GSA Contractor Assessment is the formal process through which the General Services Administration evaluates the performance, compliance, and contract management practices of vendors holding a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. The assessment is typically conducted by an Industrial Operations Analyst (IOA) and is designed to ensure that the contractor is meeting all obligations under the MAS program.
Contractor assessments help GSA maintain the integrity of the MAS program by verifying that vendors are operating in accordance with federal regulations, contract terms, pricing guidelines, and administrative requirements. The results of these assessments influence contract standing, renewal eligibility, and the contractor’s long-term ability to compete in the federal marketplace.
Purpose and Importance of Contractor Assessments
The purpose of a GSA contractor assessment is to protect the interests of government buyers and taxpayers by ensuring that all vendors on Schedule contracts are:
- Fulfilling contractual responsibilities
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date catalogs
- Reporting sales correctly and paying the required Industrial Funding Fee (IFF)
- Complying with applicable laws such as the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and the Price Reductions Clause (PRC)
- Providing timely delivery and quality service to agency customers
Unlike audits conducted by other oversight bodies (such as the Office of Inspector General), contractor assessments are not punitive. Rather, they are intended to identify risks, provide feedback, and support continuous improvement among Schedule holders.
Assessments are typically conducted every 1–3 years depending on contract activity, sales volume, and prior performance. Contractors may also be selected for assessment following significant contract modifications or as part of pre-extension reviews.
What the Assessment Covers
A GSA Contractor Assessment is wide-ranging and can include both documentation review and interviews with personnel. It usually focuses on a defined review period and requires contractors to provide supporting evidence for their reported sales, contract use, and business practices.
The assessment commonly includes the following areas:
- Sales reporting accuracy — verifying that quarterly GSA sales were reported properly and IFF payments were submitted on time
- Catalog compliance — ensuring that products, services, and pricing on GSA Advantage! and other platforms match the awarded contract
- Price reasonableness and discounting practices — confirming that the government received the correct pricing, especially if the Price Reductions Clause applies
- TAA compliance — verifying the Country of Origin for offered products and confirming that non-compliant items have not been sold
- Order documentation and invoicing — checking that government orders are properly documented and invoiced according to Schedule terms
- Contract modification history — reviewing that all changes to the contract were processed correctly through eMod
- Use of contract number and branding — assessing whether the contractor correctly references their GSA contract in communications and listings
The IOA will also evaluate whether the contractor has internal controls in place to manage the contract and whether key staff are familiar with compliance obligations.
Preparing for a GSA Contractor Assessment
Contractors are notified in advance of the assessment and are expected to cooperate fully by providing access to records, responding to questions, and participating in the review process. Preparation is key to a successful outcome, and contractors who maintain good internal documentation and regularly monitor their compliance tend to perform well.
Steps contractors can take to prepare include:
- Organize contract files and sales records for the review period, including detailed invoices, order confirmations, and payment history
- Ensure sales reporting and IFF payments are current and match what is documented internally
- Cross-check GSA Advantage! listings with the awarded contract to confirm accuracy in pricing, descriptions, and availability
- Gather supporting documentation for commercial price lists, discount policies, and CSP disclosures (if applicable)
- Prepare personnel who may be interviewed during the assessment, ensuring they understand contract requirements
- Review prior assessment results and verify that any findings have been addressed and corrected
During the assessment, it is important to be responsive, transparent, and collaborative with the IOA. Follow-up requests and clarification questions are common and should be handled promptly.
Results and Outcomes
After completing the assessment, the IOA will issue a written report summarizing their findings. This may include observations, recommendations, and formal compliance notes. In some cases, corrective actions may be required—especially if issues such as misreporting of sales, use of non-compliant products, or significant catalog discrepancies are identified.
The assessment report becomes part of the contractor’s official GSA record and may be reviewed during future contract extensions, modifications, or performance evaluations. Repeated non-compliance or failure to respond to assessment results can jeopardize the contractor’s standing on the Schedule.
However, contractors that demonstrate strong administrative controls and a willingness to improve are often viewed favorably by GSA and may be considered low risk in future interactions.
Conclusion
GSA Contractor Assessment is a vital component of contract oversight, designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and performance within the MAS program. It provides contractors with an opportunity to verify their compliance, correct any deficiencies, and strengthen their position in the federal marketplace. By treating the assessment as a routine and strategic process—not just a one-time event—contractors can build a foundation for long-term success and continued growth on the GSA Schedule.
