Shaping the Future of MAS Pricing: Key Updates and Next Steps

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is taking significant steps to modernize and streamline Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) pricing practices. In April 2024, GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gain insights into aligning MAS pricing more closely with commercial practices. Now, with 507 responses in hand, FAS is laying the groundwork for important updates that benefit both industry and government.

Key RFI Takeaways

1. Breaking Down Barriers Across SINs
   Industry feedback emphasized the need to remove obstacles related to offering identical products and services across multiple Special Item Numbers (SINs). This change would align MAS practices with commercial norms, fostering greater sales opportunities and flexibility for contractors.

2. Streamlined Documentation Requirements
   FAS plans to update solicitation instructions to rely more on government data or third-party sources rather than requiring detailed submissions from contractors. This change reduces the administrative burden on industry while aligning solicitation requirements with FAR subpart 15.4 pricing policies.

3. Refining Sampling Methods
   Responses included recommendations for improving sampling methods and sample sizes used in evaluating MAS pricing. This feedback will guide FAS in developing more efficient market research guidelines, particularly for niche or low-saturation items.

4. Expanding Transactional Data Reporting (TDR)
   Many respondents supported expanding the TDR initiative as a less burdensome alternative to legacy pricing disclosure requirements, signaling an opportunity to reduce compliance hurdles.

Immediate Actions by FAS

Based on these insights, FAS is moving forward with several updates to its policies and practices. Contractors will be reaffirmed in their ability to offer identical products and services across multiple SINs, provided those items are within scope. FAS solicitations will no longer impose minimum experience or educational requirements on IT labor categories. Related guidance has already been issued to ensure compliance within the FAS workforce.

Next Steps and Public Input

To foster collaboration and transparency, FAS plans to invite public comment on proposed changes before the MAS solicitation is refreshed. Key areas of focus include:

1. Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) Implementation
   Draft policies will implement GSAR Case 2020-G510, published as a final rule on September 4, 2024, enhancing flexibility in EPA applications.

2. Updated Pricing Evaluation Policies
   Revisions to FAS Policy and Procedure 2021-05 will reflect stakeholder input and align with recent MAS pricing developments.

3. Simplified Price Proposal Instructions
   Draft updates to solicitation instructions will reduce documentation requirements, promoting efficient evaluation of MAS offers.

Have Questions or Feedback?

FAS is committed to collaboration and values your input. If you have questions or comments about these updates, email the Office of Policy and Compliance at opcpolicymailbox@gsa.gov.