Is a GSA Schedule right for your company?

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James

djames@jegroupllc.com

Many businesses ask how they can figure out whether it’s worth their while to go after a GSA Schedule.   Let me share some information that may be helpful in answering this question. Maybe the information provided will guide your decision.

I think it’s important to understand what a GSA Schedule is and what it is not. 

A GSA Schedule is a contract awarded by a federal agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), to firms with established track-records of selling products or services.  A Schedule contract is long-term (a base term of 5 years, with renewal options to a maximum of 20 years).  Schedule contracts cover a wide array of products and services, there may be some products and services may not be purchase on a GSA Schedule.  Contract awards are based on “most favored customer pricing.”   While issued by the GSA, a Schedule contract can be used by any federal agency and, in some cases, by units of state and local governments.   Since everything is pre-negotiated, government agencies benefit from using Schedule contracts because acquisition lead-times are shorter, administrative costs are lower, and administrative steps are fewer. 

From a business point-of-view it’s very important to know that a GSA Schedule contract IS NOT an order, there are no funds obligated once you receive a GSA Schedule. Once you are awarded a Schedule contract, you must be prepared to actively market yourself to government buyers.   In many cases a GSA Schedule contract is referred to as “a license to hunt.”

Your initial step in pursuing one of these contracts should be to examine the entire list of 39 Schedules, including nine Schedules administered by the Veterans Administration.  You can search for details inside particular Schedules by conducting a key word search. Look for the Schedule that most closely fits your line of business.  Subcategories within each Schedule are called SINs — Special Item Numbers.   Remember, there is not a Schedule for everything. 

If and when you find a relevant Schedule, I recommend you research spending reports on individual Schedules.  This will give you some ideas about what kind of money is being spent on individual Schedules and who the prominent, winning Schedule contractors are.

You should do further market research on your potential competitors.  Remember that today’s competitors may be tomorrow’s business partners; GSA Schedule contractors are allowed to team-up with one another to execute government contracts.

All GSA Schedules are located on FedBizOpps — the central repository of virtually all government bid and proposal solicitation documents — so you can download the Schedule solicitation.  The solicitation consist of several different documents, so when you identify the solicitation please download them all.  Collectively, we’re talking about hundreds of pages here, so the real work now begins — you must read, and re-read, everything.   Only you can make a serious and accurate assessment of the impact of GSA’s terms and conditions on your business.  Particularly pay attention to the instructions in the solicitation — you will need to follow these “to the letter” to ensure that GSA accepts your proposal.

Note, too, that many Schedules solicitations allow you to submit your proposal in an electronic format rather than on paper.  These Schedules are designated as “eOffers.”

I know all of this may be a little overwhelming. After all, there are lots of ways to do business with the government, not just through a Schedule contract.  In fact, GSA itself contracts extensively with vendors outside of the Schedule process.  You can take a look at a forecast of GSA’s acquisition needs at www.gsa.gov/smbusforecast.  This forecast can help you plan your approach.   And don’t neglect to consider possible subcontracting opportunities with GSA contractors.

I hope this was helpful. 

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Next Generation Internet To Pinpoint You More Accurately

By C. Henry Adams

Recently, there were comments made by great individuals from around the World who are apart of the ISOC and the IGF.  The ISOC stands for the Internet Society. The IGF stands for Internet Governance Forum.  The discussion was regarding the 'Next Generation Internet' , whereas, it was understood that one day, possibly sooner than you or I could imagine; devices or IoTs ( Internet of Things ) connected to the Internet will be able to accurately pinpoint their whereabouts when in use.

By utilizing a geographic-concentric Internet, it will make finding geolocations more easier accurately. This will likely be the requirements for the development of machines with Internet access one day.

This means, if you are using an IoT smartphone at the corner of Ware Ave and Main Street in East Point, Georgia to call in an emergency.   The smartphone will likely be accurately picked-up by satellites, ground antennas, radar to pinpoint its exact location in locating you 24 hours a day, 7 days week and 365 days in a year, as long as, it is working; turned on /or off.

So, if  an autonomous robotic vehicle flying, rovering or moving on the ground, respond to your distress call; you can then thank the 'Next Generation Internet'.

Now of course, to evolve into this direction, it could likely do away with organizations such as ICANN (Internet Corporation of Assigned, Names and Numbers), IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)  and what we call RIRs (Regional Internet Registries) or in America, its called, ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) .

So,  should we be concern about the advancement in telecommunications or what?  I personally think it is important read, learn, comprehend, understand and be apart of innovations in advance technology.

Why?   As my Late Father (Deceased) would often tell me when he was living.   "Know what you are getting into before you get into it..."

Well, these are my thoughts, what say you?   Thank you for reading our blog.







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UPDATE: Barney Simms death is not without sadness...

by C. Henry Adams

Barney Simms death is not without sadness, as well as, prayers and condolences to his Family. 

Furthermore, we hope, as well as, pray that those who are responsible for his death are apprehended soon. 

Fore, his untimely transition should serve as a greater concern to all the people living in West Atlanta, Georgia.  

Any time that you are shot down in your own yard; in the Neighborhood you raise your kids. 

The Community you tried to support as a Citizen in the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia. 

All of sudden, peace is not still. 

Gunfire and gun violence should not be tolerated in a Country that is the Home of the Free and of the Brave. 

Shooting a gun is not freedom, nor does it make one courageous.

Recently, a 17 year old male was taken into custody for the death of Barney Simms.  What do we need to do to reduce and or eliminate this dismissive pattern of mentality among our youth?

What are we doing individually?   Are we speaking up and speaking out to our youth to help stop gun violence, crime and other negative behavior that will not benefit them, as well as, others going forward into the future?

These are my thoughts, what say you?  Thank you for reading our blog.



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Constant Gunfire Heard In Neighborhoods Could Lower Property Value

                                     Red shaded area illustrates location of constant gunfire.

by C. Henry Adams


This morning in West Atlanta around 6:30 am EST, several gun shots rang out in an area located in the City of Atlanta.   If this incident was an uncommon occurrence, many people residing in this particular historic community would likely go their merry way.

Unfortunately, this particular situation is now becoming too common.   It happens so much, neighbors call 911 to report shots fired giving the intersection of Linkwood Road and Delmar Lane as the location.

To complicate matters, this is the boundary line of Zone 4 Precinct and Zone 1 Precinct for the Atlanta Police Department ("APD").

Neighbors have been told by APD that Units ("A Team of Police Officers") specializing in violent crimes have been dispatched to this area often.

Some Neighbors in the area have witness the actions of these specialized units performing, yet, criminal problems still exist.

Trash thrown out of vehicles by passing motorists daily in this area of Linkwood Road and Delmar Lane have proven the facts that crime is found in filthy places.

Firing a gun into the air, the ground or anything - violates local laws.

It sends a clear message to many people who hears the weapon being discharge of its capable intent.

Thus, fear could set in the minds of People.

If the American way is to live in your home in harmony, whether you own it, lease it or rent it; gunfire heard does not give you a peace of mind.

Furthermore, it is likely that constant gunfire in neighborhoods could lower property value.

Why? Well, who would want to live in a place where they don't feel safe from harm.

Following the incident this morning, a small meeting convene with Walter Calloway a local law enforcement expert.  Mr. Calloway lives in the community where the gunfire was heard.  He crime fighting insights gives support to the local neighborhood.  

Furthermore, Mr. Calloway incidentally is now running for Fulton County Sheriff.

Click to hear a 15 minute excerpt of a meeting with a neighbor: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingId=ODUxNzg5NzU1fDU1OTk2MjU%3D%0AaC%25ODIyODQ3Njh8NTU5OTYyNQ%3D%3D%0A

Enough is enough. The regular gunfire heard in our community must come to an end.  

It could be likely one reason property value is particularly low in our area. 

No one would want to live in an area where they don't feel safe.

We have 2 choices, stop the gunfire or continue to live in fear.

These are my thoughts, what say you?

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Acquisition Team “US Government and Contractor” One Team One Mission

Monday Morning Contracting Tips
by Dannie E. James

Understanding how an Acquisition Team operates could position your company for greater contracts when doing business with the Federal Government.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 1 clearly defines the acquisition team as all participants in government acquisition including not only the representatives of technical, supply, and procurement, but also the customers they serve and the contractors who provide the products and services. You as a Contractor is part of the government acquisition team, the more you know about your team’s roles and responsibilities, including yours, you will be better suited for growing your business in the federal government market. The acquisition team should be working together toward a common goal not toward individual achievements. The only way you would know what the common goal is to interact with the acquisition team. You’re probably asking how do I interact with the acquisition team when I don’t know who’s on the team.

Please allow me to identify your acquisition team for most federal government agencies:

·        Contracting Officer
·        Contract Specialist
·        General Counsel
·        Small Business Advocate
·        Competition Advocate
·        Contracting Officer Representative
·        Customers
·        Contractor providing the Goods or Services

It is important that team members understand their roles and responsibilities – where specific duties are assigned, how performance measures and milestones are developed and that members are held accountable for individual work products. The success of many companies doing business with the federal government establish a similar acquisition team to support their efforts, ensuring that their team operate in a similar format as the US Government operates.

All The Best

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

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Knowing From Whence You Came Is Not Living In The Past

by C. Henry Adams


It's about 7:00 am EST on a Sunday Morning  (3/20/16), the first day of Spring in 2016 and I've realized that it is time to let go of certain people in life, things and objects of my past.

Knowing from whence we come from is not living in the past, but understanding our history is important to continue moving forward in a positive way into the future.


Why?   Well, what good does it do to dwell in the PAST, whether through THOUGHT, WORD or DEED; when it will not BENEFIT, your surroundings (Environment), your people or YOU?

Have you ever said or heard people say this phrase, " I'm sick and tired of...."   Guess what?  You just made yourself "Sick and Tired".  Speaking negativity into existence is real.

Furthermore, being sick and tired could be caused by stress.   So, why continue to reflect back on bad thoughts or misgivings, mistakes that you made, as well as, others made when dealing with you?

It's Spring 2016. Let Go and Let GOD.

Well, these are my thoughts, what say you?  Thank you for reading this blog, we greatly appreciate you.





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Kevin Heights Neighborhood Voice Its Concerns To Atlanta

by C. Henry Adams

In a rather quiet neighborhood tucked between I-20 and I-285 of Atlanta Georgia; neighbors met with Ceasar Mitchell, Esq., President of the Atlanta City Council. This meeting was not your typical Robert's Rules of Order sit down, instead, it was a 'Come walk with me and let us share with you some things.'

It was brought forth by James Tyler, President of Kevin Heights Neighborhood Association; Theo Pace, Chairman of NPU-I; and the President of the Atlanta City Council, Attorney Ceasar Mitchell.

Kevin Heights Neighborhood presented  a 23 page document or PDF regarding its concerns to the City of Atlanta Government.  This well thought out report was requesting a used tired clean up to avoid the Zika Virus and the development of sidewalks from the I-20 Linkwood Road Bridge to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. It also requested repairing infrastructure that is well over 50 years old.

Attorney Mitchell with a Team of Atlanta City Government Officials, walked the entire three street boundary listening intently while greeting Neighbors from 80 years of age to barely braking the age of 1.

This historic event culminates with a community that is determine to keep America Great in Atlanta, Georgia.

Recently, it was discovered and later confirmed that Kevin Heights Neighborhood has disappeared off the City of Atlanta Geospatial Map. Likely, as a result of only one quadrant of the Collier Heights Community being deem Historical.

You see, under the late Mayor William Berry Hartsfield; the Collier Heights Community originally consist of (4) four quadrants. 

In 1958, the development of Kevin Heights Neighborhood began; it is the home of an Honorary Tuskegee Airman and the former home of a Montford Point US Marine who received the US Congressional Gold Medal Posthumously, to say the very least.

Fore, many distinguish Americans have evolved from this particular area known as an outer part of Adamsville, Georgia or the Lickskillet Settlement.

Quite simply, thank you City of Atlanta for visiting our modern day tribe and we eagerly await your response to our request for actions.

Ok, these are my thoughts.  What might say you?

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Thank You Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.

Dear Mrs. Phoebe Dawson Ushery,

I sincerely hope, as well as, pray this letter finds the Entire Family, Staff of Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. well. Since the year 2008, it has truly been an honor to support this Historic Funeral Home Conglomerate located in West Atlanta, Georgia.

I personally want to express gratitude for allowing my Companies to strategically place Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. on Social Media when the idea was not fully conceived or mainstream.

To date,  tweets have been generated of deceased loved ones with announcements and linked to a blog providing further details with the capability of video displays; this concept that BIE Companies created with your permission has grown in multiple fashions never before imagine.

We would like to thank you for your support throughout the trials and tribulations of developing business on the Internet.

We are aware that you seek to give other organizations the opportunity to grow.

On that note, we will be forever thankful and grateful to Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.

Sincerely,
C. Henry Adams
Chairman
Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.
BIE Media Group, LLC
BIE Companies

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Twitter 140-Character Limit About to Change

By Kurt Wagner
Re / Code

January 5, 2016, 8:47 AM PST

Longer tweets are coming soon to Twitter.

Twitter is building a new feature that will allow users to tweet things longer than the traditional 140-character limit, and the company is targeting a launch date toward the end of Q1, according to multiple sources familiar with the company’s plans. Twitter is currently considering a 10,000 character limit, according to these sources. That’s the same character limit the company uses for its Direct Messages product, so it isn’t a complete surprise.

There is no official launch date set in stone, these sources say. It’s also possible the character limit could fluctuate before it rolls out the final product, which people inside Twitter refer to as “Beyond 140.” Re/code first reported that Twitter was building a product like this back in September. A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment.

Read more:  http://recode.net/2016/01/05/twitter-considering-10000-character-limit-for-tweets/

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City of Atlanta, What Is I1?

by C. Henry Adams


While growing up in the western portion of the City of Atlanta during the 1970's and 1980's;  I was always told that in order to go somewhere in life, one should know from whence they came...

I can hear or should I say imagine someone out there in the World saying,  "Say what? What are you saying, C. Henry!?  I know where I come from, your comment does not make any sense. Please expound?"

OK, basically this cliche or words of wisdom in the simplest format, identifies the fact that an individual should know, be aware of and understand their own history.  In my professional opinion, regarding the background of the place or places to which you developed into an adult, you should also apply these words of wisdom when reflecting on the study of past events.

That being said, I grew up in the Community of Collier Heights; located in Atlanta, Georgia USA and in the Neighborhood that I've often described as a 'Modern Day Tribe' called, Kevin Heights Neighborhood.

In or around 1961 before I was born, the City of Atlanta Government (City of Atlanta Department of Planning) issued a booklet which outline and describe Collier Heights the Community.

At this particular time, William B. Hartsfield was the Mayor.

Americans of African descent were thriving and growing in the City of Atlanta.   The Community of Collier Heights was there before Interstate 20 and Interstate 285 fully developed.  In fact, according to the 1961 booklet mentioned above;  the Interstates actually divided the Collier Heights Community into (4) four quadrants. Its economic status consist of Wealthy, Middle-Class and Low-Income Citizens mostly of African American Descent located on the western portion of the City of Atlanta.

On May 15th 2009, the US National Register of Historical Places only identified one (1) quadrant of 4 as the Historical Collier Heights.   Some would guess because of the King Family and other wealthy families who were influential while living in that particular area.

The City of Atlanta is mostly located in Fulton County, Georgia.

In 1960, according to the US Census, there were 556,326 people living in Fulton County, Georgia.

By 1990, the number of people living in Fulton County, Georgia increased to 648,951.

Also in 1990, the number of people increased dwelling in surrounding Cobb County, Georgia (447,745), Douglas County (71,120), Clayton County (182,052), Dekalb County (545,837), Gwinnett County (352,910) and Henry County (58,741).

However, by 2014, it was estimated that 996,319 people lived in Fulton County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 730,981 people lived in Cobb County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 138,776 people lived in Douglas County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 267,542 people lived in Clayton County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 722,161 people lived in Dekalb County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 877,922 people lived in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

In 2014, it was estimated that 213,869 people lived in Henry County, Georgia.

The growth of the City of Atlanta is very prevalent.  So much to the degree, bottle-necking on the major roads to which are technically no longer free is very obvious.

What was once Collier Heights Community Quadrant 2 ( I1 as seen in Image 2* below. ) near the intersection of I-20 and I-285 to the west of the City of Atlanta; has somehow lost its Neighborhood Names on the City of Atlanta Maps here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3zMnOB0CuuBMEI1aTdRZHFieFk/view?usp=sharing

Therefore, we respectfully ask; City of Atlanta, what is I1?

http://www.atlantaga.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=2702

http://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=758af081025b4ac3b0d7199dbc48e812

http://gis.atlantaga.gov/gishome/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=49

                                                   Image 2*


Well, these are my thoughts.  What might you say?  Thanks for reading my commentary.  We greatly appreciate you.









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