Before you begin, please review the Participating agencies tab to look for your agency and additional information on how to participate.
GPC holders from participating agencies are encouraged to use the program’s online platforms for purchases of routine, commercial products typically made from consumer websites. Cardholders must follow existing SmartPay purchase card policies before purchasing (see FAR 13.2 and 13.301 and consult your agency champion for additional guidance). The GSA SmartPay® Government Purchase Card (GPC) is the authorized method of payment for purchases on the awarded online platforms.
When purchasing through the Commercial Platforms program, you'll find ease of access to key areas of compliance and a streamlined purchasing process.
Easy Access to Mandatory Sources and Small Business Suppliers
AbilityOne
Buyers must purchase products on the Procurement List from an AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency. Participating online platforms offer AbilityOne products that are easily identifiable to the purchaser.
Small Business
Buyers need to consider items manufactured or supplied by small businesses. Participating online platforms have filters to help easily identify small business suppliers.
Unicor
Buyers must comply with FAR 8.6 regarding priorities for use of UNICOR (in excess of $3,500). Please follow your internal agency policy.
Supply Chain Risk Management Implementation
- Restricting sales to any excluded vendor listed on SAM.gov.
- Incorporation of Section 889, Part A and B, in the online platform contracts, for the platform providers themselves as offerors. (Note: please see this page for additional information on Section 889 implementation)
- Leveraging existing commercial practices to combat counterfeiting and better manage supply chain risk through proactive tools and processes.
- Ongoing monitoring of post-purchase spend data to identify suspect purchases and ensuring proper education of buyers (and platforms) to prevent in the future.
Enhanced Market Research Capabilities
- Access to a wide range of product categories and detailed product information.
- Easy to use product filters highlighting environmental attributes, small business, mandatory sources, and more.
- Competitive pricing across thousands of suppliers.
- Product reviews from consumer buyers. (Note: please do not post product ratings/vendor reviews, however you are welcome to consider the existing reviews during market research)
Simplified Order Placement and Closeout
- Automatic Tax Exemption
- Speedy Delivery
- Simplified Order Tracking
- Easy Reconciliation
- Dedicated Customer Service
U.S. General Services Administration
