WHO CAN ORDER FROM GSA ADVANTAGE

Now, what government agencies are eligible to order GSA approved products and services? Also, are they obliged to do that?

First of all, GSA advantage is not the only way to purchase for federal and state governments. In fact, they may also use Amazon Business or other government-friendly purchase platforms. However, for contracts above the micro-transaction threshold, GSA Schedules and GSA advantage! are the primary way to purchase for the government buyers.

The GSA government buyer guide states the following agencies that can use GSA sources of supplies with GSA advantage:

· Federal agencies. This means any executive agency or an establishment in the legislative or judicial branch of the government.

· Executive departments. Examples: Department of Defence, Department of Commerce, Central Intelligence Agency, or U.S. Forest Service.

· 100% government owned corporations. Examples: Federal Financing Bank, Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), Commodity Credit Corporation.

· Independent establishments in the executive branch of the government. Examples: Smithsonian Institute, United States Postal Service.

· Other federal agencies, not included above. Other entities that can get access to GSA sources of supply, sometimes limited.

· Other federal agencies that are not in the executive branch of the government. Examples: American National Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, Library of Congress.

· Mixed ownership government corporations. Examples: (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) Amtrak, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

· District of Columbia.

· The Senate with GSA advantage

· The House of Representatives

· Architect of the Capitol

· Cost-reimbursement contractors. GSA often seeks ways to optimize spending, so it may authorize certain contractors performing cost-reimbursement types of contracts to use GSA sources of supply. In each case the authorization is written and is not transferable.

· Non–federal firefighting organizations cooperating with the Department of Agriculture.

· Tribes and tribal organizations.

· Other statutes. Specific organizations can be authorized to use GSA advantage! to purchase goods and services.

· Howard University, Gallaudet College, National Institute for the Deaf, American Printing House for the Blind

· Certain Governments. Examples: Government of Guam, Government of the United States Virgin Islands.

· FAA authorized entities. Certain foreign or international organizations can be named eligible to access GSA sources of supply according to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. No military purchases are allowed. Examples: International Atomic Energy Agency, NATO, World Health Organization.

· Non-appropriated fund activities.