How to Get Help with a GSA Contract

The United States federal government obtains most of its goods and services from private businesses through the United States General Services Administration or GSA. The GSA contracts with private businesses that wish to provide their products or services to the federal government. If you wish to contract with the GSA, you can get help with your contract by following the steps below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Contacting the OSBU

The OSBU was established to help small businesses locate and obtain GSA contracts. You may visit the OSBU online or contact them by telephone at 1-855-OSBUGSA (672-8472).
2
Ask for help navigating the federal contract system. You may locate training programs near you by selecting your GSA regional office on the map at https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions. The OSBU offers
- In-person training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract
- Online training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract
- A mentor-protégé program that facilitates partnerships between small, disadvantaged businesses and seasoned GSA contractors.
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3
Use GSA tools to research open business opportunities. From the GSA website, you can locate and read about current and upcoming GSA contracts and opportunities throughout the federal government. Tools provided include:
- A Google-like search engine, which allows users to search the procurement database for contracts by keyword
- A more advanced search engine, which allows users to select the type of contract, the location of the contract, the set-aside code, and even the agency offering the contract
- Search engines for specific contract types, such as set-aside programs and green initiatives
4
Ask for help finding set-aside opportunities available to your business. Set-aside opportunities provide specific socio-economic businesses with their fair share of government contracts. To determine if your business falls within one of the designated socio-economic categories, visit the Small Business Association’s (“SBA”) Small Business Certifications and Audiences webpage. Businesses that qualify for set asides include:
- Businesses owned by women
- Businesses owned by veterans
- Businesses owned by minorities
5
Ask for counseling and support services. The OSBU maintains a network of support for small businesses. The fastest way to receive counseling and support services information for your local area is to complete a request for information form. Common services include assistance with:
- Marketing
- Disputes
- Other challenges businesses may encounter while attempting to procure a GSA contract
6
Ask for step-by-step instructions. The GSA will give you step-by-step instructions for registering with the GSA to receive government contracts. Before obtaining any government contract, providers must complete specific registration requirements. Common requirements include:^{[1]XResearch source}
- Completion of programs offered by the GSA
- Submission of various financial statements
- Submission of proof of experience in the field
- Submission of pricing lists
- Submission of labor descriptions
If you have a question specific to your business and you cannot find the answer elsewhere, you may ask the GSA directly.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Contacting Your Local PTAC

Each state, and some U.S. territories, has a PTAC that provides training and assistance, for little to no fee, to small businesses who want to contract with the GSA. Locate the office nearest you at http://www.aptac-us.org/news/.
2
Ask for help with government registrations and certifications. Certifications and registrations are required to contract with different levels of governmental agencies and may also help businesses be more competitive in the government contracting, or GSA, marketplace. Things PTACs can do include:^{[2]XResearch source}
- Help you determine what certifications your business is eligible for
- Assist you in completing the necessary applications
- Assist with the various database registrations that will be necessary for you to participate in GSA contracting.
3
Attend matchmaking events. Matchmaking events are regularly sponsored by PTACs. These events attempt to match up those who are seeking contracting or subcontracting opportunities with those who have those opportunities available. At matchmaking events, you can network with:^{[3]XResearch source}
- Agency officers.
- Contractors
- Other businesses that may offer subcontracting opportunities.
Preparing a proposal in response to a solicitation, or open contract, can be difficult, but a PTAC procurement specialist can help you respond to even the most complicated GSA contract.^{[4]XResearch source}
5
Obtain assistance with contract performance issues. Even after you have secured a GSA contract, a PTAC can help you with performance issues including, but not limited to:^{[5]XResearch source}
- Negotiations
- Accounting
- Quality control
- Accident prevention plans
6
Request help with audit preparation. When it is time for an audit, a PTAC can help you prepare by providing you. PTAC assistance may include:^{[6]XResearch source}
- Information about what to expect
- What documentation you should have
- How to keep your documentation in order
7
Go to classes and workshops. Many PTACs offer free and inexpensive, comprehensive classes and workshops. These cover such topics as:^{[7]XResearch source}
- How to get started with GSA contracting
- Learning to navigate the federal contracting system
- Locating appropriate opportunities
- Preparing proposals in response to solicitations
- Marketing your product or service more effectively.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Contacting the SBA or OSDBU

1
Contact the US Office of Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Office of Government Contracting (“GC”). The GC advocates for small and disadvantaged businesses in the federal procurement arena. You can find the GC online at http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2986 or you may contact them by phone at (202) 205-6460 for additional assistance. On the GC website, users can:
- Search for open GSA contracts
- Locate GSA form, applications, and registrations
- Join the SBA’s subcontracting network. This network can help you locate and apply for subcontracting opportunities from companies holding GSA contracts.
Contact an Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization (“OSDBU”) or Office of Small Business Utilization (“OSBU”) within the government agency with whom you wish to contract. Each government agency that utilizes GSA contracts has an OSBU or OSDBU to help small businesses that wish to enter a GSA contract with them. If you have a current GSA contract with, or wish to obtain one from, one or more specific government agencies, contact the OSDBU or OSBU within that particular agency for assistance.
On the site, you will find a list of links to various government agencies that can provide you with general information about GSA contracting and help with your GSA contract as well as a list of OSDBU members, or agencies who offer GSA contracts and contracting assistance.
4
Take a class. The SBA offers several free online classes that help teach small business owners and staff members how to be more successful with GSA and federal contracting. Visit the SBA’s website at http://sba.gov for more information or to sign up for a class. Online courses include topics such as:
- Starting a business
- Managing a business
- Financing
- Marketing
- Government contracting
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Because there is no limit on the number of government agencies from whom you may seek help with your GSA contract, you should feel free to contact as many agencies as you feel necessary.
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Whenever possible, explore an agencies website before contacting them by telephone with any questions. Oftentimes, government agencies will refer callers to their website for answers to frequently asked questions, and questions which do not pertain specifically to the caller’s particular business.
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