Who is eligible to use GSA Schedule Contracts?
GSA Order ADM 4800.2E, Eligibility to Use GSA Sources of Supply and Services, (http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?P=FCOC&contentId=8128&contentType=GSA_BASIC) provides detailed information regarding those agencies, activities, and organizations that have been determined to be eligible to use GSA Schedule contracts.

How do I know I am getting the best price?
GSA Schedule contracts are negotiated with the intent of achieving the contractors' "most favored customer" pricing/discounts under similar conditions. In order to ensure that they receive the best value at the lowest overall cost when using GSA Schedule contracts, agencies are encouraged and empowered to seek price reductions, not only for orders over the maximum order threshold, but also when circumstances warrant (see FAR 8.405-4).

What are the documentation requirements when placing orders against GSA Schedule Contracts?
The documentation requirements for placing orders against GSA Schedule contracts are outlined in FAR 8.405-1(e) and 8.405-2(e). Documentation should contain the following basic information:

• The Schedule contracts considered, noting the contractor from which the service was purchased;
• A description of the service purchased;
• The amount paid;
• If applicable, the circumstances and rationale for limiting consideration of Schedule contractors to fewer than required in the Ordering Procedures for Services Requiring a Statement of Work (see FAR 8.405-6);
• The evaluation methodology used in selecting the contractor to receive the order;
• The rationale for any tradeoffs in making the selection;
• The fair and reasonable price determination required by FAR 8.405-2(d); and
• If applicable, the rationale for using other than a firm-fixed price order or a performance-based order.

Can I use GSA Advantage!® to Order GSA Schedule Contract Supplies and Services Electronically?
The GSA Advantage!® online shopping and ordering system includes supplies and services under all of the GSA Schedules. With over 11 million supplies and services currently available, electronic ordering through GSA Advantage!® allows a customer to send an order directly to the Schedule contractor, creating a direct customer-contractor relationship. For services that require a statement of work, e-Buy, a component of GSA Advantage!®, provides a convenient way to publicize and disseminate the SOW and solicit quotations among GSA Schedule contractors. Federal agencies (buyers) may generate purchase orders through e-Buy using government wide commercial purchase cards, or they may create purchase orders separate from e-Buy using their own internal systems. For additional convenience, orders generated using e-Buy will be recorded in the buyer's GSA Advantage!® order history.

What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Under a GSA Schedule Contract?
A GSA Schedule BPA is an agreement established by a customer with a GSA Schedule contractor to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services (FAR 8.405-3). It simplifies the filling of recurring needs, while leveraging a customer's buying power by taking advantage of quantity discounts, saving administrative time, and reducing paperwork. A multi-agency BPA is also permitted if the BPA identifies the participating agencies and their estimated requirements at the time the BPA is established. A BPA may be established under a Contractor Team Arrangement.

What is meant by “the maximum dollar value per order for all services will be $750,000”?
If a customer/ordering activity places an order that exceeds the maximum order identified in the contractors catalog ($750,000), the customer/ordering activity can ask for a better discount/price reduction.

When I place an order under a GSA Schedule contract, does it meet the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 (CICA) requirements?
In accordance with FAR 6.102(d)(3), use of the GSA Schedules Program is considered a "competitive procedure" under CICA when the GSA Schedule ordering procedures are followed—i.e., the Ordering Procedures for Supplies, and Services Not Requiring a Statement of Work (FAR 8.405-1) or the Ordering Procedures for Services Requiring a Statement of Work (FAR 8.405-2).

May I place Time-and-Materials or Labor-Hour Orders under GSA Schedule Contracts?
Yes, but only under certain circumstances. A firm-fixed price quotation shall be requested, unless the ordering activity makes a determination that it is not possible at the time of placing the order to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work, or to anticipate cost with any reasonable degree of confidence. When such a determination is made, a time-and-materials (including labor-hour) quotation may be requested. A time-and-materials order must include a ceiling price. Contractors exceeding the ceiling price do so at their own risk.

Prior to placing a time-and-materials order, the ordering activity must ensure that it has and will maintain appropriate order administration capabilities to give the government reasonable assurances that efficient methods and effective cost controls are being used by the Schedule contractor. The contractor's accounting system should support the ability to closely track funding expenditures, since hours worked equate to hours to be paid.

What must I do when administering a Time-and-Materials order under a GSA Schedule Contract?
Particular attention should be paid to ensure that services are performed by those persons belonging to the appropriate labor categories with specified qualifications, as stipulated in the order, and that the billing accurately reflects the correct rates.

A ceiling price must be established at the time of order placement. Contractors exceeding the ceiling price do so at their own risk. Any subsequent changes to the ceiling price must be justified and documented.

Where can I obtain more information regarding GSA Schedules?
To view a wealth of information on GSA Schedules, visit the Center for Acquisition Excellence (http://cae.gsa.gov/KView/CustomCodeBehind/Login/Login.aspx)