{"id":546,"date":"2026-11-02T18:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T18:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/?p=546"},"modified":"2026-11-02T06:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T06:59:47","slug":"grow-small-business-gsa-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow a Small Business Through a GSA Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By GSA Contract Services, LLC | Reviewed by our Authorized Negotiator team |<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how to grow a small business through a GSA Schedule starts with one fact: the contract lets federal agencies buy from you at pre-negotiated prices without a full competition for every order. The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) closed FY2025 with $50.6 billion in sales across roughly 14,579 active contractors (GSA SSQ+). Small businesses hold about 80% of those contracts and won 36% of the award dollars (GSA SSQ+).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holding a contract and selling through it are two different things, however. Below are the four post-award steps we walk clients through on how to grow a small business through a GSA Schedule. We also cover the compliance gaps that removed contractors from the program this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#What_Does_GSA_Stand_For_and_Why_Do_GSA_Contracts_Drive_Small_Business_Growth\" >What Does GSA Stand For, and Why Do GSA Contracts Drive Small Business Growth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Where_Can_You_Bid_on_Government_Contracts_SAMgov_Contract_Opportunities_vs_GSA_eBuy\" >Where Can You Bid on Government Contracts? SAM.gov Contract Opportunities vs. GSA eBuy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#How_to_Get_on_GSA_Schedule_Small_Business_Planning_Before_You_Apply\" >How to Get on GSA Schedule: Small Business Planning Before You Apply<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Find_Out_If_Your_Business_Qualifies\" >Find Out If Your Business Qualifies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#A_Business_Growth_Strategy_for_Your_First_12_Months_on_Schedule\" >A Business Growth Strategy for Your First 12 Months on Schedule<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Step_1_Keep_your_GSA_Advantage_catalog_accurate\" >Step 1: Keep your GSA Advantage catalog accurate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Step_2_Check_GSA_eBuy_every_business_day\" >Step 2: Check GSA eBuy every business day<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Step_3_Market_directly_to_likely_agency_buyers\" >Step 3: Market directly to likely agency buyers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Small_Business_Management_After_Award_Compliance_That_Protects_Growth\" >Small Business Management After Award: Compliance That Protects Growth<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Step_4_Treat_compliance_as_part_of_the_sales_plan\" >Step 4: Treat compliance as part of the sales plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Is_Your_TDR_Reporting_Ready_for_January_2027\" >Is Your TDR Reporting Ready for January 2027?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Expanding_Business_on_Schedule_Where_Most_Contractors_Stall\" >Expanding Business on Schedule: Where Most Contractors Stall<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Business_Support_From_GSA_Contract_Services\" >Business Support From GSA Contract Services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Quick_Recap_How_to_Grow_a_Small_Business_Through_a_GSA_Schedule\" >Quick Recap: How to Grow a Small Business Through a GSA Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Growing_on_a_GSA_Schedule\" >Frequently Asked Questions About Growing on a GSA Schedule<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#What_does_GSA_stand_for\" >What does GSA stand for?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Is_a_GSA_Schedule_worth_it_for_a_small_business\" >Is a GSA Schedule worth it for a small business?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Can_I_add_products_or_services_after_award\" >Can I add products or services after award?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#What_does_it_cost_to_keep_a_GSA_Schedule_active\" >What does it cost to keep a GSA Schedule active?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/grow-small-business-gsa-schedule\/#Talk_to_an_Authorized_Negotiator\" >Talk to an Authorized Negotiator<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A GSA Schedule runs up to 20 years: a 5-year base period plus three 5-year options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agencies can order up to $10,000 from any MAS contractor without collecting quotes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must sell at least $100,000 through the Schedule in the first five years to keep it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TDR reporting is now mandatory on every SIN. The grace period ends December 31, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growth comes from catalog upkeep, daily eBuy checks, and direct agency outreach, not the award alone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_GSA_Stand_For_and_Why_Do_GSA_Contracts_Drive_Small_Business_Growth\"><\/span>What Does GSA Stand For, and Why Do GSA Contracts Drive Small Business Growth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GSA stands for the General Services Administration, the federal agency that buys goods and services on behalf of other agencies. Its MAS program, still called the Federal Supply Schedules by many buyers, is the largest government commercial acquisition program in the world (gsa.gov).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a small business, the appeal is volume and duration. The federal government awarded $179 billion in prime contracts to small businesses in FY2025. That is about 28% of all prime dollars, against a 23% statutory goal (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/article\/2026\/06\/25\/sba-releases-fy25-scorecard-small-business-contracting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBA FY2025 Scorecard<\/a>). GSA itself earned an A+ on that scorecard, so the agency running the Schedule actively buys from small firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract structure matters as much as the market size. A Schedule has a 5-year base period and three 5-year options, so a single award can support sales for up to 20 years. That is why we treat it as a sales channel to build, not a one-time bid to win. For the broader case, see <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/why-small-businesses-should-consider-gsa-schedules\/\">why small businesses should consider GSA Schedules<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Can_You_Bid_on_Government_Contracts_SAMgov_Contract_Opportunities_vs_GSA_eBuy\"><\/span>Where Can You Bid on Government Contracts? SAM.gov Contract Opportunities vs. GSA eBuy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"GSA Schedule ordering thresholds for small business contractors\" class=\"wp-image-549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Schedule-Buying-Guide.webp 1672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most first-time vendors start on SAM.gov, where agencies post open-market solicitations. Any registered business can respond. As a result, competition is wide, each response is a full proposal, and every win is a single transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider a common case. A federal facilities office needs replacement appliances. Without a Schedule, a supplier waits for a one-off government procurement top load washer and refrigerator bid, writes a proposal, and competes against every registered vendor. With a Schedule, that same office can place an order under $10,000 directly, with no quotes required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GSA eBuy works differently. It is a request-for-quote platform open only to Schedule holders, so the pool of competitors is smaller from the start. The ordering rules below show how agencies buy once you are on contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Order value<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How the agency buys from Schedule holders<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>$10,000 or under<\/td><td>Orders directly from any MAS contractor. No quotes needed.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>$10,001 to $250,000<\/td><td>Gets quotes from at least 3 MAS holders. May post the request on GSA eBuy.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Over $250,000<\/td><td>Runs a fair opportunity mini-competition among all relevant MAS holders.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Source: GSA MAS ordering procedures, 2026 thresholds.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both routes require an active registration. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/services\/sam-gov-registration\">SAM.gov registration<\/a> service covers the setup and the annual renewal, because a lapsed registration suspends your eligibility for payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_on_GSA_Schedule_Small_Business_Planning_Before_You_Apply\"><\/span>How to Get on GSA Schedule: Small Business Planning Before You Apply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting the award means SAM.gov registration, choosing your SINs, documenting your pricing, and submitting an offer that is compliant with Transactional Data Reporting (TDR). Under Refresh 31, GSA rejects non-TDR offers outright. We cover each stage in detail in a separate post. <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/how-to-get-government-contracts-for-small-business-a-step-by-step-guide\/\">Click here to get the full guide on how to get on GSA Schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One piece of small business advice belongs here, though, because it decides whether growth is possible at all. Before you spend money applying, confirm you can reach $100,000 in Schedule sales within five years. If you cannot name three agencies that already buy what you sell, a Schedule is the wrong tool for now. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/gsaContract\">GSA Schedule contracts<\/a> team runs that check before any offer goes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#D8F1FF; border-left:6px solid #178DF9; padding:28px 24px; text-align:center; margin:32px 0;\">\n  <h3 style=\"color:#112D51; font-weight:bold; font-size:22px; margin:0 0 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_Out_If_Your_Business_Qualifies\"><\/span>Find Out If Your Business Qualifies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <p style=\"color:#5F6B76; font-size:17px; margin:0 0 20px;\">Our Authorized Negotiators review your products, pricing, and federal demand before you commit to an offer.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"\/trackerarea\/contact\" style=\"display:inline-block; background:#112D51; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; border:2px solid #178DF9; padding:12px 28px; text-decoration:none;\">Get Your Eligibility Review &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Business_Growth_Strategy_for_Your_First_12_Months_on_Schedule\"><\/span>A Business Growth Strategy for Your First 12 Months on Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Four-step business growth strategy for small businesses on a GSA Schedule\" class=\"wp-image-550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/4-Steps-to-Grow-GSA-Sales.webp 1672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The award is where the selling work starts. These steps separate contractors who reach their minimums from those who do not. They are the practical answer to how to grow a small business through a GSA Schedule once the contract number arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Keep_your_GSA_Advantage_catalog_accurate\"><\/span>Step 1: Keep your GSA Advantage catalog accurate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contracting officers skip listings with stale prices or missing product data. In practice, an outdated catalog makes your contract invisible to buyers. Monthly updates are where most teams fall behind, as we explain in <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/why-monthly-gsa-catalog-updates-are-a-contractors-recurring-nightmare\/\">why monthly GSA catalog updates become a recurring burden<\/a>. Large catalogs are easier to maintain through an automated feed, which our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/edi\">EDI and XML catalog services<\/a> handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Check_GSA_eBuy_every_business_day\"><\/span>Step 2: Check GSA eBuy every business day<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requests on eBuy often close within days. Assign one person to review new postings daily and respond to anything inside your SINs. Small, quick wins build the past performance that larger buyers look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Market_directly_to_likely_agency_buyers\"><\/span>Step 3: Market directly to likely agency buyers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Schedule does not sell itself. Contact the program offices you found during your pre-award research, tell them your contract number, and show them the ordering threshold they can use. The SBA GovCon Match tool can help you find additional likely buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certifications widen the field further. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses alone received $32.5 billion in prime contracts in FY2025 (SBA, June 2026). If you qualify for SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, or 8(a) status, apply through MySBA Certifications. Pairing a set-aside status with a Schedule is one of the stronger business strategies for growth available to a small firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_Business_Management_After_Award_Compliance_That_Protects_Growth\"><\/span>Small Business Management After Award: Compliance That Protects Growth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"GSA Schedule compliance calendar for small business management after award\" class=\"wp-image-551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GSA-Compliance-Calendar-Infographic.webp 1672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Treat_compliance_as_part_of_the_sales_plan\"><\/span>Step 4: Treat compliance as part of the sales plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A canceled contract ends every growth plan built on it. Refresh 31 made TDR mandatory on every SIN as of April 2, 2026 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsa.gov\/sell-to-government\/help-with-mas-contracts\/transactional-data-reporting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GSA TDR guidance<\/a>). The grace period ends December 31, 2026, and full enforcement begins January 1, 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Requirement<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Frequency<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Current rule<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>TDR sales reporting<\/td><td>Monthly<\/td><td>Due within 30 days after month end through the FAS Sales Reporting Portal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>IFF payment<\/td><td>Quarterly<\/td><td>0.75% of MAS sales, due within 30 days after quarter end<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SAM.gov renewal<\/td><td>Annual<\/td><td>A lapse suspends payment eligibility<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minimum sales<\/td><td>Per period<\/td><td>$100,000 in the 5-year base period; $125,000 in each option period<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mass modifications<\/td><td>As issued<\/td><td>Accept within the stated window (Refresh 31 allowed 60 days)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price increases<\/td><td>Annual<\/td><td>Maximum 10% per category item unless justified<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: gsa.gov, Vendor Support Center (vsc.gsa.gov).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most contractors can handle each task alone. The trouble comes from the calendar, with monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines landing on top of normal operations. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/gsacontractManagement\">GSA contract management<\/a> service tracks those deadlines and files the reports, so your team stays focused on sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#D8F1FF; border-left:6px solid #178DF9; padding:28px 24px; text-align:center; margin:32px 0;\">\n  <h3 style=\"color:#112D51; font-weight:bold; font-size:22px; margin:0 0 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Your_TDR_Reporting_Ready_for_January_2027\"><\/span>Is Your TDR Reporting Ready for January 2027?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <p style=\"color:#5F6B76; font-size:17px; margin:0 0 20px;\">The Refresh 31 grace period ends December 31, 2026. Have an Authorized Negotiator check your reporting and modification status now.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"\/trackerarea\/contact\" style=\"display:inline-block; background:#112D51; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; border:2px solid #178DF9; padding:12px 28px; text-decoration:none;\">Get a TDR Compliance Check &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expanding_Business_on_Schedule_Where_Most_Contractors_Stall\"><\/span>Expanding Business on Schedule: Where Most Contractors Stall<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"GSA MAS contractor count dropped from FY2024 to FY2025, a growth opening for small businesses\" class=\"wp-image-552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Fewer-GSA-Contractors-Less-Competition.webp 1672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GSA cut its MAS contractor base from 16,108 in FY2024 to about 14,579 in FY2025, roughly 1,500 contracts removed in one year (GSA SSQ+). In our experience, the removed contracts share a few patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They applied without a buyer in mind, so the contract sat idle and missed the $100,000 base-period minimum that GSA enforces at renewal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their catalog went stale. Prices and product data drifted, and contracting officers moved on to the next listing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They ignored mass modifications. Contracts that did not accept the Refresh 31 modification on time now face cancellation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They waited until renewal to review sales. GSA starts its renewal review 210 days before expiration. By then, a sales shortfall is hard to close.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying patterns also shift. Government agency restructuring and new leadership appointments can move budgets between offices or consolidate purchasing. Contractors who review USAspending.gov each quarter see those shifts early and adjust their outreach before competitors do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The average figure can mislead, too. MAS sales divided across all contractors works out to about $3.47 million per contractor, but a small number of large vendors pull that average up. Plan around your own pipeline, not the program average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Business_Support_From_GSA_Contract_Services\"><\/span>Business Support From GSA Contract Services<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GSA Contract Services has helped companies win and manage Schedules since 1995. We support more than 250 active clients with a team of over a dozen Authorized Negotiators. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/services\">full service list<\/a> covers each stage covered in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preparing and submitting your offer through our <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/gsaContract\">Get a GSA Contract<\/a> service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing TDR, IFF, and modification work through <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/gsacontractManagement\">GSA contract management<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Processing agency orders through <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/gsaorder\">GSA order management<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Catalog uploads to GSA Advantage and FedMall through <a href=\"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/trackerarea\/edi\">EDI and XML services<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are weighing how to grow your business beyond commercial customers, a short review call will tell you whether a Schedule fits your numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Recap_How_to_Grow_a_Small_Business_Through_a_GSA_Schedule\"><\/span>Quick Recap: How to Grow a Small Business Through a GSA Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, how to grow a small business through a GSA Schedule comes down to four habits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm agency demand before you apply, and plan to clear $100,000 in five years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain your GSA Advantage catalog and check eBuy daily after award.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market directly to agencies and add set-aside certifications where you qualify.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet monthly TDR, quarterly IFF, and modification deadlines without exception.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Growing_on_a_GSA_Schedule\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions About Growing on a GSA Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_GSA_stand_for\"><\/span>What does GSA stand for?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GSA stands for the General Services Administration. It runs the Multiple Award Schedule program that federal, and some state and local, buyers use to purchase commercial products and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_GSA_Schedule_worth_it_for_a_small_business\"><\/span>Is a GSA Schedule worth it for a small business?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is worth it when agencies already buy what you sell and you can reach $100,000 in Schedule sales in the first five years. Without that demand, the contract adds compliance work with no revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_add_products_or_services_after_award\"><\/span>Can I add products or services after award?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. You add items or SINs through a contract modification, which is a routine part of managing a Schedule. Adding products buyers already search for is one of the simplest ways to raise Schedule sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_cost_to_keep_a_GSA_Schedule_active\"><\/span>What does it cost to keep a GSA Schedule active?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You pay the 0.75% Industrial Funding Fee on Schedule sales each quarter. You also need staff time for monthly TDR reports, catalog updates, and mass modifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#D8F1FF; border-left:6px solid #178DF9; padding:28px 24px; text-align:center; margin:32px 0;\">\n  <h3 style=\"color:#112D51; font-weight:bold; font-size:22px; margin:0 0 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_to_an_Authorized_Negotiator\"><\/span>Talk to an Authorized Negotiator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <p style=\"color:#5F6B76; font-size:17px; margin:0 0 20px;\">Tell us what you sell and who buys it. We will tell you plainly whether a GSA Schedule fits your growth plan.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"\/trackerarea\/contact\" style=\"display:inline-block; background:#112D51; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; border:2px solid #178DF9; padding:12px 28px; text-decoration:none;\">Start Your GSA Schedule Review &rarr;<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By GSA Contract Services, LLC | Reviewed by our Authorized Negotiator team | Knowing how to grow a small business through a GSA Schedule starts with one fact: the contract lets federal agencies buy from you at pre-negotiated prices without a full competition for every order. The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) closed FY2025 with $50.6 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=546"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":553,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/546\/revisions\/553"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsa-cs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}