Office of Acquisition and Logistics — Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Service Support Team Frequently Asked Questions
- How do we find out more about the VA FSS Program?
- What products and services are covered by the VA managed FSS program?
- How do I get a contract?
- Where can I get a copy of a current solicitation package?
- How long does it take to get a contract?
- Who can I contact if I need technical assistance when completing the solicitation forms?
- When are the Quarterly Sales Reports and Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) remittances due?
- How do I submit my Quarterly Sales Report?
- Where can I get a current listing of all awarded pharmaceuticals under the VA managed FSS program?
- Where can I get a listing of approved countries for the manufacturing of products/supplies that can be proposed under the FSS program?
1. How do we find out more about the VA FSS Program?
You can visit the following links to learn more about the FSS program:
- Vendor training slide presentation for FSS101 that provides information on getting started with the VA managed FSS program.
- Vendor training slide presentation for FSS201 that provides information about successfully administering your FSS contract.
- GSA offers training opportunities for vendors on-line, as well. Here is the GSA website to register: https://cae.gsa.gov/KView/CustomCodeBehind/Login/Login.aspx. The most helpful classes to learn more about the FSS program are listed below:
- How to Become a Contractor - GSA Schedules Program Course
- Using GSA Schedules - Customers
- GSA Schedules Contract Pricing Course
2. What products and services are covered by the VA managed FSS program?
The VA managed FSS program covers the products and services outlined below. You can find Special item Number (SIN) category information for each of the individual schedules by clicking on the schedule title:
3. How do I get a contract?
Once you completed the solicitation package and submitted it to our office, we will work towards negotiating and awarding a beneficial contract with our firm. There are many terms and conditions that affect a final award decision, so contract award is not automatic, nor is it guaranteed.
4. Where can I get a copy of a current solicitation package?
All Federal Supply Schedule solicitations are found at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/.
| 621 I | Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing Services |
| 621 II | Medical Laboratory Testing and Analysis Services |
| 65 I B | Pharmaceuticals and Related Products |
| 65 II A | Medical Equipment and Supplies |
| 65 II C | Dental Equipment and Supplies |
| 65 II F | Patient Mobility |
| 65 VII | Invitro Diagnostics, Reagents, Test Kits and Test Sets |
| 65 V A | X-ray Equipment and Supplies |
| 66 III | Clinical Analyzers, Laboratory, Cost-Per-Test |
5. How long does it take to get a contract?
It is our goal to complete the processing of an offer in 180 calendar days or less from the date it is received in our office; however, it is difficult to give a specific timeframe as there are many factors that affect the ultimate time from submission of an offer through contract award. The length of time needed to complete your offer is affected by the:
- Complexity of your commercial pricing strategies
- Number of line items proposed
- Amount of you time you (vendor) take to respond requests for clarifications
- Work Load issues faced by your assigned Contracting Officer
Finally, the award timeline may be lengthened if your proposal requires additional review or audit by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
6. Who can I contact if I need technical assistance when completing the solicitation forms?
For technical assistance, please visit the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) website: http://www.aptac-us.org.
You may also contact the points of contact listed on the Standard From (SF) 1449, Block 7a and b of your solicitation.
7. When are the Quarterly Sales Reports and Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) remittances due?
You are responsible for submitting Quarterly Sales Report information and IFF remittance with the effective date of your contract. The Quarterly Sales Report and IFF Remittance are due 60 days after the end of the calendar quarter.
- Quarter 1: January - March
- Quarter 2: April - June
- Quarter 3: July - September
- Quarter 4: October - December
8. How do I submit my Quarterly Sales Report?
Email your pre-populated spreadsheet to the FSS Help Desk at helpdesk.ammhinfss@va.gov
9. Where can I get a current listing of all awarded pharmaceuticals under the VA managed FSS program?
This information is available at: http://www.pbm.va.gov/pbm/prices.htm.
This page also includes information on awarded VA National Contracts managed by the VA NAC.
10. Where can I get a listing of approved countries for the manufacturing of products/supplies that can be proposed under the FSS program?
The Trade Agreement Act (TAA) applies to all FSS programs. As such, products offered under the FSS program must come from designated countries only.
For a listing of these designated countries see FAR 25. Products produced in non-designated countries cannot be offered under an FSS contract.