other major federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of the Treasury, also utilize the GSA Schedule for a substantial portion of their procurement. These agencies benefit from the efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance offered by GSA Schedule contracts. The table below shows the top federal agencies by total spending through the GSA Schedule in fiscal year 2023:
| Contracting Agency | Awards through GSA/VA Schedule |
| DEPT OF DEFENSE | $5,748,828,066 |
| HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF | $4,120,119,768 |
| VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF | $2,698,336,052 |
| HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF | $1,994,585,449 |
| GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION | $1,734,664,307 |
| TREASURY, DEPARTMENT OF THE | $864,003,966 |
| INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE | $800,395,882 |
| JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF | $787,779,616 |
| AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF | $765,314,563 |
| ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF | $647,098,686 |
| COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF | $498,070,573 |
| AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT | $371,166,508 |
| LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF | $256,214,247 |
| SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION | $178,787,594 |
| TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF | $171,774,893 |
| STATE, DEPARTMENT OF | $171,432,913 |
| SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | $145,907,870 |
| NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION | $129,491,204 |
| HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF | $118,677,883 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY | $105,744,287 |
| NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION | $82,144,449 |
| EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF | $63,037,968 |
| CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU | $56,534,808 |
| NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION | $55,663,098 |
| COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION | $41,579,348 |
| OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT | $34,536,151 |
| PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION | $33,205,332 |
| FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION | $29,596,121 |
| SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | $27,603,383 |
| PEACE CORPS | $26,575,689 |
| UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA, BBG | $24,847,909 |
| EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE U.S. | $20,875,517 |
| EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION | $17,365,647 |
| NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION | $15,477,374 |
| SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION | $13,734,331 |
| CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE | $13,490,724 |
| RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD | $12,894,929 |
| UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION | $11,898,750 |
| FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION | $10,829,004 |
| CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION | $10,573,165 |
| FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | $9,711,785 |
| GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE | $8,730,967 |
| MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION | $7,539,003 |
| EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT | $7,043,817 |
| INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION: U.S.-MEXICO | $7,027,395 |
| NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD | $6,766,966 |
| NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART | $5,696,132 |
| COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY | $4,568,350 |
| THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES | $3,655,073 |
| INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION, UNITED STATES | $3,653,804 |
| FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE | $2,980,556 |
| NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS | $2,341,567 |
| COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED | $2,118,196 |
| MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD | $1,864,745 |
| NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD | $1,156,089 |
| DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD | $1,122,443 |
| CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD | $844,261 |
| UNITED STATES TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY | $664,092 |
| FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY | $499,026 |
| NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES | $389,537 |
| FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION | $288,563 |
System for Award Management (SAM)/Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). The data is based on contract award information reported by federal agencies and does not include contract awards valued under $10,000.
As demonstrated in the table, the Department of Defense (DoD) leads the way in GSA Schedule spending with over $5.7 billion in fiscal year 2023. This significant expenditure can be attributed to the sheer size and complexity of the DoD’s procurement needs, which include everything from IT solutions and professional services to large-scale infrastructure and logistics. The GSA Schedule allows the DoD to streamline its procurement process, ensuring it can acquire mission-critical supplies and services quickly and efficiently.
Following the DoD, agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are also major users of the GSA Schedule, with $4.1 billion and $2.7 billion in spending, respectively. These agencies rely on the GSA Schedule to meet their ongoing needs for healthcare services, medical supplies, and IT infrastructure. The VA, in particular, uses the VA Federal Supply Schedule to support the healthcare requirements of veterans nationwide.
Other prominent agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the General Services Administration (GSA), also allocate substantial budgets to GSA Schedule contracts. For instance, DHS, with nearly $2 billion in spending, uses the GSA Schedule to acquire security solutions, emergency services, and other critical resources needed for national security and disaster response.
These trends demonstrate that larger federal agencies with complex and high-volume procurement needs are among the biggest spenders through the GSA Schedule. They rely on the GSA Schedule for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that their procurement processes support their mission objectives effectively.
Trends in GSA Schedule Spending by Agency
The GSA Schedule continues to evolve as federal agencies adapt to changing priorities and emerging needs. In recent years, there have been notable shifts in spending categories, with increased focus on IT services, cybersecurity, and professional services. These changes reflect the federal government’s growing reliance on technology and expertise to address complex challenges and enhance operational efficiency.
Category Shifts: Growth in IT and Professional Services
One of the most significant trends in GSA Schedule spending is the increased demand for IT services. As federal agencies modernize their infrastructure and enhance their cybersecurity measures, IT-related spending has surged. From cloud computing and data management to software development and cybersecurity, agencies are turning to the GSA Schedule to procure cutting-edge IT solutions that help them stay ahead of technological advances and protect sensitive government data.
Professional services, which include consulting, legal support, and financial management, are another category seeing increased spending through the GSA Schedule. The need for expert guidance on regulatory compliance, project management, and specialized areas, like financial auditing, has driven many agencies to allocate more of their budgets to acquiring professional services. This trend is particularly noticeable in agencies that require specialized knowledge to navigate complex regulations, such as the Department of Treasury and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Cross-Agency Spending: Focus on Homeland Security and Energy
Certain departments, like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE), have increased their spending through the GSA Schedule as they prioritize specific mission-critical objectives. The DHS, responsible for national security and disaster response, has heavily invested in security technologies, emergency response services, and infrastructure protection through GSA contracts. This focus on rapid response and security solutions reflects the agency’s need to stay agile in the face of evolving threats.
Similarly, the Department of Energy has been leveraging the GSA Schedule for projects related to energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy. As the federal government moves towards meeting its sustainability goals, the DOE has turned to the GSA Schedule for acquiring advanced technologies and solutions that support clean energy initiatives and enhance energy security.
Other cross-agency trends include the growing use of the GSA Schedule by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to meet healthcare and medical needs. Both agencies are increasingly relying on the GSA Schedule to procure medical equipment, telehealth technologies, and related services, particularly in response to growing healthcare demands across the country.
Future Outlook
As the federal government continues to emphasize modernization, cybersecurity, and sustainability, we can expect further shifts in GSA Schedule spending. Categories such as artificial intelligence, cloud solutions, and green energy technologies are likely to see continued growth, as agencies look for innovative ways to improve their operations and meet future challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Buy through the GSA Schedule?
The GSA Schedule is a versatile procurement tool used by a wide range of eligible buyers across different levels of government and authorized organizations. While federal agencies are the primary users of the GSA Schedule, several other entities are also eligible to make purchases through this streamlined contract vehicle.
Federal Agencies
All federal government agencies, including both civilian and military departments, are eligible to use the GSA Schedule to procure products and services. These agencies rely on the GSA Schedule for everything from IT solutions and office supplies to professional services and security equipment. By using the GSA Schedule, federal agencies benefit from pre-negotiated pricing and streamlined procurement processes that help them meet their mission needs efficiently.
State and Local Governments
Under specific programs, state and local governments are also authorized to use the GSA Schedule. Through the Cooperative Purchasing Program, state and local governments can purchase IT products and services and security solutions that are available under GSA Schedule contracts. This program has proven particularly useful for municipalities and states looking to enhance their IT infrastructure and strengthen their security capabilities. Additionally, during times of disaster or various emergencies, state and local governments can utilize the GSA Schedule under the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program, allowing them to quickly procure critical supplies and services needed for response and recovery efforts.
Authorized Organizations
Several non-governmental organizations and entities are also eligible to purchase through the GSA Schedule. Notable examples include organizations like the American National Red Cross, as well as other non-profits and tribal organizations. These authorized entities use the GSA Schedule to access competitively priced goods and services that support their operational goals and public missions.
The flexibility of the GSA Schedule, combined with its broad eligibility criteria, makes it a powerful procurement tool not only for federal agencies but also for a diverse range of government and non-government organizations. This wide accessibility ensures that these entities can benefit from the cost savings and efficiency that the GSA Schedule offers.
Conclusion: Is GSA Schedule the Right Tool for Your Agency?
The GSA Schedule offers a streamlined, efficient, and compliant way for federal, state, and local agencies to procure the goods and services they need. With pre-negotiated pricing, adherence to federal regulations, and reduced acquisition times, the GSA Schedule ensures that agencies can focus on their missions without being bogged down by lengthy procurement processes. From IT solutions and professional services to emergency supplies, the GSA Schedule provides agencies with the tools to meet their needs while optimizing procurement efficiency.
For agencies and vendors looking to maximize their success in the federal marketplace, the GSA Schedule is an invaluable resource. At Price Reporter, we specialize in helping vendors navigate the complexities of the GSA Schedule, offering consulting services and tailored solutions to ensure contract compliance and growth in the government sector. With over 1,000 GSA contracts procured and maintained, Price Reporter has a proven track record of delivering success for our clients. To explore how the GSA Schedule can benefit your agency or business, reach out to us for a consultation at 201.567.6646 or email us at salesteam@pricereporter.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Agency Spending through GSA Schedule
What is the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)?
The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is a federal procurement program that allows government agencies to buy goods and services from pre-approved vendors at pre-negotiated prices. It streamlines the procurement process by removing the need for lengthy competitive bidding, making it easier for agencies to acquire what they need efficiently. Vendors who are awarded a GSA Schedule contract can sell their products and services to multiple agencies, creating a wide-reaching marketplace.
Which agencies spend the most through the GSA Schedule?
Large agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are the top spenders through the GSA Schedule. These agencies rely on the program for major procurement needs, such as IT solutions, medical supplies, and professional services. Their complex missions and large-scale operations drive high levels of spending through the GSA Schedule.
Can state and local governments purchase through the GSA Schedule?
Yes, state and local governments can purchase through the GSA Schedule under specific programs. Through the Cooperative Purchasing Program, they can buy IT and security solutions, and the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program allows them to procure essential goods and services during emergencies. This flexibility helps state and local governments meet their operational needs efficiently, especially in times of crisis.
Why do smaller agencies use the GSA Schedule for a large percentage of their spending?
Smaller agencies often rely on the GSA Schedule because it simplifies procurement and ensures compliance with federal regulations. Agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) use the GSA Schedule to fulfill a significant portion of their procurement needs, allowing them to focus on their missions without the administrative burden of traditional procurement methods. The GSA Schedule’s efficiency and pre-negotiated pricing make it a practical solution for these agencies.
How can vendors benefit from being on the GSA Schedule?
Vendors who secure a GSA Schedule contract gain access to a vast federal marketplace, with the opportunity to sell to multiple government agencies. The pre-negotiated pricing and streamlined contracting process make it easier for vendors to conduct business with the government. Additionally, vendors can benefit from increased visibility, as government buyers often prioritize GSA-approved vendors due to the program’s compliance with federal procurement regulations.
