Quality Partnership Council board meeting Sept. 5, 2024

Virtual meeting 2-3 p.m., Sept. 5, 2024

Attendees

GSA
Jim Boyle
Kris Stein
John Breen
Shaun Kelly
Kerron Higgins
Matt Cohen
Matt Mastronardo
Katherine Knecht

Industry
Adam Fierle
Annaleigh Warmack
Jeffrey Fredrickson
Rebecca Boenigk
Dan Levy

Agenda

Notes

• GSS Business Development Director Kristine Stein discussed the previous GSS Industry Day in May and informed the board of the upcoming GSS Industry Day in November. The Board members discussed their experience at the previous GSS Industry Day and were glad to have another opportunity for another meeting in November.
• GSS MAS Branch Chief Shaun Kelly addressed an existing BIFMA standard that is in consideration to be added to the MAS solicitation. He wanted industry feedback on its potential impact to MAS vendors. The board was already aware of the details of the BIFMA spec in question and remarked on its potential impact. There was a brief note on the FCP transition before a longer segment on the updated set-aside language for the Packaged Office SIN. An RFI went out to vendors on 8/28 to solicit feedback on the language that will be included in the next solicitation refresh. It closes on 9/16.
• Also, the Industry Board Members were interested in if the GSS board members noticed any specific trends in customer spending for Furnishings and Floor Coverings. We discussed the sales from the previous years and how they were similar and not so similar to this year’s. There wasn’t a discernible trend or cause that we could identify for the changes in sales volume for some of the categories.
• Several Industry Board members noted the increase of BAA and Berry Act Amendment requirements in RFQs from MAS customers. The MAS solicitation does not include those requirements but customers are free to add them to their requirements at the order level. GSA will continue to be available to assist customers in understanding those requirements and how they affect their procurement.
• Next, we discussed the non-manufacturing rule and how it affects MAS furniture procurement. GSS applies the rule in its own furniture procurement and educates our customers on when it applies. GSS would be happy to help with any vendor questions regarding the rule.
• Lastly, Industry Board members remarked that the volume of RFQs on platforms other than GSA eBuy has increased. Customers using MAS are free to use eBuy or other appropriate platforms to issue their RFQs and seek quotes for their requirements.

Next board meeting

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024