A common comment from attendees at Fedmarket's Federal Sales Academy seminars is: "Long time federal customers are now telling us we need a GSA schedule to do business with them."

Other seminar attendees ask us if they should obtain a GSA schedule contract. Our reply: "Ask your customer if you need a schedule." If you don't have a federal customer, then you really need a schedule contract if you are serious about entering the market.

The federal agencies authorized to use GSA schedules are:

• Federal Executive Agencies: (87)
• Other Eligible Users: (53, including Congress, Federal Banks, the District of Columbia)
• International Organizations: (58,including the Red Cross, World Health Organization, and the United Nations)

The information technology GSA schedule can be used by state and local governments.

GSA schedules aren't necessarily for everyone. Who doesn't need a schedule?

• Companies with price points under $25k
• Companies selling to agencies not using GSA schedules as a buying mechanism (they may have a competing multiple award schedule contract of their own)
• Specialty products sold under other agencies, existing multiple award schedule contracts, e.g., military parts.
• Companies in markets not covered by GSA schedules, e.g., construction, architecture, and engineering.