U.S. General Services Administration
FAST Forward: Advancing Small Business 6/22/2020
Join us at FAST Forward: Advancing Small Business During Unprecedented Times: Register Now
Hosted by GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Join us virtually on June 22, 2020 for a day of discovery, as you explore the process and possibilities of doing business with the federal government during unprecedented times. This FAST Forward event will outline requirements for selling to the government, tools to conduct market research, and provide guidance on emerging needs. The sessions are led by acquisition experts, with time for Q&A. (See Sessions and Descriptions below.)
Space is limited; be sure to sign up early
Download a copy of the Agenda below
| START/END | SESSION TITLE | SUMMARY | PRESENTER(S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Session 1: Welcome and Event Kick Off |
Associate Administrator for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization will join GSA Administrator Emily Murphy and Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Julie Dunne to discuss the agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a snapshot of the Federal Marketplace and FAS' relationship with industry, as well as address issues of concern to small business owners. | Emily W. Murphy, Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration, Julie Dunne, Commissioner, GSA Federal Acquisition Service, and Brian Barnes, Associate Administrator, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization |
| 9:45 – 10:30 AM | Session 2: How to Do Business with the Federal Government in Unprecedented Times | This session will start the day with important information on what the government needs during this unprecedented time and steps GSA is taking to support emerging needs. You will gain valuable insight into how your business can support the needs of today's federal buyer. | Brian Barnes, Associate Administrator, Amy Lineberry, Deputy Associate Administrator, and de'Wayne Carter, National Director Customer Care and Outreach, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization |
| 10:45 – 11:30 PM | Session 3: System for Award Management (SAM), What You Need to Know | This session provides an overview of SAM and future changes coming to the remaining Integrated Award Environment (IAE) systems. Gain a better understanding of how changes will affect you and the way you do business with the government. | Judith Zawatsky, Assistant Commissioner, GSA FAS Office of Systems Management |
| 12:30 – 1:15 PM | Session 4: Thinking About Pursuing a GSA Contract? Here is What You Need to Know | GSA experts share a checklist to determine if GSA's Multiple Award Schedule is a good fit for your business. This session will discuss basic market research to find the right alignment; pre-requisites to qualify, and what to expect during and after the award process. | Stephanie Shutt, Director, GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program Management Office |
| 1:30 – 2:15 PM | Session 5: A 2020 Look at Supply Chain Resilience and Contract Compliance | This session will provide an update of regulatory changes, certification requirements and other measures being taken to secure the federal supply chain. GSA experts are on hand to help you understand what you need to know and how to stay compliant during these unprecedented times. | Mark Lee, Assistant Commissioner, Brennan Conaway, Program Manager, and Mitsu Morris, Operations Research Analyst, GSA FAS Office of Policy and Compliance |
| 2:30 – 3:30 PM | Session 6: How can the Veterans Affairs Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program Help You Play a Role in the Government’s Nationwide Medical Supply Chain? | This course will provide an overview of the VA-FSS program, under which more than 270 federal ordering activities spent $15.2B last year for Pharmaceuticals, Medical and Dental Equipment and Supplies, Temporary Healthcare Staffing Services, and Reference Labs and Testing. This course will cover: how to determine if FSS is right for you; navigating solicitations and submitting proposals; an overview of the award process; and best practices for a successful offer. | Lydia McKay, Senior Contracting Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs |
| 3:45 – 4:30 PM | Session 7: Making Market Research Easy - Driving Results for all Stakeholders | "Making Market Research Easy” brings industry innovative insights on how to respond to GSA’s Requests for Information (RFIs) by following an easy survey response format. Participants in this session will walk away with a better understanding of how GSA collects industry responses and provides relevant data to assist acquisition professionals with making informed purchasing decisions. | Tiffany Shabanian, Program Manager, GSA FAS Market Research as a Service |
| 4:45 - 5:30 PM | Session 8: Federal Facilities: Adapting to Emerging Needs | Join this session to learn what workplace products and services are rapidly being added to GSA contract solutions; and how to best engage with GSA to compete for work. | Charles Hardy, Acting Chief Architect, GSA Public Buildings Service and Ryan Schrank, Director, GSA FAS Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center |
: Sessions in this webinar will be recorded and made available publicly after the event.