We're on the GSA schedule!
We are deeply passionate about bringing our cutting edge AI platform to the problems faced by both the private AND public sector, and are thrilled to announce today that Helios’ platform is now available on the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule!
What does this mean? In a nutshell, this opens us up to a wider range of users across US Government agencies, as well as state, local, and tribal governments. That means that buyers at the United States Department of Agriculture (who track commodity prices), leaders at the Department of Defense (who care about food security), and even decision makers in the intelligence community (who may care about how other countries’ crops are doing) can now buy a software license to our platform - like any regular private sector customer?
If this sounds weird (i.e., Why couldn’t they just buy us before?), here’s a fun little primer on how the GSA schedule came about!
The GSA Schedule, also known as the Federal Supply Schedule, is a long-standing procurement vehicle created to simplify the buying process for federal agencies. It was established in the mid-20th century as a way to streamline government procurement, ensuring that federal agencies could access a wide range of products and services at pre-negotiated prices. The GSA Schedule enables agencies to purchase goods and services more efficiently and at competitive prices, thanks to the bulk buying power of the federal government. The schedule covers a broad spectrum of offerings, from office supplies to IT services, and is designed to provide the best value for the government while ensuring compliance with various procurement regulations.
For a small company looking to sell to federal agencies, getting on the GSA Schedule can be a powerful tool. By becoming a GSA Schedule contractor, a small business gains access to a vast marketplace where federal agencies frequently turn for their procurement needs. The process involves submitting a proposal to GSA, demonstrating compliance with their requirements, and negotiating terms and pricing. Once approved, the company’s products or services are listed on the GSA Schedule, making them visible to government buyers. This visibility can lead to significant sales opportunities, as many federal agencies prefer to purchase through the GSA Schedule due to its ease of use and the assurance of competitive pricing. Additionally, small businesses can benefit from GSA’s initiatives to promote small business participation in federal procurement, which can help them compete more effectively with larger firms.
