We all know the importance of keeping up-to-date on our industry. Well I have been doing that for you. Below are what I consider the key Articles for GSA Contract holders. I recently put these in my Newsletter (sign up on the top-right of this page).

General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities

Federal Register — 4/17/2014

GSA Multiple Award Schedules are likely going to become the go-to vehicle to get much needed disaster relief items quickly. This directive is one of the few things that everyone can agree on, it will better serve victims of natural disasters (and even in the preparedness of disasters). If your company offers products or services related to disaster preparedness or relief, then this GSA regulation will effect your business positively.

Celebrate Earth Day with GSA!

GSA Interact Blog — 4/23/2014

The GSA released this Interact Post to celebrate Earth Day. However, this is a comprehensive breakdown of the GSA’s major green initiatives as they relate to every GSA Schedule impacted. I have come across many of these requirements, and have noticed federal buyers enjoying the benefits of the easy-access to green product information through GSA Advantage.

The Multiple Award Double Standard

The Coalition for Government Procurement — 4/18/2014

“The impetus behind the DPAP deviation is a growing concern that when using the GSA Schedules program, DoD contracting officers are not doing any analysis of proposed prices at the BPA and task order level. …”

Executive Orders and New Employment Requirements for Federal Contractors

SheppardMullin GovCon Blog — 4/18/2014

As promised in his 2014 State of the Union Address, President Obama has turned to executive action to advance his agenda, which includes increasing the minimum wage and creating improved tools to ensure equal pay for women and minorities.  And unfortunately for federal contractors, the President’s recent executive actions have imposed increased, and potentially costly, obligations on federal contractors.

GSA Outlines Next Steps for Electronic Stewardship

The GSA Blog — 4/22/2014

One of the ways we can improve the environment is the responsible stewardship of electronics and ensuring that old laptops and phones don’t end up in landfills. E-waste is the largest growing waste stream in the country. … The federal government as a whole is the nation’s largest consumer of electronics. That is why the Obama Administration issued the National Strategy for Electronic Stewardship in 2011.