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Author: Admin

Satellite of Love-ing IT Schedule 70’s new SIN

GSA launches new Special Item Number for Satellites

The next IT Schedule 70 refresh will include a new Special Item Number (SIN), 132-41, devoted exclusively to Earth Observation Solutions (EOS)!

The SIN will provide services related to “global coverage, imagery, archive storage and distribution, monitoring, base maps (mosaics) and earth observation solutions for accurate, mission-critical information.” This can serve a wide array of uses, like obtaining climate, defense, and weather data.

GSA published the Request for Information in February, launching work on the SIN. They expect to launch it for vendors in early June.  At that time, partners with satellite tech can add their services to the contract.

With the rapid acceleration of technology and expanding possibilities offered by satellites, this addition will bring inventive solutions to the GSA schedule. On the vendor side, the SIN will make it easier for innovative partners to pursue the addition of satellites.

GSA will host a webinar on May 18th, 10:00 am EST to discuss the development and resulting changes. To participate, register at https://meet.gsa.gov/eos05182017/event/event_info.html.

News You’d Rather Not Use…

Our sources throughout the GSA product schedules are indicating that the recent process for submitting a modification to the CO for approval before actually submitting it through eMod will be codified in the next round of Schedule refreshes.

While this will cut down on a CO’s official modification time in-house, it will probably mean longer wait times for contractors to obtain mod approval, as there will be no clock measuring the time that the CO will have the mod pre-submission.

We are hopeful that this analysis is incorrect, and your CO will understand that your Schedule modifications require timely approval and only assist the contractor in selling more products to the government. Hopeful….

Alert!

All GSA Schedule holders with Contracting Officers stationed in Texas should be aware that their COs will be in training next week, 24-28 April. They will most likely be unavailable to you for questions and modifications.

Ch Ch Ch Changes … to the GSA Schedules

GSA is preparing to release a round of Schedule refreshes next month, so prepare for a bunch of mass modifications. And if you are in the midst of completing your GSA Schedule proposal, either submit now or expect to review the entire solicitation again come April.

New policies represented in the GSA Schedules will include small business subcontracting changes, updates to those entities that can access the Schedules for purchases, SCA adjustments, and modifications in the Disaster Purchasing Program. For instance, the Red Cross and other qualified organizations will have access to the Schedules during emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Additionally, the following specifics may be of interest to our clients:

  • Subcontracting plans for ‘other-than-small’ businesses will now be at the CO’s discretion. For all intents and purposes, however, these will still have to be submitted with your proposal.
  • The Pathways to Success training has been removed as a requirement for streamlined offers.
  • Montenegro and New Zealand are now TAA compliant countries.
  • Federal contractors now receive paid sick leave.

If you have any questions about how these changes will affect your Schedule contract, feel free to give us a call at 301-913-5000. We look forward to assisting you with this new round of changes.

Get Ready for More GSA Refreshes and Mass Mods

Next month, GSA will refresh and release mass mods for all GSA Schedules regarding provision and clause updates.

Updates will incorporate changes in small business subcontracting, non-federal entities purchasing off the Schedules, and disaster purchasing.

A webinar concerning the changes will be held on Wednesday, 22 March at 2:00pm eastern time. You can register for the webinar here: https://meet.gsa.gov/e4et0bzib7a/event/event_info.html.

For more information, contact us at 301-913-5000.