Typical Problems After Getting a GSA Contract – and How to Prevent Them

Securing a GSA Schedule contract is a major accomplishment for any company looking to expand into the federal marketplace. It opens the door to a wide network of government buyers and creates new opportunities for steady, long-term revenue. However, obtaining the contract is only the first step. Effective GSA management is what ensures the contract continues to generate results and remain compliant over time.

Many businesses discover that the real work begins after the award. Managing a GSA contract requires ongoing attention to compliance, regular updates to products and pricing, and consistent communication with government agencies. Without a structured approach, even experienced contractors can encounter costly mistakes, audit findings, or contract suspension.

Successful post-award management means understanding that a GSA Schedule is not a static document but a living agreement that evolves with market conditions and regulatory requirements. Companies that plan ahead, monitor performance, and maintain compliance are far more likely to achieve sustainable growth and positive relationships within the federal market.

With nearly two decades of experience, Price Reporter helps contractors navigate every aspect of GSA management, from compliance and reporting to catalog updates and pricing optimization. By applying proven strategies and market insights, the company ensures that GSA contract holders can focus on growth while maintaining full compliance with government standards.

This article examines the most common challenges businesses face after receiving a GSA contract and provides practical strategies to prevent these problems before they affect your success.

Lack of Post-Award Planning

Problem: After receiving a GSA Schedule contract, many companies believe the most difficult phase is behind them. In reality, the contract award marks the beginning of a long and detailed management process. A GSA Schedule is not a one-time achievement but a continuous commitment that requires regular attention and oversight. Without a clear plan in place, even small administrative tasks can accumulate and turn into major compliance issues.

Impact: When a business fails to plan for post-award management, deadlines are often missed, catalog information becomes outdated, and reporting obligations can be overlooked. This lack of organization can result in warnings from GSA, financial penalties, or even suspension of the contract. In addition, poor planning makes it harder for a company to respond quickly to market changes or new government opportunities.

Prevention: Establishing a structured management process immediately after the award is the best way to prevent these issues.

• Develop a post-award plan that clearly defines responsibilities, deadlines, and review cycles.
• Assign a dedicated contract administrator or engage a qualified specialist to monitor compliance and coordinate updates.
• Schedule quarterly internal reviews to ensure that pricing, documentation, and reporting remain accurate and aligned with GSA requirements.

By treating post-award planning as an ongoing process, contractors can maintain full control of their schedules, avoid compliance risks, and ensure their GSA contract continues to deliver long-term value.

Outdated or Inaccurate Catalog Information

Problem: Many contractors underestimate the importance of keeping their GSA Advantage catalog up to date. As product lines evolve, prices change, and availability shifts, catalog details can quickly become outdated. It is common to see listings that include discontinued items, incorrect pricing, or incomplete product descriptions. These inconsistencies not only create confusion for buyers but also increase the risk of compliance issues.

Impact: An inaccurate catalog can cause multiple operational and reputational problems. Orders may be rejected if products are unavailable or priced incorrectly, resulting in lost sales and dissatisfied customers. Inconsistent information between the catalog and the contract terms can also trigger compliance warnings or audits. Over time, these mistakes can damage a company’s reputation and weaken its position within the federal marketplace.

Prevention: A disciplined approach to catalog management helps prevent these issues and ensures smooth contract performance.

• Review all catalog listings on a regular basis to confirm that product information, descriptions, and specifications are current.
• Remove discontinued or temporarily unavailable products to avoid confusion and order delays.
• Verify that all prices listed on GSA Advantage match the current terms and conditions of your GSA Schedule.

Consistent catalog maintenance is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay compliant, enhance buyer confidence, and maintain a positive track record with GSA.

Delays in Contract Modifications

Problem: After receiving a GSA Schedule contract, many companies struggle to manage modifications efficiently. Updates such as price adjustments, product additions, or new SINs often get delayed due to internal bottlenecks or lack of clear responsibility. In some cases, businesses postpone modifications until the next review period, which can leave their contract outdated and out of sync with their current offerings.

Impact: When modifications are delayed, contractors lose valuable opportunities to expand their catalog, stay competitive, and align pricing with market conditions. Government buyers expect accuracy and transparency, and outdated contract terms can create confusion or reduce trust. Furthermore, prolonged delays in modifications can trigger compliance questions during audits and limit access to new procurement opportunities.

Prevention: Timely and well-managed contract modifications are essential for maintaining a strong and compliant GSA Schedule.

• Schedule periodic internal reviews to identify necessary updates, such as new products, discontinued items, or pricing changes.
• Submit modification requests immediately after changes occur in pricing, supplier relationships, or product availability.
• Monitor the progress of each modification and maintain consistent communication with your Contracting Officer to ensure approvals are completed without unnecessary delays.

By treating contract modifications as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, contractors can keep their GSA Schedule current, competitive, and fully aligned with both market conditions and regulatory requirements.

Errors in Reporting and Fee Remittance

Problem: Accurate reporting is a critical part of GSA contract management, yet many contractors struggle to meet all the requirements on time. Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) and Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) submissions are often overlooked, delayed, or filled out incorrectly. These mistakes typically occur due to lack of internal organization, unfamiliarity with reporting procedures, or poor recordkeeping.

Impact: Late or inaccurate reporting can have serious consequences. GSA relies on timely and correct data to monitor contractor performance and ensure fair pricing. Missing a deadline or submitting incorrect figures can trigger audits, financial penalties, or loss of trust from Contracting Officers. Repeated reporting issues may even lead to suspension or termination of the contract. In addition to financial risk, inconsistent reporting creates administrative stress and damages a contractor’s professional reputation.

Prevention: Establishing a consistent and well-documented reporting process helps eliminate these risks.

• Create a monthly reporting schedule that outlines due dates for TDR and IFF submissions and assign clear responsibility for each task.
• Maintain detailed and organized sales records for every GSA-related transaction to ensure traceability and accuracy.
• Carefully verify all figures and calculations before submitting reports or payments to prevent discrepancies and potential follow-up audits.

By building a reliable reporting system, contractors can stay compliant, reduce administrative errors, and strengthen their standing with GSA as trustworthy and responsible partners.

Non-Compliance with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA)

Problem: Compliance with the Trade Agreements Act is one of the most important responsibilities for GSA contractors, yet it remains one of the most common problem areas. Many companies unintentionally list or sell products that are not TAA compliant. This often happens when suppliers change manufacturing locations or when contractors add new products without verifying their country of origin. Even a single non-compliant item can create serious issues.

Impact: Violating TAA requirements can have immediate and severe consequences. Contractors may face suspension of specific products, financial penalties, or complete removal from the GSA Schedule. Non-compliance also damages credibility with both GSA officials and federal buyers. Once a company’s reliability is questioned, it becomes much harder to win new government opportunities and maintain existing relationships.

Prevention: Strict monitoring of product origin and supply chain changes is essential for staying TAA compliant.

• Verify the country of origin for every product before adding it to your GSA Schedule.
• Keep updated documentation proving that all listed items meet TAA requirements.
• Revisit compliance, whenever switching suppliers, adding new product lines, or making changes to manufacturing locations.

Consistent review and documentation ensure that your GSA catalog remains compliant and trustworthy, protecting your business from unnecessary risks and disruptions.

Lack of Market and Price Monitoring

Problem: Many contractors treat their GSA contract pricing as fixed, assuming that once it is approved, no further adjustments are needed. However, the federal market is highly dynamic. Prices, competition, and agency demand can shift quickly, and without regular monitoring, a contractor’s pricing can become outdated and uncompetitive. This often results from limited market research or a lack of resources dedicated to tracking federal buying patterns.

Impact: When pricing no longer reflects current market conditions, visibility on GSA Advantage decreases, and sales decline. Government buyers frequently compare offers across multiple vendors, and if your prices are higher or not aligned with current trends, they are less likely to select your products. Over time, this can lead to reduced revenue and make it harder to meet GSA’s sales requirements for contract renewal.

Prevention: Ongoing price and market analysis is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the federal marketplace.

• Conduct regular price comparisons with other vendors offering similar products or services under the GSA Schedule.
• Use the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause to modify prices when market conditions or supplier costs change.
• Monitor government purchasing data and trends to better understand agency needs and adjust your offerings accordingly.

By actively tracking pricing and market activity, contractors can stay competitive, increase visibility, and maintain a strong position on GSA Advantage.

Insufficient Communication with Contracting Officers

Problem: Many contractors underestimate the importance of maintaining consistent communication with their Contracting Officer (CO). It is common for companies to reach out only when a problem occurs or when they need a modification to be approved. This reactive approach can lead to misunderstandings, slow response times, and missed opportunities to address potential compliance issues early.

Impact: Poor communication can delay contract modifications, renewals, and other administrative processes. When Contracting Officers do not receive timely updates, they may view the contractor as unresponsive or unorganized, which can harm professional relationships. In some cases, a lack of communication can even lead to compliance gaps, as important updates or approvals remain pending longer than necessary.

Prevention: Maintaining open and regular communication with your Contracting Officer helps ensure smooth contract management and builds trust over time.

• Keep in touch with your CO regularly, not only when problems arise. Schedule periodic check-ins or updates to review your contract status.
• Respond quickly and professionally to all inquiries, document requests, or clarification needs.
• Inform GSA in advance about any major business or product changes that could affect your contract, such as ownership updates, pricing adjustments, or catalog modifications.

Strong and proactive communication helps contractors stay aligned with GSA expectations, resolve issues efficiently, and maintain positive long-term relationships with their Contracting Officers.

Missing the Five-Year Option Renewal Window

Problem: Every GSA Schedule contract is issued with an initial five-year term and can be renewed for up to 20 years in total. However, some contractors lose sight of the renewal process and underestimate the amount of time and documentation required. Incomplete submissions, outdated compliance records, or late preparation can lead to delays or even the expiration of the contract.

Impact: If the renewal window is missed, the contractor risks losing access to the federal marketplace altogether. A lapsed contract means all listings are removed from GSA Advantage, existing government clients cannot place new orders, and the company must go through the entire application process again. This can cause major revenue disruptions and damage long-term relationships with federal buyers.

Prevention: To avoid these issues, contractors should take a proactive and organized approach to the renewal process. Begin preparing early, review all compliance details, and ensure your contract demonstrates consistent performance and value to the GSA.

Staying ahead of the renewal timeline not only prevents contract interruption but also demonstrates reliability and professionalism. Contractors who plan early and maintain full compliance throughout the contract period are well-positioned for seamless renewals and continued success in the federal market.

Conclusion: Maintaining Success Beyond the Award

Securing a GSA Schedule contract is an important step toward entering the federal marketplace, but true success depends on consistent and attentive management after the award. Continuous focus on compliance, reporting accuracy, catalog maintenance, and communication with GSA ensures that a contractor remains in good standing and competitive over time. A proactive management strategy helps identify and resolve issues before they become major problems, protecting both performance and reputation.

For businesses that prefer expert guidance in this process, Price Reporter provides professional GSA consulting and contract management solutions. Since 2006, the company’s team of specialists has helped more than a thousand contractors obtain, maintain, and optimize their GSA Schedules. With deep experience in compliance, market intelligence, and contract administration, Price Reporter continues to support companies in achieving stable growth and long-term success in the federal sector.