XL EagleFSS (Federal Supply Schedule)
FSS stands for Federal Supply Schedule. The Federal Supply Schedule program is the system of long-term governmentwide contracts with pre-set prices. GSA manages most of it through the Multiple Award Schedule, and it has delegated some schedules, like medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
People often say GSA schedule and FSS as if they mean the same thing. Technically, FSS is the umbrella program and MAS is GSA's single consolidated schedule.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you sell medical or lab supplies, the VA-run schedules are a separate path from GSA MAS. Know which one fits your product before you start the paperwork.
Example
A medical supply distributor gets on a VA-run FSS contract. A VA hospital then orders $12,000 in wound care supplies directly at schedule prices.
FSS: common questions
Is FSS the same as GSA Schedule?
In everyday talk, mostly yes. Officially, FSS is the program and GSA MAS and the VA schedules are parts of it.
Who manages the medical schedules?
The Department of Veterans Affairs runs the medical and pharmaceutical schedules under authority from GSA.
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