Multiple Award Schedules Advisory Panel

The General Services Administration (GSA) established the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Advisory Panel on March 26, 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

BACKGROUND: Under the MAS program, the GSA Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) negotiates and awards indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts for commercial products and services.  These contracts are awarded for a base period of five years, plus (3) five-year options.  The federal government, as well as other authorized users, issue task and delivery orders against the MAS contracts.  Additionally, state and local governments may also utilize several of the MAS program contracts.

The Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) requires that MAS contracts and orders result in the lowest overall cost alternative.  Historically, to meet this requirement, the goal of the MAS price negotiation has been to obtain government prices that are comparable to the firm’s “most favored commercial customer.”  Prior to award, the MAS contracting officer determines that the negotiated prices are fair and reasonable.  After award, the contractor may for various reasons, reduce its prices to commercial customers.  Based upon price reduction provisions of the negotiated MAS contract, the government may also be entitled to the reduced prices.

The MAS Panel will provide independent advice and recommendations to GSA on pricing and price reduction provisions of the MAS program.  The Panel will review the most favored customer provisions, price reduction policies and provisions, and current commercial pricing practices.  The panel will determine what changes, if any, to these policies and provisions are required or advisable to ensure that FAS negotiates prices that enable federal customers to award orders that represent "best value" and result in the lowest overall cost alternative.  The MAS Panel will report to the Administrator of GSA.

Upcoming Meetings:

I.  FEB/MAR MEETING DATES

Friday, February 27, 2009, and Monday, March 2, 2009.

Location:

U.S. General Services Administration
2200 Crystal Drive, Room L1301
Arlington, VA
(Crystal City Metro)

Time:

9:00am to 5:00pm