# PART 38

# FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE CONTRACTING

### 38.000 Scope of part.

This part prescribes policies and procedures for contracting for supplies and services under the Federal Supply Schedule program, which is directed and managed by the General Services Administration (see Subpart 8.4, Federal Supply Schedules, for additional information). See Part 39 for automatic data processing and telecommunications equipment and services coverage. The Department of Defense uses a similar system of schedule contracting for military items that are also not a part of the Federal Supply Schedule program.

## SUBPART 38.1--FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE PROGRAM

### 38.101 General.

(a) The Federal Supply Schedule program provides Federal agencies with a simplified process of acquiring commonly used supplies and services in varying quantities at lower prices while obtaining discounts associated with volume buying. Indefinite delivery contracts (including requirements contracts) are awarded, using competitive procedures, to commercial firms to provide supplies and services at stated prices for given periods of time, for delivery within the 48 continguous states, Washington, DC, and possible Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas deliveries. The schedule contracting office issues publications, titled Federal Supply Schedules, containing

the information needed for placing delivery orders with the contractors.

(b) Each schedule identifies specific agencies in designated geographic areas that are required to use the contracts as primary sources of supply.

(c) Federal agencies not identified in the schedules as mandatory users (see 8.404-2) may issue orders under the schedules, and the contractors are encouraged to accept the orders.

(d) Although GSA awards most Federal Supply Schedule contracts, it may authorize other agencies to award schedule contracts and publish schedules; e.g., the Department of Veterans Affairs awards schedule contracts for certain medical and nonperishable subsistence items.

## SUBPART 38.2--ESTABLISHING AND ADMINISTERING FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULES

### 38.201 Coordination requirements.

(a) Subject to interagency agreements, contracting officers having responsibility for awarding Federal Supply Schedule contracts shall coordinate and obtain approval of the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Service (FSS) before--

(1) Establishing new schedules;

(2) Discontinuing existing schedules;

(3) Changing the scope of agency or geographical coverage of existing schedules; or

(4) Adding or deleting special item numbers, national stock numbers, or revising their description.

(b) Requests should be forwarded to the General Services Administration, Federal Supply Service, Office of Commodity Management (FC), Washington, DC 20406.