The Consolidated Schedule refers to the restructured version of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) Program, which combined multiple legacy Schedules into a single, unified contract vehicle. Launched officially in October 2019 as part of GSA’s MAS Consolidation initiative, the Consolidated Schedule simplifies the federal acquisition process by providing a single contract structure for all commercial products, services, and solutions offered through the GSA Schedules program.
This transformation marks one of the most significant changes to the GSA Schedules in decades, with broad implications for federal buyers, industry partners, and the overall efficiency of government procurement.
Background and Purpose
Before the consolidation effort, GSA managed 24 separate Schedules, each covering a specific category such as IT (Schedule 70), Professional Services (Schedule 00CORP), Facilities Maintenance, Security, Travel, and others. While this approach allowed for category specialization, it also led to:
- Duplicative offerings from the same vendor across multiple contracts
- Inconsistent terms and conditions
- Complex contract management for both vendors and contracting officers
- Barriers to entry for small businesses and new market entrants
The MAS Consolidation aimed to address these challenges by creating a single Schedule with a uniform set of terms, conditions, and categories, thereby reducing complexity and improving access to the federal marketplace.
Structure of the Consolidated Schedule
The Consolidated Schedule is organized into a three-tiered structure:
- Large Categories – Broad acquisition groupings aligned with federal Category Management principles (e.g., Information Technology, Professional Services, Industrial Products and Services).
- Subcategories – More specific groupings within each Large Category (e.g., Software, IT Services, Furniture, Logistics).
- Special Item Numbers (SINs) – The most granular level, defining specific products or services that vendors can offer (e.g., SIN 54151S for IT Professional Services).
This standardized structure enables easier navigation for buyers and clearer alignment between agency needs and vendor offerings.
Key Benefits of the Consolidated Schedule
The Consolidated Schedule delivers value across multiple dimensions of federal procurement:
- Simplified Contracting
Vendors manage one contract instead of multiple Schedules, streamlining modifications, reporting, and compliance. - Increased Flexibility
Agencies can access a broader range of products and services through a single contract vehicle. - Enhanced Transparency
A standardized SIN structure makes it easier to compare offerings and conduct market research. - Improved Vendor Access
Especially for small businesses, the Consolidated Schedule lowers administrative burdens and expands market reach. - Strategic Alignment
Supports government-wide goals such as Category Management, Spend Under Management (SUM), and Best-in-Class (BIC) procurement.
Impacts on Existing Contractors
The consolidation occurred in three phases:
- Phase 1 (Fall 2019): GSA released the new Consolidated Schedule solicitation (MAS Solicitation 47QSMD20R0001) on FedBizOpps (now SAM.gov).
- Phase 2 (2020): Contractors with multiple legacy Schedules were offered the opportunity to consolidate their contracts into a single vehicle through modifications and streamlined procedures.
- Phase 3 (2020–2021): GSA completed mass modifications to align all existing contracts with the new Consolidated Schedule structure, including reassigning SINs, updating terms, and transitioning vendor records.
Contractors were not required to submit entirely new proposals; instead, they could update their contracts to align with the new SIN structure through administrative actions.
GSA Tools Supporting the Consolidated Schedule
To help both industry and government navigate the new MAS environment, GSA provides several key tools and platforms:
- GSA eLibrary – Displays updated SINs, categories, and contractor information.
- GSA Advantage! – Offers a unified search experience for products and services.
- MAS Roadmap – Guides vendors through the process of obtaining or modifying a GSA Schedule under the new structure.
- FAS Sales Reporting Portal (SRP) – Streamlines contract reporting and data collection.
- GSA Interact – Serves as a communication and feedback hub for MAS contractors and stakeholders.
Special Item Numbers (SINs) Under the Consolidated Schedule
Each SIN under the Consolidated Schedule is aligned with North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and includes:
- Descriptions of eligible products/services
- Associated labor categories or pricing structures
- FedRAMP requirements (for applicable cloud-related SINs)
- Set-aside guidance for small businesses and socio-economic programs
This structure helps buyers ensure compliance and proper scope alignment when issuing task orders or RFQs.
Conclusion
The Consolidated Schedule represents a transformational step in federal procurement modernization. By merging legacy Schedules into a single, unified vehicle, GSA has significantly improved the buying and selling experience for agencies and vendors alike. For contractors, understanding the structure and strategic benefits of the Consolidated Schedule is essential for success in the federal marketplace. For buyers, it offers a more agile, transparent, and effective way to meet mission-critical needs through pre-vetted, contract-ready solutions.
