GSA Federal Supply Schedules
Overview
At PilieroMazza, we empower clients to succeed in the federal marketplace by guiding them through the rules and regulations related to the GSA’s Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program. Our legal team delivers thoughtful, solutions-based counsel tailored to the unique goals of commercial entities selling goods and services to the federal government—helping clients manage and protect their GSA Schedule contracts, including ensuring compliance with the Price Reductions Clause, audits and questions from GSA Contracting Officers, interpreting changes made by GSA through the MAS Mod/Refreshes, and handling protests, disputes, and audits related to GSA Schedules.
GSA Contract Compliance
We work with a broad spectrum of government contractors—both established and new entrants—to ensure full compliance with GSA FSS requirements, including review and interpretation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and GSA-specific terms and conditions (including GSA Acquisition Regulations (GSAR)).
We offer clients legal support to remain compliant and avoid costly missteps. Services include the impact of modifications, reporting obligations, and questions or negotiations with GSA. PilieroMazza also supports novations and changes due to mergers or acquisitions, as well as advising on required subcontracting plans for large businesses, as well as the Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs) specific to GSA Schedules—agreements which are entirely unique from standard teaming arrangements or joint ventures and have their own policies dictating how they are supposed to operate and requirements specific to that program. Contractors navigating Service Contract Act (SCA) nuances and price adjustments connected with their FSS SCA matrix and wage determinations can depend on PilieroMazza to help navigate these particular challenges.
We also routinely help clients understand their obligations under the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). We have worked with many manufacturers and resellers that sell products through the GSA Schedule contracts to develop best practices and implement TAA compliance and risk mitigation strategies. We have also performed numerous internal investigations related to ensuring TAA compliance.
GSA Contract Disputes, Protests, Audits, and Investigations
If disputes arise with GSA or ordering agencies, timely legal intervention can be critical to protecting your business, including cost recovery. PilieroMazza represents clients in a wide range of contract-related matters, including disputes or claims brought under the Contract Disputes Act. We assist in responding to proposed suspensions, debarments, or contract terminations that could impact a contractor’s eligibility or reputation. Our team frequently represents clients in filing and intervening in bid protests and size or status protests, particularly when competing for GSA-related task orders, ensuring that our clients’ rights and competitive standing are preserved throughout the procurement process.
In particular, regarding bid protests, our protest team has obtained numerous sustain decisions from the U.S. Government Accountability Office challenging FSS orders that are outside the scope of the awardee’s GSA Schedule contract. These cases often turn on how the vendor maps their GSA schedule labor categories to the labor categories they plan to use to perform the order. Our protest team is adept at determining when there are flaws in labor category mapping or other reasons why the awardee’s quote may be outside the scope of its GSA Schedule contract.
GSA contractors may also need to prepare for or respond to GSA audits, both standard audits as well as audits by the GSA’s Inspectors General. Our attorneys assist in responding to audit inquiries, mitigating potential negative findings, and negotiating settlements when necessary to protect the client’s interests. We also conduct internal investigations to proactively identify and address compliance issues before they escalate. When appropriate, we guide clients through the voluntary disclosure process to help reduce risk and demonstrate good faith to regulatory authorities.
Whether you’re a startup entering the federal space or a seasoned contractor expanding your footprint, PilieroMazza is committed to helping you remain compliant, competitive, and well-positioned to capture new opportunities.
