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Ordering under the Federal Supply Schedule
Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services
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Contract Type Matrix

Federal Supply Schedule — Task Order / Delivery Order
FAR 8.401 / GSAM Subpart 538.71

The Federal Supply Schedule, or FSS, provides agencies with a simplified process to obtain commercial products and commercial services at prices associated with volume buying. A task order is issued for the performance of services, and a delivery order is issued for the delivery of products or supplies.

Under RFO FAR 8.401, the FSS program is directed and managed by GSA, and agencies must follow GSA’s ordering procedures at GSAM Subpart 538.71 when placing orders under the Federal Supply Schedule. Agencies should ensure the required product or service is within the scope of the Schedule contract and that the order complies with applicable GSA ordering procedures.

 

Common Applications

  • Commercial products and commercial services
  • Information technology products and services
  • Health IT services and solutions
  • Cyber services and solutions
  • Cloud services and solutions
  • Software licenses
  • Telecommunications and wireless services

 

Restrictions

  • Cost-reimbursement contract types may not be used to acquire commercial products or commercial services.
  • Time-and-materials or labor-hour arrangements require the applicable determination and findings when required.
  • Agencies must follow GSA ordering procedures at GSAM Subpart 538.71 for FSS orders.
  • The order must be within the scope, terms, and ordering limitations of the applicable Schedule contract.
  • When required, agencies must make the applicable best procurement approach determination before using an interagency acquisition vehicle.

 

Pros

Cons
GSA ordering procedures can reduce administrative burden and procurement lead time. Schedule scope, contract terms, ceiling, and ordering limitations may reduce flexibility.
Agencies may seek additional discounts from established Schedule pricing. Fixed-price or time-and-materials/labor-hour arrangements may not fit every complex requirement.
Schedule pricing has already been established under the Schedule contract, which can streamline order placement. Schedule offerings are limited to commercial products and commercial services.
Access to pre-vetted Schedule contractors can reduce performance risk. Commercial terms, licenses, technical data, and software rights may require careful review.
AFSS ordering can support socioeconomic goals through Schedule contractors and ordering strategies. The agency must still ensure the order represents best value and complies with GSA ordering procedures.

 

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