The General Services Administration (GSA), a federal agency that supports basic operational functions of the U.S. government, has awarded a Federal Supply Schedule Contract to SolarWorld, the U.S. solar manufacturer for more than 35 years. The contract authorizes SolarWorld to sell solar panels and complete solar systems directly to federal government agencies, offices and departments, including the Department of Defense, by dint of streamlined processes and procedures.
The contract, which began in May, allows SolarWorld to offer solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services – for projects ranging from 20 kilowatts to 2 megawatts – to federal-government customers under pre-negotiated terms, conditions and pricing.
The SolarWorld contract is part of a procurement program commonly referred to as the “GSA Schedules” program. The federal government’s premier contracting vehicle, the GSA Schedules program facilitates about $50 billion a year in spending and accounts for 10 percent of all federal procurement. The program establishes long-term, government-wide contracts with independent companies to help federal units purchase millions of dollars’ worth of products and services at volume-discount pricing every month.
SolarWorld’s contract (number GS-21F-131AA), which was awarded under GSA Schedule 03FAC – Facilities Maintenance and Management, will be valid for an initial five-year period, with three five-year extension options thereafter.
