On April 6, 2016, GSA launched a series of new programs collectively called the “Making It Easier (MIE)” initiative. According to GSA, MIE is intended to make it easier for new companies to do business with the government and provides small businesses with tools and support they need to work with the government.
MIE includes an IT Schedule 70 Plain Language Roadmap that explains the Schedule 70 offer process for new vendors in clear and simple terms, to provide a standardized Welcome Package so new vendors receive consistent and current guidance.
GSA states that they have heard from the vendor community that getting a Schedule contract is too hard and takes too long and once awarded, it’s difficult to make changes. To counter that opinion MIE has responded with FASt Lane and IT Schedule 70 Springboard.
FASt Lane cuts the time it takes to get specific new innovative IT suppliers on Schedule 70 from 110 to 45 days. And the time it takes for changes to be made to a current contract has been cut down to one or two business days.
The IT Schedule 70 Startup Springboard gives highly qualified businesses an alternative to the current 2-year professional experience requirement. This means that startup companies offering emerging technologies on Schedules can get into the hands of customer agencies faster.
GSA also recently launched a Forecast Tool giving small businesses a new way to search for upcoming contracting opportunities.
On October 24, 2016, GSA’s MIE entered its second phase.
The second phase further advances GSA’s goal of attracting new companies, while making it easier for current vendors to navigate the procurement process.
The second phase will introduce more features designed to ease onboarding for the acquisition process.
To expand its IT Schedule 70 Roadmap, GSA plans on adding quick-start guides to inform potential contractors about the acquisition process. The agency will also launch its Multiple Award Schedule modification improvement process, which aims to build off of feedback from a recent survey of 200 industry partners.
The GSA help desk will also now be reachable through a single point of entry, housed on Acquisition Gateway.
Since unveiling the first phase of MIE, GSA said that 195 companies received training on the Startup Springboard — which helps young, innovative companies get on IT Schedule 70. Of those companies, five have submitted offers, with one receiving an award.
FASt Lane has awarded contracts to 108 companies so far, with the awarding period averaging about 31 days. Existing contract modifications take about two days.
GSA also released its report, “Making It Easier to do Business with the Government,” on Oct. 24, summarizing accomplishments in fiscal 2016 for the program and targets for next year.