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THE NEW HEALTH IT SERVICES SCHEDULE 70 SIN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

On June 7, 2016, the General Services Administration (GSA) released a modification to the IT Schedule 70 Regulations, incorporating a new Special Item Number (SIN). This article explains what changed, why, and what it means for your business.

What Changed?

The GSA’s IT Schedule 70 has added a new Special Item Number specifically for Health IT Services. (Note: Products such as software and hardware are NOT included in the new SIN: it includes Services only).

Why Did It Change?

The change is a way to streamline the procurement process. Since Health IT Services will now be a separate category, the Government will have an easier time finding and buying these services. The new regulation provides a central location to research and compare pre-qualified Health IT Service providers.

What Does It Mean For You?

  • The Good:
    • Your Health IT Services will be easier for the Government to locate and procure, as they will no longer be mixed in with other IT Services. This change gives you more visibility to the Government.
  • The Bad:
    • When preparing project narratives for your proposals, you will now have to show relevance to Health IT Services specifically. While, prior to the new SIN, general IT projects could more easily be considered relevant experience, Health IT is now a wholly separate category. This means that if you don’t already have a strong background in Health IT Services, it may be harder to break into the market.
  • The Ugly:
    • New industry partners will have to go through the e-offer process to apply for the new SIN, while existing partners will need to work with their CO to have their existing contract modified (eMod).

Want to Know More?

The GSA will host a Q&A webinar on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT. You can register for the webinar here.

Have additional questions? Want to know how the new regulation will affect your business with the GSA? Global Services is the leading expert in this and other GSA rules and regulations—contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate the entire GSA Schedule process!