Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics (OPAL)

Once you have selected the appropriate Schedule program for your products/services, it is important that you read through the entire solicitation package and understand all of the solicitation requirements. Note that you can download a complete zip file of all the required documentation for each solicitation package from Beta.SAM.gov. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will be returned to you, which will greatly lengthen the processing time of your proposal.

While not all firms are awarded VA FSS contracts, the VA FSS program, in accordance with statutory authority, is open to all responsible offerors. To be considered for contract award, you must demonstrate that your firm is responsible and is able to meet all Schedule program requirements, including price.

Completing the Solicitation

Some basic guidelines for submitting a successful proposal include:

• Thoroughly review the “Read Me First” and solicitation documents and follow all instructions. Not sure how to complete the Vendor Response and CSP sections? Take a look at our Prospective Contractors Solicitation Assistance section of our Training web page for step-by-step instructions on preparing your proposal
• Submit the requested information on required forms and in a readable format (typed proposals rather than handwritten).
• Submit a signed Standard Form 1449 (SF-1449). Only an authorized signatory of the company should sign the form. Please note that the SF1449 signature date must be no earlier than 10 calendar days from submission of the proposal via e-mail. Failure to comply with this date restriction will result in your proposal being returned to you without further consideration.
• Submit pricing that will be held firm for 180 days from offer submission. Per solicitation clause A-FSS-12-C Period for Acceptance of Offers, the offeror is required “to hold the prices in its offer firm for 180 calendar days from the date of the offer, within which the offer may be accepted.” Therefore, it is imperative that offers be submitted timely (within 10 calendar days, as stated above) after the SF1449 is signed.
• Submit a complete Commercial Sales Practice Format (CSP-1), including detailed responses and justifications where necessary.Additionally, the data provided must be current, accurate, and complete as of 60 calendar days prior to its submission.
• Utilize the Proposal Submission Checklist included in the solicitation package prior to submitting your proposal.

Elements of a Successful Offer

Ensuring these key elements are included in your proposal may expedite the review and award process:

• Scope. Are the proposed supplies/services within the scope of the Schedule?
• Past Performance. Does your firm meet its commitments?
• Financial Capability. Is your firm financially sound?
• Pricing. Is your proposed pricing competitive with current market conditions? Is your firm ready to negotiate its best offer for the Government?
• Subcontracting Plan. Required if your firm is considered “other than a small business” and the estimated value of the contract exceeds $750,000. See the Business Size Determination page for more information.
• Other Regulatory Compliance. Is your firm debarred? Are all registration requirements complete? Are your proposed items manufactured in a Designated Country? See the Contractor Responsibilities page for a complete list of all required registrations.
• Pricing Analysis & Review of Terms. Are your proposed prices fair and reasonable? Did you submit data that supports and explains your pricing practices?

Proposal Assistance

Contact the FSS Help Desk for additional information on submitting a proposal or on the VA FSS review and award process!

You can also contact your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). The PTAC offers a wide range of assistance — most free of charge — through one-on-one counseling, classes, seminars, and matchmaking events.

Review Process

The goal of this review process is to ensure the vendor is responsible, the Government is receiving a fair and reasonable price, and that any potential contract award is in the best interest of the Government.

Review Process Time

A complete and accurate offer will help speed the process – many offers are returned to the vendor for correction or clarification. To further discuss the review process or estimated review time, please contact your assigned contract specialist or the FSS Help Desk. Visit the OIG Threshold page to see if your proposal meets the requirements for an OIG review.

Negotiation & Contract Award

Once the assigned contract specialist completes their review of the offer, if necessary, they will schedule a meeting with you to discuss terms and negotiate pricing. The Government’s negotiation objective is to establish pricing, terms, and conditions that are equal to or better than those received by your Most Favored Customer (MFC). The MFC is the customer(s), or class of customer(s), that receive(s) the best discount and/or price agreement on a given item from a supplier, regardless of terms and conditions; it is a required disclosure.

After negotiations, the CS will request your Final Proposal Revision (FPR) and prepare a final version of your offer for review. This final version will include all negotiated pricing discounts, terms, and conditions.

Proposal Rejection

If an offer fails to meet the evaluation criteria, or the CS determines the pricing, terms, and/or conditions are not fair and reasonable, it may be rejected. If an offer is rejected, you will receive notice from the CS identifying the deficiencies. Depending upon the circumstances for the rejection, you may alter and re-submit your offer based on the feedback received in this notice.

Proposal Acceptance

If the offer is accepted, you will receive a VA Schedule contract and will be eligible to start doing business with the Government through the Schedules program.

Being awarded a VA Schedule contract can bring great opportunity for company growth and expansion; however, this does not come without important contract obligations and responsibilities as well as a concerted effort to market your business to the federal marketplace. Newly awarded contractors are encouraged to learn more by visiting the Contractor Responsibilities web page which provides information on marketing your schedule contract, recurring requirements, and other contract policies and obligations.

Contact the VA FSS Help Desk to for additional information on the proposal submission process or the proposal review/award processes!