Partnerships
Clients, both current and future GSA vendors, reap the benefits of GSA Schedules, Inc.'s distinct insight and expertise, as they work in partnership to create, build and expand the sales of their products and services to the Government. In order to assist our clients to be successful in doing business with the Government, we offer education for understanding the Government required processes, awareness of technical considerations, and marketing strategies for Government customers and actively encourage the participation in these opportunities for building relationships with the Government stakeholders. The following partnerships continue to provide an opportunity for fostering relationships that have been of great benefit to us and to our clients. We will update these opportunities to partner as we become aware of training, promotions or meetings that may be of benefit to our clients.
In addition to the participation and contribution to the events and publications noted below, GSA continues to invite GSA Schedules, Inc. to participate in studies to provide feedback to assist GSA in assessing needs for improving the processes for contractors. Over the years we have been invited to provide our comments on our experience on behalf of clients to assist GSA in their studies to improve and standardize submission and modification processes and forms. Additionally we were part of a group of contractors and consultants offering comments to assist GSA in their decisions on the content to include for reports related to results from the GSA CAV Visit. GSA Schedules, Inc. has participated in presentations at the GSA Expo. Recently, we served on a GSA subcommittee (VUG) for providing feedback on the new GSA online acquisition system that is currently being piloted on some smaller programs. As always, we will keep our clients informed and prepared for any changes to the GSA Schedules Program.
Ongoing Partnerships with Industry
The Security Industry Association (SIA) - Represents the business interest of manufacturers, service providers and integrators of the electronic physical security industry.
GSA Schedules, Inc. has been a member of SIA for many years. Lynn de Seve, President of GSA Schedules, Inc. chairs the SIA GSA Policy Working Group. Lynn received the Statesman of the Year Award from SIA in 2006 for her efforts in Government Relations, education and advocacy for policies to support the security industry. Lynn continues to be a speaker or moderator at the annual SIA Government Summit. This year the SIA Government Summit will be held on June 19-20, 2012. At the 2011 Summit, Lynn delivered a presentation to a Government End User Group on understanding GSA Schedule 84. Among the many SIA employee team and member volunteer's accomplishments include the support and advocacy for Cooperative Purchasing for GSA Schedule 84, which resulted in unanimous approval by Congress. SIA supports many issues for industry at the Federal, State and Local levels. SIA is also responsible for assisting in the establishment of technical standards for the industry.
Government Security News Magazine (GSN) - GSN has been a valued partner for many years. GSA Schedules, Inc. and many of our clients utilize this publication for advertising to our Government customer base and industry partners. GSA Schedules, Inc. advertised in GSN's first issues and has continued over the years to be an advocate partnering at times to contribute expertise to relevant articles. Articles are informative and feature important security industry commentary, technical information, white papers, events and other subject matter for both the Government and Industry.
Security Sales and Integration Magazine (SSI) - SSI has continued to support our efforts to educate our clients, particularly in the security industry for doing business with the Government. Over the years, we have written many articles published in SSI Magazine to promote understanding for integrators and manufacturers on how to market to the Government and be in compliance with a focus on utilizing the GSA Schedule Contract. Frequently we focus on the unique requirements for integrators. This past year we contributed to the 911 article in September and wrote the article in the April edition entitled "Getting Your GSA Business On Schedule".
Current 2012 Event Partnerships with GSA
The Greater Southwest Acquisition Center (GSAC) located in Fort Worth, TX, along with the GSA Alliance for Quality Business Solutions is a strong advocate to industry. Lynn de Seve, President of GSA Schedules, Inc., serves as the Industry Chair for the Alliance Council at the GSAC. The Alliance for Quality Business Solutions is a strategic partnership between GSA, its contractors and mutual federal customers. This platform nurtures communication and education, and provides a positive environment for information-sharing, collaboration, problem-solving, and the development of quality business solutions. Through this network, the Alliance for Quality Business Solutions shall endeavor to nurture communication and education platforms, minimize impediments to continuous improvements and implement best solutions to provide a positive and proper use the GSA Schedules Program; and, provide maximum exposure to products and services offered by Alliance Partners, and position the MAS program as the acquisition option of choice among federal buyers.
As Industry Chair, Lynn has contributed as a trainer/speaker for the annual GSA Industry Days in Fort Worth, TX. This year the event will be held February 21-23, 2012. Lynn will be teaming with GSA Contracting Officers to present issues for manufacturers and their dealers, as well as a session on how to submit a GSA eMod. This event is a must attend for GSA Schedules 56, 84, 66, 541, 73 and 736.
www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104666
The Facilities Maintenance and Hardware Acquisition Center (FMHAC) located in Kansas City, Kansas, along with the Partnership for Facilities and Hardware Solutions is an on-going strong supporter of industry. Lynn de Seve, President of GSA Schedules, Inc. is a member of the Marketing Subcommittee and has also served on the Green Committee for the GSA's FMHAC in Kansas City. Partnering with clients and GSA, Lynn has assisted in the efforts to better define and publish on GSA's website the "green" descriptions for products and services. The annual Industry Days serves as an excellent opportunity to learn more about the GSA Schedules Program for 51V and 03FAC Contractors and to network with the key stakeholders at GSA, as well as other industry partners.