FAQs for Potential Schedule Contractors
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS For POTENTIAL SCHEDULE CONTRACTORS
- Is the solicitation open and/or does it have a time frame to?
- Do I need to submit a Past Performance Evaluation Form and list of references to Open Ratings, Inc., with my offer since I listed it in my Open Ratings application?
- How can I identify the proper Schedule and Special Item Number (SIN)?
- What advice can you provide about the solicitation or the process?
1. Is the solicitation open and/or does it have a time frame to submit?
Answer: The solicitation is open continuously, only closing when a new refresh comes out. This means that you can submit your application at any time. If there is a change, you must submit your package under the new refresh. Generally, a new refresh comes out semi-annually.
2. Do I need to submit a Past Performance Evaluation Form and list of references to Open Ratings, Inc., with my offer, since I listed it in my Open Ratings application?
Answer: Yes, both the list of references and the Open Ratings report are required in the offer submission. Open Ratings provides GSA with all past performance reports. These reports are valid for one year and you must meet certain criteria in order to be evaluated. The evaluation usually takes 4 - 6 weeks to complete, and should be one of the first steps you complete. Open Ratings can assist you in completing the report.
For questions regarding the past performance evaluation, please call Open Ratings at (727) 329-1184 or email reports@openratings.com. Prior to giving them a call, please review the past performance worksheet located on FedBizOpps for the specific solicitation.
3. How can I identify the proper schedule and Special Item Number (SIN) to use?
Answer: Go to GSA eLibrary and search on the type of service/product you would like to offer. The search tool will extract those keywords from the Schedules and/or SINs that closely relate to the service/product you are looking for. Once you have identified the Schedule, select the SINs. If you provide one of the keywords/services in the SIN, you can apply under that SIN. You do not have to provide all the services under a SIN.
4. What advice can you provide about the solicitation or the process?
Answer: It is recommended that you read the entire solicitation before you begin the process. Sixty percent of all offers are initially rejected because the contractor (offeror) does not fully understand the process, sends an incomplete application, or does not qualify under the Schedule for which they have applied.
A good understanding of the application process is invaluable to your success in government contracting. When replying to the questions, please be precise and frank, and do provide more than what is being requested. The contracting officer/reviewer wants to award the contract in the shortest amount of time. Once the offer has been submitted and an initial review conducted, the average time for contract award is approximately nine months at our acquisition center. If a federal agency customer would like to consider your company in an upcoming acquisition, GSA will need the agency to contact them and explain the reasons for expediting your offer.
