Every year, the federal government spends $8 billion on healthcare research, services, and technology. That makes it a tantalizing target for businesses in health-related industries. Scoring these types of contracts isn’t as simple as making a phone call and securing the deal, however. Healthcare providers hoping to do business with government entities must first apply for a GSA Schedule 621 I.
What Is a GSA Schedule 621 I?
In general, a GSA Schedule is a contract that a business makes with the federal government in order to arrange to sell their products or services to government agencies. A GSA Schedule 621 I is a GSA Schedule that is specific to professional and allied healthcare staffing services.
What Staffing Services Can Apply for a GSA Schedule 621 I?
GSA Schedule 621 I covers a wide variety of staffing services throughout the healthcare field. The Schedule includes physicians that specialize in general, family, and internal medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, and much more. It also includes nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants. Registered nurses, dentists, pharmacists, EMT paramedics, and various kinds of therapists (occupational, physical, and respiratory) are also included. Here’s an extensive list of the categories included under a GSA Schedule 621 I.
How Does a GSA Schedule 621 I Work?
In short, a GSA Schedule 621 I helps the government compile a catalog of healthcare providers so that buyers can quickly and easily make the best choice. Because of the strict standards required to obtain a GSA Schedule 621 I, buyers can be sure that all of those on the GSA Schedule have been thoroughly vetted. The GSA Schedule also provides a way for buyers to obtain low prices, as the federal government sets extremely competitive pricing requirements.
The benefit for vendors is the guarantee of a wide variety of business opportunities afforded through their government contracts.
How Does a Healthcare Provider Apply for a GSA Schedule 621 I?
A typical GSA application will require anywhere from 20 to 30 pages of paperwork and will range from 200 to 300 questions. This is because the federal government needs to ensure that all healthcare staff meets the extensive set of requirements and regulations in place before they can be awarded a GSA Schedule.
Once you submit your application, the GSA will review it and provide any necessary follow-up questions. If your application is accepted based on the information they gather, you will then need to negotiate the terms of your Schedule agreement, hammering out your pricing and the overall contract.
Potential Pitfalls in the GSA Schedule 621 Application Process
Although the benefits of securing a GSA Schedule 621 I are clear, the process of applying for one is often murky and confusing. First of all, some healthcare providers may be uncertain whether or not their field of specialization is covered under this Schedule. Next, there are a variety of rules and restrictions that may disqualify certain applicants.
Most frustratingly, the application process for a GSA can often be incredibly tedious, taking as long as 70 hours for most people who are unfamiliar with the terminology commonly used in government documents and contracts. In addition to this, if the information is excluded or entered erroneously, the application could be denied. Applications being submitted as much as one day late can also be grounds for rejection.
Frustrated or Confused? Government Contract Services Is Here to Help
Because GSA Schedules are time-consuming and complex, having a team of experts like the ones at Government Contract Services is invaluable. We can help cut the 70-hour process of a GSA application down to as little as 10 to 18 hours, leaving you with only 6 to 10 pages of information to supply so that we can use it to help complete your application. Because we know the common errors that result in rejection, we can help guide you through the process and increase the chance that your application will be accepted.
We’ve devoted over 25 years to learning the ins and outs of government contracts, so we understand the regulations and requirements that govern the application process for companies hoping to do business with government entities.
