GSA, short for the Government Services Administration, is a government agency that is responsible for the task of managing government real estate and buildings, developing regulations and policies, and providing service and procurement support.
The agency satisfies much of the space requirements of federal agencies, but it hires private contractors to do the work. How does it regulate this? It ensures excellence in architecture, engineering, and construction by creating certain standards and using an approved contractor program.
While there is no law requiring a contractor to hold a GSA contract to conduct business with a government entity, some agencies only use this option. Also, there are several benefits to using a GSA approved government contractor.
Faster.
GSA contracts are meant to streamline the project design and completion process, which means you will spend less time with a GSA-approved contractor from start to finish. Imagine having to get competing bids, shop for pricing, and jump through other hoops to satisfy government requirements for a new project. With a GSA-approved contract, these steps aren’t necessary, which shortens the process. Some of the time-saving benefits of this choice include:
- Ordering offices do not need to seek further competition;
- There is no requirement to synopsize at the contract level;
- A separate order of responsibility is not required; and
- A variety of turnkey building systems are available through an existing GSA contract.
Cheaper.
Time is money, so the streamlined process afforded by using a GSA approved government contractor is already saving your agency precious cash. Fortunately, there are several other ways that a GSA contract will prove to be a more affordable solution to your project needs.
- GSA has already determined that prices in the contracts are fair and reasonable;
- Pre-negotiated prices allow for more streamlined acquisition processes;
- Required socioeconomic determinations are made at the contract level;
- GSA contractors are not required to conduct cost and price analysis since this is done at the contract level; and
- Small business set-asides are allowable, which helps more small businesses use these types of contracts.
Better.
While it makes sense to save some cash on any construction project, this would be a waste if you are getting an inferior product and will later have to make repairs or, worse, pay for a replacement. Fortunately, this isn’t an issue with a GSA approved government contractor.
The GSA has a “Design and Construction Excellence” program which is internationally renowned. The program works with architects, engineers, and construction professionals to establish and enforce standards relevant to GSA projects. This is not necessarily something that you will receive with an independent construction project team.
Simplified Government Construction with K-Con
K-Con is a design-build general contractor that is established nationally in government services construction. The company specializes in pre-engineered metal buildings, engineering, construction and renovation/up-fit services, and site preparation and installation.
K-Con has successfully completed over 650 contracts working for more than 150 government and military customers in every U.S. state and territory. Examples of our GSA projects include pre-engineered storage, security, shelter, warehouse, and in-plant solutions. Contact us now to learn more about GSA or to get started with your next project. Be sure to ask for more information about our rapid turnaround on concept drawings and preliminary pricing.