#### [I-FSS-597 GSA *ADVANTAGE!*^TM^ (SEP 2000)]{.underline} 

\(a\) The Contractor must participate in the GSA *Advantage^TM^* online
shopping service. Information and instructions regarding contractor
participation are contained in clause\
I-FSS-599, Electronic Commerce.

\(b\) The Contractor also should refer to contract clauses 552.238-71,
Submission and Distribution of Authorized GSA Schedule Pricelists (which
provides for submission of pricelists on a common-use electronic
medium), I-FSS-600, Contract Pricelists (which provides information on
electronic contract data), and 552.243-72, Modifications (which
addresses electronic file updates).

## Note: The Government will allow offerors sufficient time after contract award to comply with the above requirement. Please visit VA NAC's website at <http://www.va.gov/oamm/nac> should you need answers to questions about GSA Advantage. Just look for the \"ECorner\" on the right hand side of the page. 

**[I-FSS-599 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE---FACNET (APR 1997)]{.underline}**

\(a\) [General Background]{.underline}.

The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 establishes the
Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET) requiring the Government
to evolve its acquisition process from one driven by paperwork into an
expedited process based on electronic commerce/electronic data
interchange (EC/EDI). EC/EDI means more than merely automating manual
processes and eliminating paper transactions. It can and will help to
move business processes (e.g., procurement, finance, logistics, etc.)
into a fully electronic environment and fundamentally change the way
organizations operate.

\(b\) [Trading Partners and Value-Added Networks (VAN's)]{.underline}.

Within the FACNET architecture, electronic documents (e.g., orders,
invoices, etc.) are carried between the Federal Government\'s procuring
office and contractors (now known as \"trading partners\"). These
transactions are carried by commercial telecommunications companies
called Value-Added Networks (VAN's). Federal Government transactions are
provided only to those VAN's that have been certified by DOD and
connected to FACNET.

EDI can be done using commercially available hardware, software, and
telecommunications. The selection of a VAN is a business decision
contractors must make. There are many different VAN's which provide a
variety of electronic services and different pricing strategies. If your
VAN only provides communications services, you may also need a software
translation package.

\(c\) [Registration Instructions]{.underline}.

DOD will require Contractors to register as trading partners to do
business with the Government. This policy can be reviewed via the
INTERNET at **[http://acq.osd.mil/ec/nwsltr.html]{.underline}**.

To do EDI with the Government, Contractors must register as a trading
partner. Contractors will provide regular business information, banking
information, and EDI capabilities to all agencies in this single
registration. A central repository of all trading partners, **called the
Central Contractor Registration (CCR)**, has been developed. All
Government procuring offices and other interested parties will have
access to this central repository. The database is structured to
identify the types of data elements which are public information and
those which are confidential and not releasable.

> To register, contractors must provide their Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS)
> number. The DUNS number is available by calling 1(800) 333-0505. It is
> provided and maintained free of charge and only takes a few minutes to
> obtain. Contractors will need to provide their Tax Identification
> Number (TIN). The TIN is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service by
> calling 1(800) 829-1040. Contractors will also be required to provide
> information about company bank or financial institution for electronic
> funds transfer (EFT).
>
> Contractors may register through their Value Added Network (VAN) using
> an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ASC X12 838
> transaction set, called a \"Trading Partner Profile.\" A transaction
> set is a standard format for moving electronic data. VANs will be able
> to assist contractors with registration. A list of certified VANs and
> software providers is available from the Department of Defense (DOD)
> by calling 1(800) EDI-3414, or from the world wide web at
> **http://www.acq.osd.mil/ec/van_list.html**. Contractors who wish to
> register without going through a VAN may do so via the INTERNET at
> **http://ccr.edi.disa.mil**.

\(d\) [Implementation Conventions]{.underline}.

All EDI transactions must comply with the Federal Implementation
Conventions (ICs). Many VANs and software providers have already built
the IC requirements into their products. If you need to see the ICs,
they are available on a registry maintained by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST). It is accessible via the INTERNET at
**http://snad.ncsl.nist.gov/dartg/edi/fededi.html**. IC's are available
for common business documents such as Purchase Order, Price Sales
Catalog, Invoice, Request for Quotes, etc.

\(e\) [Additional Information]{.underline}.

GSA has additional information available for vendors who are interested
in starting to use EC/EDI. Contact the Contracting Officer for a copy of
the latest handbook. Several resources are available to vendors to
assist in implementing EC/EDI; specific addresses are available in the
handbook or from the Contracting Officer:

\(1\) Electronic Commerce Resource Centers (ECRCs) are a network of U.S.
Government‑sponsored centers that provide EC/EDI training and support to
the contractor community. They are found in over a dozen locations
around the country.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) and Small Business
Development Centers (SBDCs) provide management assistance to small
business owners. Each state has several locations.

\(3\) Most major US cities have an EDI user group of companies who meet
periodically to share information on EDI‑related subjects.

\(f\) [**GSA** *Advantage!™*]{.underline}*.*

\(1\) **GSA** *Advantage!™* will use this FACNET system to receive
catalogs, invoices and text messages; and to send purchase orders,
application advice, and functional acknowledgments. **GSA**
*Advantage!™* enables customers to:

\(i\) Perform database searches across all contracts by manufacturer;
manufacturer's model/part number; vendor; and generic product
categories.

\(ii\) Generate their own EDI delivery orders to contractors, generate
EDI delivery orders from the Federal Supply Service to contractors*,* or
download files to create their own delivery orders.

\(iii\) Use the Federal IMPAC VISA.

\(2\) **GSA** *Advantage!™* may be accessed via the GSA Home Page. The
INTERNET address is: **[http://www.gsa.gov]{.underline}**, or
**[http://www.fss.gsa.gov]{.underline}**.