Training session for vendors looking to land federal business
The Coalition for Government Procurement (CGP) will host its MAS Boot Camp July 12-13, 2011, at the Washington law offices of McKenna, Long and Aldridge. The boot camp teaches businesses how to navigate the federal General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program and sharpen management skills.
Through MAS, GSA has established long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to millions of commercial supplies and services at volume discount pricing. The items can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors or through the
GSA
Advantage! online shopping and ordering system. The MAS Program is a flexible procurement offering for federal agencies. State and local governments can use GSA Schedules for select purchases, including information technology, disaster recovery and law enforcement products. The semi-annual boot camp program is open to CGP members and nonmembers. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to attend to learn or refresh their knowledge of contract negotiation and management. The MAS Boot Camp is suited for small businesses or businesses new to the schedules program.
One of the goals of the boot camp is to prepare businesses for the acquisition process, and to help them achieve success in contract management and business development. Attendees will learn how to obtain and manage GSA schedules, market GSA contracts, comply with federal procurement requirements, follow policy changes and prepare for MAS audits.
The topics covered in the two-day program include:
· Examining Major Obligations in MAS Contracting: Basis of Award, Disclosure and Reporting, TAA, and Other Laws
· Obtaining a GSA Schedule
· Contract Requirements and Compliance
· Evolutions of the MAS Program from Products to Solutions
· How to Prepare for MAS Audits and What They Mean in the Current Market
· Ethics and Schedule Business
· Schedule e-Tools
· Procurement Policy Changes and Development
The cost of the boot camp for CGP members is $770. For non-members, the charge is $1,010.
The CGP was founded in 1979 and advocates a common-sense approach to government contracting. It represents the well-being of government contractors whose contracts are administered by GSA, regardless of the industry or size of the company. The CGP has more than 250 member companies.