The Strategic Advantage of Stocking Aircraft Parts on GSA Advantage

One of the main bottlenecks in aircraft procurement and stocking aircraft parts is getting them in front of the right buyers. The military has dozens of different airframes that use different parts and components. While there is some overlap with common items, especially expendable items like hardware, gaskets, AN fittings, etc., major components are generally airframe specific. 

There are untold amounts of vendors who produce parts for different components, airframe, systems, powerplants, avionics, and so on, some of whom are small businesses (especially specialty shops that refurbish and rebuild components to turn back into the supply chain) and getting their goods in the purview of federal government buyers is hard. 

Let’s talk about how the GSA Schedule and GSA Advantage can make their lives a little bit easier (even if it’s hard to get on the Schedule).   

1. Access a Huge Government Market

The number one reason small businesses join GSA Advantage is that it opens up access to the entire federal government. But depending on what you sell, it can also open up to local, state, and tribal governments. One great example is emergency response and recovery items like bottled water.

GSA Advantage is a quick one-stop shop for federal buyers. It allows them to find exactly what they need and get a fixed price on the spot, making it easy to get funding approved. 

2. Simplify the Sales Process with Pre-Negotiated Agreements

GSA MAS contracts simplify the sales process, and pre-approved terms reduce paperwork and speed up transactions. Contracting slows everything down when a buyer must source items that are not pre-approved. It can easily add months to a relatively simple transaction. 

Why?

Rules and regulations. The procurement regulations at the federal level alone are around 2,000 pages, and that does not include anything in the different departments, directorates, major commands, etc. Compliance with federal procurement regulations is extremely sensitive, making the process costly in both time and money. 

Agencies prefer vendors with easy ordering options, if possible, and GSA Advantage puts a guaranteed price point in front of them, with each vendor’s price attached. Can you beat or undercut your competition? Then you will probably get the bid. 

 3. Build Trust with GSA Approval

From the perspective of the government buyer, GSA Advantage and eBuy are excellent tools. The buyer can get on GSA Advantage, look up exactly what they need, look at the price, know exactly what it will take out of their budget, and buy it. 

Vendors on GSA Advantage undergo a rigorous approval process to get on the GSA Schedule, which involves a deep dive into their financial records, track record as vendors, and many other factors. 

Government buyers also trust GSA-listed suppliers for compliance and reliability since compliance is such an important part of the process to get on the GSA Schedule. Being approved adds credibility in a competitive market, which becomes very narrow since less than five percent of all American companies are on the GSA Schedule. 

4. Compete on Price and Value

GSA creates a competitive pricing environment among vendors. This is mostly to the government's advantage, but it can also benefit the vendor. Buyers get better deals because of previously negotiated pricing, which is listed on GSA Advantage for all parties. 

On the other hand, vendors save on overhead and streamlined fulfillment. Contracts for goods and services slow down the process for federal buyers who need the goods or services and tie up potential vendors for months. 

5. Offer Real-Time Inventory and Easy Ordering

GSA Advantage has real-time inventory visibility. If an item is being offered on there, not only must the price be current, but it also has to be available. This is good for both parties: the vendor benefits because their items are in front of the buyer, signalling availability and a pre-agreed price point. The buyer benefits because they know what they will spend, and it does not have to go through the contracting office. 

6. Position Your Brand as a Government-Ready Supplier

The federal government is primarily interested in its own interests, as most organizations are. The entire point of the GSA Schedule is that you are signaling to them that you are interested in exclusively servicing and fulfilling government contracts and demands. 

Long-term opportunities for IDIQs, BPAs, and large-scale supply contracts exist, which will give you long-term work and also will build your company’s reputation as a trusted defense and aviation partner (although you are certainly not limited to that; Greenwood Aerospace not only supplies aviation parts, spares, and supplies, but we also source and supply emergency response supplies like bottled water, body wipes, and so on. 

Being on the GSA Schedule signals to the government agencies you want to target that you mean business, but it is not easy or fast to get on the schedule. 

Parting Thoughts

Greenwood Aerospace is already a well-known and highly recognized procurement agency that has helped all branches of the military source and procure parts for their aircraft fleets. From the C-12 Huron and its derivatives, to the T-6 Texan II, the T-1A Jayhawk, and many more models, Greenwood Aerospace has been there to get what you need, when you need it, for what you need to spend on it. 

You can find us at our contact page or start an online quote now if you are ready to get started.