The U.S. General Services Administration hosted a roundtable discussion last week with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The event supported GSA’s initiative to increase the number of HBCUs with Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts and provide training and education to help these HBCUs achieve success in the federal marketplace.
Associate Administrator Exodie Roe joined leaders and experts from HBCUs, all of whom shared critical information and strategies to increase HBCU visibility and participation in the federal marketplace. This virtual event included HBCUs that have active MAS contracts and also included those that are interested in the MAS program. GSA plays a key role in advancing the goals of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs. During FY22, GSA has committed to increase the number of HBCUs with MAS contracts along with providing training and education to help these HBCUs achieve success in support of the initiative.
The MAS program has the potential to widen HBCU exposure to federal business opportunities and offers these educational institutions a new market that could potentially lead to increased revenue.
“It was an honor to be part of this incredible event that not only recognized the critical role of HBCUs, but also focused on how we can bridge the gap between federal contracting and HBCUs,” said OSDBU Associate Administrator Exodie Roe.
“Increasing the number of HBCUs with a GSA MAS contract is an important goal for GSA. We want to create more revenue streams to expand and strengthen these institutions. These streams will ultimately provide more resources to build up the capacity of these institutions to serve even more students.”
The agency is committed to supporting strategic initiatives that bolster HBCU competitiveness by promoting HBCU industry events, increasing GSA MAS vendor training opportunities for HBCUs, and providing continued mentorship on federal procurement.
GSA offers video resources, training opportunities, and government contracting fact sheets available online for small business owners that are interested in looking for opportunities in the federal marketplace.
