A GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract simplifies the procurement process for federal agencies, which can make it easier for small businesses to secure contracts. Agencies can issue task orders directly against a MAS contract, avoiding the need for a full open market solicitation process. This reduces the administrative burden on both the government and the contractor, potentially speeding up the award process.
For federal purchases, the FAR allows agencies to use simplified acquisition procedures up to the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000 (FAR 13.003(a)). Above that threshold, MAS contracts still offer a streamlined path to award. Many federal agencies are mandated to meet small business contracting goals, and using MAS contracts with small businesses helps them achieve these targets. The MAS contract is a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with three five-year options, providing a long-term contracting vehicle. This continuous open period allows new offers to be submitted at any time, unlike solicitations with specific closing dates.
While GSA MAS contracts are primarily for federal use, some state and local governments can also use them through cooperative purchasing programs, subject to their local procurement rules. This expands the potential market for a small business beyond just federal agencies.