GSA Schedule and CAGE Codes: What You Need Before You Apply

The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) — formerly called the Federal Supply Schedule — is a collection of long-term, governmentwide contracts with commercial companies. Agencies can order directly from Schedule holders without full-and-open competition, which simplifies procurement and speeds up acquisition. For contractors, the Schedule provides a guaranteed channel to sell to thousands of federal buyers.

What Is a GSA Schedule?

A GSA Schedule contract is typically a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with three five-year option periods. The General Services Administration negotiates pricing terms with each Schedule holder, and agencies can then place task orders under those pre-approved terms. Schedule contracts cover everything from IT services to furniture to professional services.

CAGE Code and SAM.gov Prerequisites

Before applying for a GSA Schedule, you must have:

• An active SAM.gov entity registration with a valid CAGE code
• At least two years of operating history
• A minimum of $25,000 in annual commercial or government sales
• No active exclusions or debarments in SAM.gov/FAPIIS

Verify your SAM.gov status and CAGE code using our CAGE Code Decoder before starting your Schedule application. An expired or inactive registration will cause your application to be rejected.

The Application Process via GSA Advantage

Applications are submitted through the GSA's eOffer system. You upload your company information (CAGE code, UEI, DUNS if applicable), submit a commercial price list, provide past performance references, and negotiate pricing terms with a GSA contracting officer. The process typically takes 6–12 months from submission to award.

Small Business Set-Asides on the Schedule

Many Schedule orders are set aside for small businesses. GSA maintains small business subcategory designations — small business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB — within the Schedule framework. Your CAGE code record must accurately reflect your socioeconomic status for contracting officers to locate you in set-aside searches on GSA Advantage or eBuy.

After Schedule Award: Staying Compliant

Schedule holders must maintain active SAM.gov registrations throughout the contract period. You must also submit transactional data reports (TDR) or commercial sales practices (CSP) disclosures depending on your Schedule category, and pay the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) — currently 0.75% of Schedule sales. Track your CAGE code's Schedule performance on FedAtlas.com to benchmark your order volume against peers.