Last week, we announced that GLASS has been chosen by the U.S. Federal Government’s General Services Administration (GSA) for a $6 billion e-commerce initiative. Read this blog where we share with you about the GSA initiative, how we were selected, which other companies were chosen, and the significance this holds for us.
About GSA and Its $6 Billion E-Commerce Initiative
The GSA is a cornerstone agency of the United States Government established in 1949, playing a crucial role in supporting government operations by providing essential services and resources to Federal agencies. Mandated by Congress in 2017, the GSA partnered with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish The Commercial Platforms Program, an initiative set to modernize and simplify the procurement of commercial products through E-Commerce portals.
GSA’s estimated $6 Billion addressable market for the E-Commerce channel represents a substantial opportunity for U.S. Federal agencies to leverage E-Commerce capabilities for strategic analysis of spending data, supply chain risk mitigation, and enhanced internal controls.
Long-established industry leaders such as Amazon, Overstock.com and Fisher Scientific were among the initial contract awardees for this innovative procurement program. Following a 15-month exhaustive selection process, our pioneering platform Glass Commerce has proudly secured its place among these industry giants. This achievement underscores not only the potential of our platform but also our commitment to revolutionizing government procurement processes and driving efficiency and innovation in the public sector.
“All of the new awarded platforms offer a strong combination of commercially available best practices and features while meeting key government requirements related to mandatory sources, supply chain risk management, and a focus on small businesses and green products,” GSA said.
How Did We Get Here? It’s Been A Long Way!
In 2017, when GSA first launched this initiative, GLASS was just taking its first steps, and the thought of being even considered to participate in the program was merely a dream. In 2019, when applications opened for this billion-dollar opportunity, we applied, alongside giant and well-known companies. As expected, we were not selected.
However, being part of GSA's Commercial Platforms Program has always been a goal of our company, and we didn't hesitate for a second to reapply and try again, now more established. After a rigorous and extensive selection process, we were selected to be part of their program.
Our product, Glass Commerce, powers government marketplaces for small purchases with credit cards and without bids or paperwork, a market comprising 30% of government transactions and estimated at $800 Billion in the U.S. and $3.7 Trillion globally. During the last years, we helped government agencies procure over 5.8 million items from verified businesses, leveraging procurement data and streamlining operations across over 45 Federal, State and Local agencies including the State of Illinois and the City of Seattle. Our work has been ranked in GovCIO's Top 10 e-Governance Solutions, shortlisted in SXSW's Top 5 Startup of the Year, and featured on Bloomberg News, Business Insider and Crunchbase.
The 8 Commercial Online Platforms Selected by GSA
The GSA has selected 8 commercial online platforms to be part of its new cohort. Let's tell you a bit about each one of them:
1. Amazon Business:
Amazon Business is a Business-To-Business (B2B) marketplace and purchasing solution designed to meet the procurement needs of businesses of all sizes, including governments. With a vast selection of products, competitive pricing, and convenient purchasing options, Amazon Business streamlines the procurement process for government agencies and organizations, saving them time and money. It offers business-specific features such as quantity discounts, tax-exempt purchasing, and easy integration with procurement systems. With its commitment to customer service and continuous innovation, Amazon Business has become a trusted partner for businesses worldwide seeking efficient and cost-effective procurement solutions.
2. e-Procurement Services:
e-Procurement Services is a software solution provider specifically for small businesses. Its One-to-Many approach allows small business suppliers to meet any buyer’s purchasing and financial requirements. From electronic bidding and contract management to supplier collaboration and spend analytics, e-Procurement Services empowers organizations to digitize their procurement operations and achieve greater transparency and compliance. They specialize in connecting any buyer with any supplier, and its web-based solutions are powerful, affordable and simple, providing distinct features that set them apart from anyone else in the eMarketplace, eBusiness and Supply Chain markets.
3. Fisher Scientific:
Fisher Scientific is a renowned name in the field of scientific research and laboratory equipment. With a rich history dating back to 1902, Fisher Scientific has been a pioneer in providing innovative solutions to the scientific community worldwide. From laboratory instruments and consumables to chemicals and reagents, Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive range of products to support research in various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and healthcare. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with leading manufacturers, Fisher Scientific remains at the forefront of advancing scientific discovery and improving laboratory efficiency.
4. Grainger:
Grainger is a leading distributor of industrial supplies, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) products, and safety equipment. Established in 1927, Grainger has grown into a trusted partner for businesses and governments, offering a vast selection of products to support their operational needs. With a focus on providing solutions for facility maintenance, safety compliance, and inventory management, Grainger serves a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and construction. The company continuously seeks to innovate and improve its operations while contributing positively to the communities it serves.
5. Noble Supply & Logistics:
Noble Supply & Logistics is a premier provider of integrated supply, procurement, and logistics solutions to the military, federal, and state governments, as well as commercial customers. With a rich history dating back to 1982, Noble has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking efficient and cost-effective supply chain management. Specializing in delivering mission-critical products and services to support defense, homeland security, and emergency response operations, Noble is known for its extensive inventory of high-quality goods and its commitment to exceptional customer service.
6. Pacific Ink:
Pacific Ink is a leading supplier of high-quality ink and toner cartridges, catering to individual consumers, businesses and government agencies. Established with a vision to provide affordable printing solutions without compromising on quality, Pacific Ink has quickly become a trusted name in the industry. With a wide range of compatible cartridges for major printer brands, Pacific Ink ensures that customers have access to reliable printing supplies at competitive prices. Whether it's for home use, office printing, or commercial purposes, Pacific Ink strives to meet the diverse printing needs of its customers while maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability through its recycling and eco-friendly initiatives.
7. Staples:
Staples is a renowned retail and e-commerce company specializing in office supplies, technology, furniture, and print services. Established with the mission of providing businesses and consumers with convenient access to essential office products, Staples has grown into one of the largest office supply retailers globally. From office essentials like paper, pens, and ink cartridges to cutting-edge technology solutions and ergonomic furniture, Staples is committed to helping individuals and businesses work smarter and more efficiently. With a focus on customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and innovation, Staples continues to be a trusted partner for all office-related needs.
“Four of the awardees, ePS, Noble Supply, Pacific Ink and Social Glass, are small businesses, opening the door for agencies to obtain small business credit for these small dollar buys,” said Jason Miller, Executive Editor at Federal News Network.
What Does This Means For Us?
This recognition signifies a pivotal milestone in our journey towards achieving our ambitious objective of capturing a substantial portion of the $13 trillion Global Public Procurement Market. Simplified government purchases alone constitute up to 30% of this vast market, highlighting the immense opportunity that lies ahead.
Our mission at GLASS is to drive the economic evolution of the world's largest purchasers by leveraging robust e-commerce platforms. By facilitating streamlined procurement processes, we aim to empower these entities to efficiently acquire and distribute universally accessible, top-tier, and cost-effective public goods and services. This mission is of paramount importance to our team, and the recent recognition serves as a validation of our dedication and efforts.
Newtopia VC, one of our leading investors, said: “At Newtopia, we recognize and value passion and commitment. It was these qualities in Paola and her team that motivated us to decide to invest in GLASS at the end of 2022. Paola's leadership and the team's unwavering drive are truly commendable. They embody the essence of what makes a great startup – innovation, determination, and the ability to create groundbreaking solutions”.
When talking about Paola and GLASS’ team, Kwasi Fraser, Former Mayor of Purcellville and one of our government partners, mentioned: “Keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and reaching new heights. Your work exemplifies the fusion of government e-commerce with local business engagement for the benefit of the taxpayers.”
Former Acting Administrator of the GSA under President George W. Bush, and our Government Advisor, Jim Williams, highlighted: “This is fantastic news. It allows you all to continue the excellent work you have done in modernizing and improving government procurement. Federal agencies should take advantage of the outstanding benefits provided by GLASS’ E-Commerce solution. Well done work by GSA in conducting this important procurement.”
As we continue to forge ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to revolutionizing government procurement, ultimately contributing to greater efficiency, accessibility, and affordability of essential goods and services for all.
To learn more about our Government E-Commerce platforms, our Supply Partners programs, or how we are helping government agencies streamline and leverage procurement operations across the US, visit www.commerce.glass or contact us here.
This blog was written by Gisela Montes, GovTech Community Lead at Glass.