As the acquisition arm of the federal government, GSA has a number of procurement vehicles—resources for the acquisition of goods and services. One of the largest, and the most preferred for commercial products and services, according to the agency, is its Schedules program.
Of the almost 40 categories, which range from automotive and office products to professional engineering services, one of the newest is “Specialized Conference Facilities,” launched with the special item number (SIN) 599-6, in 2011.
So far, few properties have gone through the long application process, which provides for five-year contracts with options to renew. However, the number seeking to be on the schedule is growing.
Schedule properties offer complete meeting packages (CMP) and dedicated meetings staffs. Packages include sleeping rooms; meals and refreshment breaks; dedicated meeting rooms; audiovisual equipment; and full-service business centers. They adhere to the rules called the Federal Travel Regulations, and have government per diem rates.
“The GSA schedule is a pre-approved, pre-negotiated meetings contract with the federal government,” says Elizabeth Perrin, director of consulting services at Washington, D.C.-based Courtesy Associates, which is owned by SmithBucklin, an association management company.
The National Conference Center (NCC) in Leesburg, Va., was the first approved, in 2009. Dolce Hotels & Resorts was the first hotel/conference company to join as a brand, in 2011. And the 964-room NCED Conference Center & Hotel in Norman, which is government-owned and managed by Marriott, is also on the schedule.
