Multi-vendor contracts limit competition and make purchasing faster and cheaper. The government, when using a multi-vendor contract, need only solicit bids from three vendors holding the type of contract in question. Those not holding such a contract are not considered. The reality is that the bulk of the dollars spent through these programs go to large federal contractors. Most multi-vendor contracts aren't realistically awarded to, or held by, new players in the market. Nonetheless, there is one multi-vendor contract that is the exception and can be used by businesses to gain competitive advantage: a GSA Schedule contract.

A GSA Schedule contract is attractive to small businesses because:

• One may be awarded to a business of any size.
• There is no limitation upon the number of vendors that may receive an award of such a contract.
• GSA Schedule contracts are open (meaning that a vendor may submit a proposal at any time and there is no closing date for receipt of such proposals).
• They are the easiest way for government buyers to place an order with you.