GO GSA has developed an organic approach to client management that fosters long-term business relationships. Each GSA proposal GO GSA prepares, submits, and negotiates is motivated by the client’s immediate satisfaction and future opportunities within the public sector. To ensure satisfaction, GO GSA follows the detailed plan below with our clients to develop their schedules and maximize growth potential.

GO GSA prepares a GSA Welcome Packet for each client. This packet outlines the content required to develop a complete GSA Proposal. Clients receive the GSA Welcome Packet upon contracting with GO GSA. They are asked to complete and return certain forms within the packet prior to the initial GSA Kick- Off call, which is scheduled upon receipt of first payment. During this call, a GO GSA Consultant walks through the GSA Welcome Packet with the client and outlines the ideal preparation and submission plan. This call introduces the team to the proposal process and presents a proven course of action worth striving for. Once the team has a general understanding of the process, the Consultant will collaborate with the client team to determine a clear outline of deliverables, deadlines, and responsibility.

GO GSA manages the client team with weekly status calls, which are scheduled at the client’s convenience. During these calls, a GO GSA Consultant will review the content received over the past week with the team. If content needs to be revised, we collaborate with the team to determine who will be responsible for revisions. After reviewing the received content, the focus of the call turns to the outstanding content. Each team member participates in a discussion of what is still needed to prepare a complete proposal and helps determine realistic deadlines for gathering the required material. For the remainder of the weekly status call, GO GSA responds to questions or concerns that the client team may have relating to the process as a whole.

GSA technically has 120 days to review proposals; however, with the influx of stimulus dollars, GSA has seen an increase of offers. As a result of the increase in offers, some Schedules have extended the review period closer to 180 days. GO GSA views Stage 3 as an opportunity to maintain client satisfaction by managing client expectations. At the same time, however, GO GSA will work to expedite client proposals if there is an opportunity to do so. Upon submission, clients receive an email that outlines what to expect over the next four to six months. Weekly status updates transition from weekly team calls to weekly emails.

Upon receipt of the Contracting Officer’s request for clarification or “Deficiency Letter.” GO GSA reviews the requests before contacting the client in order to determine which items the client must address, and which can be addressed with little or no client involvement. Once the client’s responsibilities have been determined, a GO GSA Consultant will schedule a call at the client’s convenience to discuss the best course of action. The Consultant will advise the client on how to best respond to the specific requests.

The clarification request will have a response deadline stated at the end of the letter, and GO GSA makes every effort to respond within 48 hours to these requests, despite the deadline. If a client needs additional time to respond to certain requests, GO GSA will request an extension on behalf of the client. Finally, GO GSA will submit a clarification response on client letterhead.

GO GSA works with clients to determine the maximum discount they are able to offer GSA. GO GSA explains different negotiation strategies to the client, such as prompt payment discounts, volume/quantity discounts, and counteroffers. The client may choose to participate in the negotiation call or to have GO GSA conduct the call independently. During the call, the GSA Contracting Officer will review specific terms and conditions before transitioning to the price negotiations. If a client chooses to be on the call, GO GSA will coach the client prior to the call on how to respond during the review of terms and conditions. Once the price negotiations have concluded, the GSA Contracting officer will issue a Final Proposal Revision (FPR) request, to which GO GSA will respond within 24 hours. Upon receipt of the signed FPR, the GSA Contracting Officer will process the award.

Upon award of the GSA Contract, GO GSA issues a “Next-Steps” email and begins preparation of the GSA Catalog for upload to GSA Advantage!, the online database for all GSA Contractors. GO GSA also registers each client with the Vendor Support Center. As soon as GSA has approved the online catalog, we schedule a Post-Award call to help launch our clients into the Federal Marketplace. During the call, we address compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, adherence to the basis of contract award, sales tracking and reporting requirements, and prepare clients for their first Contractor Assistance Visit (CAV) with GSA.