Overview
This section defines the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program as a simplified acquisition vehicle for commercial supplies and services that leverages volume discounts through competitively awarded indefinite-delivery contracts. It establishes the General Services Administration (GSA) as the primary manager of the program while allowing for delegated authority to other agencies and defining the scope of mandatory and voluntary use.
Key Rules
- Statutory Basis: The FSS program is established pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 152(3) to provide a simplified process for obtaining commercial items at stated prices for specific geographic areas.
- Mandatory vs. Voluntary Use: Each schedule identifies specific agencies required to use it as a primary source; agencies not listed may still place orders, and contractors are encouraged to accept them.
- Awarding Authority: While GSA awards most FSS contracts, it can delegate authority to other agencies (e.g., the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical supplies).
- Regulatory Compliance: Statutory requirements for publicizing (Part 5), competition (Part 6), and small business programs (Part 19) apply during the creation of the schedule itself, but generally do not apply to individual orders or BPAs placed against the schedule (with specific exceptions found in FAR 8.4).
Practical Implications
- Efficiency for Agencies: Procurement lead times are significantly reduced because the fundamental requirements for competition and price reasonableness are addressed by GSA at the contract award level rather than at the individual order level.
- Streamlined Ordering: Contracting officers can bypass the formal advertising and small business set-aside procedures typical of open-market acquisitions, provided they follow the specific ordering procedures in FAR Subpart 8.4.