Prioritizing Maximum Value via the Multiple Award Schedules
The General Services Administration (GSA) has proposed a significant change to its Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program, aiming to shift the procurement standard from the "lowest cost alternative" to "best value products and services" for the federal government.
This legislative change, one of 16 proposals published by the GSA on July 16, is a crucial step in providing GSA with the necessary procurement management authority for the MAS program to efficiently and effectively support consolidation of procurement operations at GSA. The proposed change will enhance GSA's ability to craft MAS processes and contract terms that promote effective and efficient outcomes for the federal government.
The administration's legislative proposal, titled "Providing Best Value Through the Multiple Award Schedule Program," aims to make "best value" foundational to the GSA MAS program, its implementing regulations, and contracts. This shift recognizes that the lowest price does not always equate to the most economical or effective solution once total costs and benefits are considered.
Currently, the MAS program facilitates contracting with multiple vendors to foster competition and fair pricing. The schedule contracts streamline acquisition by encompassing delivery terms, warranties, and other conditions that reduce administrative burdens for both vendors and government buyers. The program serves not only federal agencies but can extend certain purchasing opportunities to state, local governments, and eligible organizations.
However, MAS procurements often still award based on the lowest cost among technically acceptable proposals. The legislative change would therefore mark a significant shift in procurement practices by officially adopting a best value approach. In government procurement, best value often involves evaluating factors beyond just the initial price, such as a vendor's past performance, technical capabilities, and overall cost of ownership over the item's lifespan.
The positive impact of this legislative change will benefit the Department of Veterans Affairs' MAS program and its partners. The "best value" language in the legislative proposal can be found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, agency supplemental guidance, and case law. The VA operates its MAS program pursuant to a delegation of authority from GSA.
This update aims to modernize the MAS program by considering factors beyond just price, such as administrative costs, product quality, delivery time, and other performance aspects. The change is expected to have a profound, positive impact by empowering agencies to prioritize outcomes and overall value rather than simply the lowest cost, improving mission support for government customers and ultimately benefiting the American public.
On a separate note, the upcoming virtual event, Workforce Reimagined, is focused on building a skilled, resilient, and ready federal workforce to meet evolving mission demands. The event is scheduled for August 26.
[1] General Services Administration, "GSA Proposes Best Value Legislation for MAS Program," News Release, July 16, 2021. [2] Government Accountability Office, "Multiple Award Schedules: Opportunities to Improve Contract Management," Report to Congressional Requesters, May 2018. [3] General Services Administration, "Multiple Award Schedules Program," Accessed August 6, 2021. [4] Federal Business Opportunities, "Solicitation for Multiple Award Schedule," Accessed August 6, 2021.
- The Workforce Reimagined virtual event, scheduled for August 26, aims to build a skilled, resilient, and ready federal workforce to meet evolving mission demands, which is crucial for the efficiency of the GSA in managing and reimagining its Federal Workforce.
- The General Services Administration's legislative change, aimed at modernizing the Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program, seeks to move beyond "best value" foundational for the GSA MAS program and its contracts, thus promoting a more economically and effectively managed finance aspect in the business of federal procurement.
