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Your contract method depends on your market and needs.
In regulated markets — Use Areawide contracts (view our list of available areawide utility contracts)
In deregulated markets — Use competitive procurement methods (retail choice)
Need help choosing? Contact our utility services team.ew all events
The GSA Areawide contract is our agreement, or master blanket contract, with a utility provider, typically lasting up to 10 years. Once established, any federal agency within the service area can use it. These contracts provide long-term stability, financial flexibility, and a consistent process for connecting facilities to essential services.
Areawide contracts are the standard and often required method in regulated utility services markets when spending exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, per the FAR.
Areawide contracts can also be used for Utility Energy Service Contracts, or UESCs.
Additional guidance is available through the Department of Energy’s FEMP program.
Separate contracts are also known as single-point contracts and you should only use them if one of the following is true:
Agencies should coordinate with us before initiating a separate contract.
Agencies may acquire utility services through another federal agency under the Economy Act (FAR 17.502-2).
For acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold:
In deregulated markets, agencies can purchase electricity and natural gas from competitive suppliers.
We manage these procurements using contract vehicles and competitive sourcing methods to obtain the lowest price from technically qualified suppliers.
To inquire about joining a retail choice contract, email utilities@gsa.gov.
GSA uses an internet-based platform for supplier bidding.
Agencies participating in the procurement agree to pay a fee of (currently $0.0007) per kWh for all usage billed under each awarded contract. This fee is included by the supplier on the invoice and supports the platform and services.
After contract award:
Utility providers interested in establishing an Areawide contract can contact utilities@gsa.gov.
U.S. General Services Administration
