Federal agencies spend billions annually on staffing and temporary help services. Here's how staffing agencies can tap into this market through GSA Schedules.
Staffing on the GSA MAS
Staffing services fall under the Professional Services category of the GSA MAS. Key SINs include:
561320: Temporary Help Services
Covers temporary staffing across various functions:
- Administrative support
- Clerical services
- Technical staffing
- General labor
OLM (Order-Level Materials)
Some staffing arrangements may use Order-Level Materials for specialized placements.
Qualification Requirements
Business Requirements
- 2+ years in staffing business
- Documented staffing placements
- Financial stability
- Appropriate insurance coverage
Past Performance
Demonstrate successful staffing contracts with:
- Government clients (preferred)
- Commercial clients (acceptable)
- References willing to verify
Service Contract Act Implications
Federal staffing contracts often fall under the Service Contract Act (SCA), which mandates:
- Minimum wages by locality
- Health and welfare benefits
- Paid leave requirements
Key consideration: Build SCA requirements into your pricing.
Pricing Staffing Services
Markup Approach
Many staffing agencies use a markup over employee costs:
- Base hourly rate
- + Employer taxes and burden
- + Benefits (if applicable)
- + G&A and profit margin
Labor Category Approach
Alternatively, define labor categories with all-inclusive rates by skill level.
Competing in Federal Staffing
Differentiation Strategies
- Specialized skill sets (cleared personnel, technical expertise)
- Geographic coverage
- Speed of placement
- Quality guarantees
Small Business Advantages
Many staffing opportunities are set aside for small businesses. Certifications like 8(a), WOSB, or SDVOSB provide additional access.
Challenges and Solutions
Cash Flow
Federal payment terms (30+ days) challenge staffing cash flow. Consider lines of credit or factoring.
Cleared Personnel
Many federal positions require security clearances. Building a cleared workforce takes time—start early.
Compliance
Federal staffing has extensive compliance requirements. Invest in proper systems and processes.
Get Your Staffing Agency on a GSA Schedule
Take our free GSA Readiness Assessment to see if your staffing firm qualifies. Learn more about our GSA consulting services or contact us for a free consultation.