51 V Hardware SuperStore Vendor Information MAS Contract

This information was developed to help potential vendors understand the process for getting a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract with the Facilities Maintenance and Hardware Acquisition Center (FMHAC). These web sites provide background information on GSA's buying program, the 51V MAS, and an easy-to-follow, step-by-step procedure for applying for a GSA contract.

Schedule 51V covers the following products:

• Commercial Coatings, Adhesives, and Sealants
• Hardware Store Products via a Catalog or Right Out of the Hardware Store
• Machinery and Equipment Rental and Lease
• Industrial Quality Hand Tools
• Lawn and Garden Equipment
• Office and Household Appliances
• Woodworking and Metalworking Equipment and Machinery

To view the products and services under each Schedule, please visit GSA eLibrary for a complete listing of offerings on 51V MAS. The link for the actual solicitation is at the top of that page. The button is titled "Vendors Click here to view the current solicitation on FedBizOpps".

Common questions from contractors:

1. I need help applying for a GSA Schedule 51 V contract; where may I get assistance?

Please visit www.gsa.gov/gettingonschedule, and for more information on how GSA can assist small businesses, please visit, www.gsa.gov/sbu. An additional resource are Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTACs) (a nongovernment website).

2. What is a Contractor Team Arrangement under GSA Schedule 51 V?

A GSA Schedule Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA) is an arrangement between two or more GSA Schedule contractors to work together to meet agency requirements. The CTA allows the contractor to meet the government agency needs by providing a total solution that combines the supplies and/or services from the team members' separate GSA Schedule contracts. It permits contractors to complement each other's capabilities to compete for orders for which they may not independently qualify. A customer benefits from a CTA by buying a solution rather than making separate buys from various contractors.

For more information on Contractor Team Arrangements (CTA), visit the following website:www.gsa.gov/contractorteamarrangements.

3. How do I know what price to offer?

GSA's goal is to be the best value supplier of choice. GSA Schedule contracts are negotiated with the intent of achieving the contractors' "most favored customer" pricing/discounts under similar conditions. In order to ensure that they receive the best value at the lowest overall cost when using GSA Schedule contracts, agencies are encouraged and empowered to seek price reductions, not only for orders over the maximum order threshold, but also when circumstances warrant (see FAR 8.405-4) .

4. What is the Maximum Order Threshold that I have heard so much about?

This commercial practice brings more value and more choices to our customers. Customer orders are not restricted by a maximum order limit. In accordance with FAR 8.404(b) (3), the Maximum Order Threshold represents the point where it is advantageous for customers to seek a price reduction. In fact, after a customer reviews the pricelist(s) or GSA Advantage!®, the FAR instructs customers to generally seek price reductions for orders exceeding this threshold from Schedule contractor(s) appearing to provide the best value (considering price and other factors).  

5. How soon will my Open Ratings Report Expire?

The Open Ratings Report is valid for 12 months.

6. Where can I find my assigned GSA Contract Representative?

Go to www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov, type your company name or contract number (GS-21F-0000X) in the search bar, and then select the company name in red. To the right of your company information is your GSA contract representative.