Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) are invaluable tools for federal contractors, offering streamlined access to government procurement opportunities.

However, managing MAS contracts effectively requires overcoming several challenges.

Additionally, communicating your company’s capabilities is crucial for success.

Key Challenges with MAS Contracts

1. Complex Compliance Requirements:
   • Challenge: Adhering to numerous regulations is mandatory. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or contract termination.
   • Solution: Stay updated with compliance requirements, regularly review practices, and invest in training. Document your compliance processes to build trust with potential clients.
2. Pricing Management:
   • Challenge: Ensuring pricing remains competitive while adhering to GSA’s regulations.
   • Solution: Conduct market research to keep pricing competitive, maintain detailed records of pricing strategies, and transparently communicate your pricing policies.
3. Audit Preparedness:
   • Challenge: GSA audits are rigorous and comprehensive.
   • Solution: Implement internal audits and maintain detailed records. To build credibility, highlight your audit preparedness and successful past audits.
4. Marketing and Visibility:
   • Challenge: Being on the MAS schedule doesn’t guarantee business; active marketing is necessary.
   • Solution: Develop a marketing strategy, optimize your listings, and leverage digital marketing tools. Use various platforms to showcase your capabilities and market your MAS contract effectively.
5. Administrative Burden:
   • Challenge: Managing MAS contracts involves substantial administrative work.
   • Solution: Use contract management software and consider hiring contract management staff. Demonstrate your administrative capabilities and tools to show efficiency.

Things to Avoid

1. Neglecting Contract Updates:
   • Avoid: Ignoring regular updates to your contract.
   • Tip: Schedule regular reviews and updates, and clearly state your updated policies.
2. Inadequate Training:
   • Avoid: Assuming your team is familiar with all MAS requirements without ongoing training.
   • Tip: Invest in continuous training and highlight your training programs.
3. Poor Record-Keeping:
   • Avoid: Failing to maintain detailed records.
   • Tip: Implement a robust document management system and emphasize your record-keeping practices.
4. Underestimating Marketing Efforts:
   • Avoid: Believing that being listed on the MAS schedule is enough.
   • Tip: Actively promote your MAS contract through various marketing channels and showcase your marketing efforts.
5. Ignoring Feedback:
   • Avoid: Overlooking feedback from government buyers.
   • Tip: Act on feedback to improve your offerings and service delivery, and include testimonials and case studies to highlight your successes.

Wrap-up

Navigating the challenges of MSA requires a proactive approach and effective communication of your company’s capabilities.

A critical component of this is having a website that clearly articulates all of your services and offerings in a current, simple, and understandable manner.

This enhances your visibility, builds trust with potential clients, and ensures your strengths are easily accessible. At HILARTECH, LLC, we specialize in creating such impactful websites.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your federal contracting goals and enhance your digital presence.