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Small Business Week Blog 3

Assisting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Become GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program Contractors

| GSA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Post filed in: Small Business

GSA advances and supports the goals of the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Contracting with federal agencies widens HBCU exposure to business opportunities and offers a potential source of increased revenue. Many HBCUs have been awarded contracts by individual federal agencies, but they do not hold a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. Multiple Award Schedules are long-term governmentwide contracts that provide federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services at volume discount pricing.

The good news is that many HBCUs have the capabilities and infrastructure in place to seek and procure government requirements.

GSA is looking to increase the number of HBCUs with a GSA MAS contract. As a GSA MAS contractor, HBCUs have access to federal, state, and local government contract opportunities and an additional revenue stream. Learn more about the MAS Program.

SBA's HUBZone program is another opportunity for HBCUs to contract with federal agencies. Of the 105 HBCUs in the United States, 85% are located within a qualified HUBZone. HBCUs should consider HUBZone certification to qualify for HUBZone contract set-asides. For more information on the HUBZone Program visit certify.SBU.gov.

Staying connected with the small business community will be key to our success. Outreach, such as workshops and training seminars will continue as we help small businesses navigate the federal procurement process and contribute to our nation's economic recovery.

Join us September 29th at OSDBU's National Small Business Training and Matchmaking event. Register now to attend Small Business Works 2021: Level Up & Network Series to learn about upcoming federal contracting opportunities and doing business with GSA, while expanding your network. This event is free and will provide you with the resources your small business needs to thrive in the federal marketplace!

To learn more about GSA's commitment to the small business community, follow us on Twitter @GSAOSDBU or visit GSA's Small Business website.