The Startup Springboard Program is a General Services Administration (GSA) initiative designed to help innovative, emerging companies—particularly startups—gain access to the federal marketplace through the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. The Springboard pathway was introduced to lower the barriers to entry for non-traditional businesses, especially those with limited or no past federal contracting experience but with proven commercial success or innovative solutions relevant to government missions.
The program is part of GSA’s effort to modernize procurement, attract fresh technology and solutions, and foster a more diverse supplier base. By offering flexibility in traditional proposal requirements, the Startup Springboard Program empowers small and early-stage companies to compete for government contracts and contribute to federal innovation priorities.
Purpose and Background
Traditional GSA Schedule contract requirements—such as multiple years of corporate experience or established federal past performance—can make it difficult for startups to enter the public sector market. Recognizing this challenge, GSA created the Springboard Program to help early-stage companies that may not meet the typical prerequisites but offer cutting-edge commercial technologies and services.
The program specifically targets startups in sectors like information technology, cybersecurity, cloud services, data analytics, AI/ML, and health IT, where private sector innovation is advancing faster than the traditional government acquisition cycle.
The main goals of the Startup Springboard Program include:
- Encouraging non-traditional vendors and high-growth startups to participate in the MAS program
- Supporting innovation and modernization in federal agencies by expanding access to emerging technologies
- Simplifying the GSA offer process for companies with limited federal experience but strong commercial capabilities
- Promoting equitable access for small and disadvantaged businesses entering the federal space
The Startup Springboard is not a separate contract vehicle, but a flexible proposal pathway within the existing MAS solicitation structure.
Program Eligibility and Key Features
The Springboard Program offers modified documentation and evaluation standards while maintaining GSA’s commitment to compliance, value, and responsible contracting. Eligibility is not based on a company’s age or funding stage alone—it depends on the ability to meet GSA’s performance expectations through alternate forms of documentation.
Key features of the Startup Springboard Program include:
- Alternative to traditional past performance — companies may submit commercial customer references, product reviews, or partnership agreements instead of federal past performance records
- Modified experience requirement — GSA accepts founder or team member qualifications in place of multi-year corporate experience
- Flexible financial documentation — recent investment rounds, revenue history, or financial projections can supplement traditional financial statements
- Encouragement of technology-forward solutions — emphasis on companies offering products or services that address modern federal challenges
- Dedicated support from GSA — participating vendors may receive assistance from GSA’s Vendor Support Center (VSC) or acquisition workforce to navigate the proposal process
Startups are still expected to comply with MAS rules regarding pricing, Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance, and terms of sale, but the Springboard Program recognizes that their business maturity may not match legacy contractor standards.
How to Apply through the Springboard Pathway
Startups interested in the MAS program should first determine whether they are eligible under the traditional offer pathway or if the Springboard Program provides a better fit. If the latter, they can engage with GSA’s MAS Help Desk or their regional Small Business Specialist to discuss the Springboard option.
Steps for submitting a MAS offer through the Startup Springboard Program include:
- Review the MAS Solicitation (47QSMD20R0001) and relevant category attachments for SIN-specific requirements
- Prepare a tailored proposal package that aligns with Springboard allowances, such as using founder credentials in lieu of long-term corporate experience
- Gather supporting materials such as commercial client feedback, customer success stories, technical certifications, or investment documentation
- Submit your offer through the eOffer system, clearly identifying the Springboard pathway and any alternate documentation being provided
- Work with your assigned GSA Contracting Officer to address clarification requests or provide additional details during the evaluation phase
- Upon award, manage compliance and catalog uploads just like any other MAS contractor, with the same obligations for reporting, pricing, and performance
Springboard offers are still competitively evaluated, and approval is not guaranteed, but the process is designed to reduce unnecessary friction for qualified innovators.
Benefits for Startups and Government Buyers
The Startup Springboard Program benefits both sides of the federal procurement equation—new market entrants and government buyers seeking access to innovation. It creates a bridge between commercial tech ecosystems and federal acquisition, bringing fresh solutions into play.
Benefits of the Springboard Program for startups include:
- Faster access to the federal market with fewer upfront barriers
- Enhanced credibility through inclusion on the GSA Schedule, opening doors to agency customers
- Opportunity to build past performance for future federal and state/local procurements
- Positioning for growth through exposure to multi-year, multi-agency opportunities
- Ability to team with larger integrators as a small business or niche technology partner
Benefits for government buyers include:
- Access to non-traditional vendors and disruptive technologies not commonly found on legacy contract vehicles
- Faster procurement cycles through the GSA Schedule’s pre-negotiated terms and competitive pricing
- Alignment with federal innovation goals, including IT modernization, cybersecurity enhancement, and emerging technology adoption
- Greater competition and diversity in the vendor pool
Springboard-approved vendors can be found in GSA eLibrary and GSA Advantage!, and may also respond to RFQs through eBuy, just like traditional MAS contractors.
Conclusion
The GSA Startup Springboard Program is a transformative initiative that opens the door for emerging companies to succeed in the federal marketplace. By reimagining proposal requirements for innovative but inexperienced vendors, GSA is helping agencies tap into cutting-edge technologies while supporting a new generation of contractors. For startups ready to scale into the public sector, the Springboard Program provides an on-ramp to one of the government’s most widely used acquisition platforms, with long-term growth potential and meaningful mission impact.
