Managing a GSA Schedule contract is not an easy task. There are many moving parts, which require organization, knowledge, and upkeep. Part of this upkeep is making sure your contract is updated through various compliance requirements. In this blog I have outlined the Top Most Forgotten GSA Schedule 2021 Updates that contractors miss when managing their GSA Schedule contract.
1. SAM.gov Registration Renewal
Companies are required to keep an up-to-date Systems for Award Management (SAM) Registration in order to have a GSA contract with GSA Schedule 2021. This registration lasts for only a year and companies often forget to renew their registration.
To make sure your SAM Registration is up-to-date, you can go to the portal on sam.gov and see when your registration ends. Be careful if any company reaches out to you regarding your SAM.gov registration—SAM.gov is free to use and update. There have been many companies trying to scam contractors into paying for a “registration service” while pretending to be affiliated with SAM.gov.
2. SIP Uploads
Whenever a company needs to modify their GSA contract, they must submit a formal modification via eMod for approval. When the modification is awarded, the company must perform a Schedule Input Program (SIP) Upload.
This upload updates the company’s GSA Advantage profile. Most companies often forget to update their GSA Advantage profile leaving them with an inaccurate and outdated profile, which could hurt their sales. This is why it is imperative to perform SIP Uploads for every modification awarded to your GSA contract with GSA Schedule 2021. If you haven’t already, be sure to update your GSA Advantage Catalog per the MAS Consolidation by March 31st, 2021!
3. Updating Modification Number After Modification Award
After every SIP upload you are given a new modification number and the effective date for when the modification was awarded. This is significant because this modification number and the date the modification was awarded must be reflected on your GSA contract Terms and Conditions. This is not only a compliance requirement, but it shows that your contract is up-to-date. Companies often fail to recognize this and in doing so, portray improper GSA Terms and Conditions with GSA Schedule 2021 for their contract.
4. Updating Digital Certificates
Companies must have Authorized Negotiators from within their company in order to be able to negotiate the Terms and Conditions of their contract(s). At least one Authorized Negotiator is required to have a Digital Certificate in order to have the authorization to negotiate with GSA.