Market Research As a Service (MRAS)

A value-added service at no additional cost

MRAS delivers meaningful market data to Federal, State, and Local agencies. Through FAR Part 10 compliant requests for information (RFI), sources sought, industry days, and advanced product research, MRAS collects data to help customers understand where their need fits within the GSA government-wide marketplace.

Watch a video to learn more about Market Research As a Service.

Explore our offerings

MRAS provides automated RFIs & Sources Sought for services and advanced GSA Advantage! product searches.

• Request for Information (RFI) with Market Research Report - request an RFI to understand GSA contracts and industry capabilities with a market report.
• Product Research Request - Search up to 20,000 products on GSA Advantage and receive a market report.
• MRAS Report Archives - COMING SOON! Search thousands of previous market research reports to research your requirement (OMB Max Login required).

Request for information with market research report

Develop customized RFIs that strategically target GSA contract holders on GSA eBuy, resulting in a robust market research analysis report showing all responses received, in as little as 1-2 weeks (depending on the requirement). Within 24 hours of receiving your request, GSA Customer Service Directors (CSDs) work directly with Agency POCs to review a draft RFI developed from information provided, and work side by side with customers to further refine the RFI until it is ready to be posted on GSA eBuy. After the RFI closes, a Market Research Report is designed specifically to see how the GSA market can meet technical requirements and mission needs provided. Market Research Reports are designed to facilitate completing Small Business Office review forms, developing Acquisition Plans, and assisting in formulating an overall acquisition strategy.

Begin your RFI or product market research request.

What to expect in the MRAS process

1. Customer submits a request for an RFI.
2. Collaborate with us and develop RFI.
3. Customer approves and engages industry.
4. RFI closes and you get a market report.
5. Consult with us.

The total estimated time is one day to two weeks, depending upon the requirement.

MRAS provides each customer with a unique, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand report. The report analyzes industry partner data related to the customers' needs, which gives an understanding of the results expected under the markets researched. The Market Research Report includes socio-economic, technical, capabilities, and comprehensive business information so Agencies can complete their Acquisition Planning and Small Business strategies and requirements and estimate documents.

Training and events

MRAS customer training on effective market research (for federal, military, state, and local)

Attention all public sector employees in the contracting and acquisition career field! In GSA's Market Research As a Service (MRAS) Customer Training: Effective Market Research (Fed/Military), you'll learn the importance of market research, how and when to conduct it, and how to get the best results by making your data collection methods more efficient.

You'll also delve into the regulatory nature of FAR Part 10 and how it ties into other decisions such as acquisition planning, small business set-asides, commercial items, and contract type selection.

This one-credit CLP course includes real-life scenarios, expert instructors, and tools from GSA's market research as a service. Take this opportunity to enhance your market research skills and advance your career. This is a one-CLP credit course.

MRAS industry training

As an industry partner, you can provide valuable market research data to inform the purchasing decisions of GSA customers. Participating in our research allows you to showcase your products and services to potential buyers and play a key role in helping government agencies make informed and efficient purchasing decisions.

But why choose GSA's Market Research As a Service (MRAS) over traditional market research methods? Our research is 100 times easier and more efficient, making it a great business development activity for your company. Plus, by participating in MRAS, you can reach a wider audience of government buyers and increase your visibility in the market.

We offer monthly industry training seminars to help you get started and make the most of your participation in MRAS. CLPs will not be issued for these webinars.

MRAS in the news

• Listen to the FAS Focus: Deep Dive podcast episode as we discuss GSA’s Market Research As a Service with Kevan Kivlan, Director, Customer & Stakeholder Engagements New England & FAS Market Research as a Service (MRAS) Program Office: https://twitter.com/i/status/150-165-6591321518081
• January 2022: MRAS Pushes Billions in Business to the GSA Schedule

What our customers are saying

"Utilizing this resource is a great way to leverage the hard work put into establishing these contracts and provide a great benefit to the Government as a whole by simplifying the already complex process of federal acquisition. The benefit of conducting this market research gives a PCO the ability to see if there's a more expedient or cost-effective way to support their mission partner's needs. Often contracting is known as a slow and drawn-out process, and while it can be, this free tool is fast and gives a great snapshot as to what alternatives are available. MRAS is a great tool in a PCO's toolkit to have and one that should not be overlooked."

— Capt. Jeremy A. Deorsey, Massachusetts Army National Guard

MRAS frequently asked questions

What is Market Research as a Service?

MRAS helps customers by collecting and providing industry partner information specific to Agency needs. MRAS conducts Requests for Information, Sources Sought, and advanced product searches to help Agencies compile business, socio-economic, and technical data. Additionally, MRAS helps provide feedback from industry about Agency requirements documents, industry trends, best practices, and the best GSA contract and NAICs for their acquisition.

Is there a cost for this service?

No, MRAS is a market research service GSA provides to all federal, state, and local agencies at no cost.

How do I initiate an MRAS request?

To submit your market research request, please reach out to your CSD so they can walk you through the MRAS process and determine the best MRAS service for your requirement. You can then fill out the MRAS Service Request Form.

Are you an industry partner and need help with a survey?

Please fill out the Industry Help Request Form.

Still have questions?

Find and contact your local GSA Customer Service Director or email the MRAS Team at rfi@research.gsa.gov.