Experienced GSA consultants know how to navigate the complexities of federal contracting, and they provide clear, straightforward advice. They prioritize transparency and maintain high ethical standards. They don’t make promises they can’t keep, and they offer realistic expectations of how long it will take to get a schedule award.

A good GSA consultant will also help you understand where your products and services fit into the marketplace, and they can identify upcoming opportunities you can pursue with your new GSA Schedule. They will conduct initial market research to find out what agencies are looking for, and how to best align your offerings with those needs.

Experienced GSA Consultants: Your Competitive Advantage

The right GSA consultant will provide full support for the entire contract lifecycle, from SIN/NAICS mapping and application submission to proposal development, negotiation, and post-award maintenance (e.g., sales reporting, pricing adjustments, and renewals). A consultant with less experience will be more likely to encounter delays or rejections, and they may not provide adequate guidance for a successful offer.

Avoid any firm that claims they can guarantee a set timeline for getting your schedule award. Unless you are eligible for a FAST Lane program or other specialized fast track, GSA will decide when and if your contract gets awarded, so no consultant can promise a guaranteed timeline. They should also be transparent about their success/award rate and provide real client references. The higher their success rate, the better their reputation.