What is FASt Lane?

For technology companies looking to enter the federal market, obtaining a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is often a critical first step. A GSA MAS contract serves as a powerful vehicle that allows IT vendors to offer products and services directly to government agencies under pre-negotiated terms and prices. With billions of dollars in annual sales flowing through MAS contracts, holding one can significantly enhance a company’s credibility, visibility, and revenue potential in the public sector.

• What is the GSA FASt Lane Program?
• Benefits of the FASt Lane Program
• Who Qualifies for FASt Lane?
• How to Apply to FASt Lane
• Required Documentation
• Best Practices for Success in FASt Lane: Insights from Price Reporter
• Conclusion
• FASt Lane Program: Frequently Asked Questions

However, securing a GSA Schedule is not a fast or simple process. Standard timelines for new contract awards typically range from four to six months, while modifications to existing contracts can take several weeks or more. For companies pursuing time-sensitive opportunities, and those aiming to respond quickly to changing government needs, these delays can mean missed contracts and lost revenue.

That’s where the GSA’s FASt Lane program comes in. Designed to streamline the acquisition process specifically for IT vendors, FASt Lane offers a faster path to contract awards and modifications, helping companies bring innovative technology solutions to government customers more quickly and efficiently.

What is the GSA FASt Lane Program?

The GSA FASt Lane Program is a government initiative designed to accelerate the processing of GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts and modifications for vendors in the Information Technology (IT) sector. By streamlining internal reviews and prioritizing eligible submissions, the program significantly reduces the time it takes for companies to enter the federal market as well as update their existing contracts.

The primary goal of FASt Lane is to give government agencies faster access to emerging technologies and innovative IT solutions. Whether you’re submitting a new MAS offer or modifying an existing contract, FASt Lane is intended to cut through delays and move your request through GSA’s system more efficiently.

It’s important to note that FASt Lane is limited to the Information Technology Large Category under the GSA MAS Program. This category includes a broad range of IT hardware, software, services, and telecommunications offerings; however, vendors outside this category are not eligible for the program.

Benefits of the FASt Lane Program

The FASt Lane Program offers several key advantages for IT vendors seeking to do business with the federal government; speed being the chief among them. Under normal circumstances, it can take anywhere from four to six months for a new GSA MAS offer to be reviewed and awarded. For contract modifications, vendors often wait 45 to 60 days for approval.

FASt Lane dramatically shortens these timelines. New offers submitted through the program may be processed in as little as 45 days, while eligible contract modifications, such as adding new IT services or products, can be approved in as little as 2 days. This allows vendors to respond quickly to federal opportunities and customer needs without being delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks.

For government buyers, the benefit is equally clear: faster access to cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. For vendors, it means a significant boost in agility, responsiveness, and competitiveness in the federal marketplace.

Processing Time Comparison

Action Type	Standard Time Frame	FASt Lane Goal
New Offer	4–6 months	As little as 45 days
Contract Modification	45–60 days	As little as 2 days

By accelerating the contracting process, FASt Lane helps IT companies seize short-term opportunities, meet agency deadlines, and maintain a strategic edge in one of the world’s largest and most competitive procurement environments.

Who Qualifies for FASt Lane?

Not every company is eligible to participate in the FASt Lane Program; its use is specifically limited to vendors operating within the Information Technology Large Category under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule. This category includes offerings such as IT hardware, software, cybersecurity solutions, telecommunications, and IT professional services.

To qualify for FASt Lane, a company must meet the following criteria:

• Offer IT solutions under the Information Technology Large Category only. The program does not extend to other MAS categories.
• Be assigned to a Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist from the ITC (Information Technology Category). This ensures the submission is routed through the appropriate, FASt Lane-enabled channels.
• Be associated with a GSA-approved initiative that qualifies for FASt Lane processing. These initiatives are identified by GSA based on federal agency demand and are subject to change.

Current examples of FASt Lane-eligible initiatives include:

• 2nd Generation IT (2GIT) BPA awardees
• Defense Health Agency (DHA) Enterprise IT Services
• Other agency-driven IT initiatives, when a federal ordering agency submits a formal written request asking a vendor to participate in FASt Lane to support mission-critical technology needs

If your company falls under one of these categories or has received an agency endorsement for FASt Lane, you may be able to leverage this fast-track opportunity to gain or modify your GSA contract more efficiently.

How to Apply to FASt Lane

If your company qualifies for the FASt Lane Program, the application process is relatively straightforward—but attention to detail and responsiveness are critical for success.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to apply:

1. Prepare a complete and accurate submission package. This includes all documents required by the MAS solicitation, such as technical narratives, pricing information, and compliance forms. Make sure your submission aligns strictly with the Information Technology Large Category requirements.
2. Include the FASt Lane Eligibility Checklist. This document is essential and confirms that your offer or modification qualifies for FASt Lane processing. The checklist must be filled out accurately and submitted as part of your eOffer (for new contracts) or eMod (for modifications).
3. Attach a written request from a federal agency (if applicable). If a government agency is requesting that you participate in FASt Lane to meet a specific IT need, be sure to include their formal letter or email as part of your submission. This can help prioritize your request.
4. Respond promptly to any GSA inquiries. FASt Lane participants are expected to reply to questions or requests from their GSA Contracting Officer within 24 hours. Failure to respond in a timely manner may result in your submission being removed from the FASt Lane process.
5. Submit your package through the correct GSA system.
   • Use eOffer for new MAS contract submissions.
   • Use eMod for modifications to existing contracts.
     Ensure all supporting documentation and eligibility confirmations are uploaded in full at the time of submission.

By following these steps and maintaining close communication with your assigned GSA Contracting Officer, your company can significantly accelerate the contract approval timeline and gain a valuable competitive edge.

Required Documentation

Submitting a well-prepared and complete documentation package is essential to benefit from the expedited processing offered by the FASt Lane Program. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may cause delays or disqualification from the program.

Here are the core documents required for a FASt Lane submission:

• FASt Lane Eligibility Checklist. This checklist confirms your eligibility and must be included in every eOffer or eMod submission. It outlines the criteria met by your company and ensures your request is correctly routed for fast-track processing.
• Supporting documentation for IT SINs. Provide detailed descriptions and proof of compliance for the Special Item Numbers (SINs) you are proposing or modifying. Only SINs under the IT Large Category are eligible, so ensure you’re referencing the correct and current SIN structure.
• Price Proposal Template (PPT). A complete and accurate pricing file that includes all required information such as commercial sales practices, proposed discounts, and fair and reasonable pricing justification.
• Technical evaluation documentation (if applicable). For certain SINs—such as those related to Cloud Computing (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)—a technical review is required before submitting through eMod. You may need to provide:
  • Detailed technical responses
  • Past performance data
  • Security or compliance certifications

Submitting clear, well-organized documentation not only helps GSA process your request faster; it also demonstrates your company’s readiness to operate in the federal space. FASt Lane applicants should take extra care to ensure that all forms, files, and supporting evidence are complete, up to date, and tailored to the relevant solicitation requirements.

Best Practices for Success in FASt Lane: Insights from Price Reporter

While the FASt Lane Program offers significant time-saving advantages, those benefits can only be realized if vendors approach the process with preparation, discipline, and responsiveness. Below are several best practices that can help ensure a smooth and successful experience:

• Establish early communication with your assigned GSA Contracting Officer. Building a proactive relationship with your Contracting Officer or Specialist is essential. They are your main point of contact throughout the review process and can help clarify requirements or identify potential issues early.
• Be ready to respond quickly. FASt Lane submissions require vendors to reply to GSA inquiries within 24 hours. Delayed responses may remove your submission from the fast-track queue, negating the advantages of the program.
• Ensure technical evaluations are complete before submission. For certain IT SINs—particularly those involving cloud solutions or cybersecurity—GSA may require a technical review. Make sure these reviews are finalized before submitting your offer or modification through eOffer or eMod to avoid processing delays.
• Leverage expert support when needed. If your team lacks experience navigating GSA submissions, consider partnering with an experienced GSA consultant. Professionals who specialize in federal contracting can help reduce errors, accelerate preparation, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome within FASt Lane timelines.

Taking these proactive steps can significantly improve your chances of benefiting from the FASt Lane Program’s accelerated processing, helping you move faster and more confidently in the competitive federal IT marketplace.

Conclusion

The GSA FASt Lane Program is a powerful tool for IT vendors seeking to accelerate their entry into the federal marketplace or expand their existing presence. By streamlining the review and approval process, FASt Lane enables qualified companies to respond quickly to government demand, seize time-sensitive opportunities, and deliver cutting-edge technology solutions without the traditional delays associated with MAS contracting.

In cases when your company does offer IT products or services, participating in FASt Lane can significantly reduce your time to market and improve your competitive positioning. It’s an opportunity worth exploring, especially in an environment where responsiveness and agility can make the difference between winning and missing a contract.

At Price Reporter, we’ve helped over a thousand companies successfully navigate the complexities of GSA contracting. With nearly two decades of experience and a dedicated team of GSA experts, we’re well equipped to guide you through the FASt Lane process, from initial eligibility assessment to the final contract award and subsequent modifications. Whether you’re new to the MAS program or a seasoned contractor, our goal is to help you grow and succeed in the federal IT space.

FASt Lane Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GSA FASt Lane Program and why was it created?

The FASt Lane Program is a GSA initiative designed to accelerate the processing of MAS contract awards and modifications within the IT Large Category. It was developed in response to the growing need for rapid access to innovative technology in the federal space. By prioritizing and streamlining eligible submissions, FASt Lane allows both vendors and agencies to move faster. This helps the government keep pace with technological change and enables companies to capitalize on federal opportunities more efficiently.

Who can qualify for the FASt Lane Program?

Only vendors offering products or services under the Information Technology Large Category are eligible to participate in FASt Lane. Additionally, companies must be assigned to a GSA Contracting Officer from the ITC and, in most cases, be associated with a GSA-approved initiative. These initiatives include 2GIT BPA, DHA IT Services, or a formal request from a federal agency. Meeting all three criteria is essential in order to be able to access the benefits of the program.

How long does the FASt Lane process typically take?

While standard processing for new GSA MAS offers can take 4–6 months, FASt Lane aims to shorten this to as little as 45 days. For contract modifications, the timeline can be reduced from 45–60 days to just 2–3 business days. These are target time frames and not guaranteed, but they reflect GSA’s effort to accelerate approvals for qualified IT submissions. Companies must still provide complete, accurate, and responsive documentation to avoid delays.

What documents are required for a FASt Lane submission?

A complete FASt Lane package includes the FASt Lane Eligibility Checklist, supporting documentation for the relevant IT SINs, a Price Proposal Template (PPT), and any required technical evaluation materials. For cloud-related SINs, additional technical reviews may be required before submission. It’s critical that all materials are accurate, compliant with solicitation requirements, and submitted via eOffer or eMod. Missing or unclear documentation can disqualify a submission from FASt Lane processing.

How can a vendor improve their chances of success in FASt Lane?

Establishing early communication with your GSA Contracting Officer and responding quickly to any requests (within 24 hours) is crucial. Companies should also complete all necessary technical reviews in advance and ensure all documentation is thorough and aligned with current requirements. Leveraging experienced GSA consultants, like the team at Price Reporter, can also help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common pitfalls. Preparation and responsiveness are key to unlocking the full speed of FASt Lane.