Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

How to Win FMCS Contracts

Winning work at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Servicemeans understanding a procurement culture that blends rigorous compliance, deep mission focus, and a preference for vendors who can speak the agency's language from day one. This guide walks through how FMCS buys, the vehicles it uses, and the steps your company should take to go from registered vendor to awarded contractor.

Understanding FMCS Procurement

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service obligates roughly $5-10M in contracts annually. FMCS provides mediation and conflict resolution services in labor-management disputes and broader public-sector conflicts. Procurement supports training, IT, and specialist case work.

Contracts are small but specialized: case-management IT, training program support, and conflict-resolution consulting.

How FMCS Buys

FMCS uses GSA MAS and small direct contracts. The Office of Administration runs procurement centrally.

Major Contract Vehicles

• GSA MAS— Primary vehicle for IT and training support.
• Training and Professional Development BPAs— Facilitator and conflict-resolution training.

Step 1: Get Registered and Compliant

Step 2: Identify Opportunities

Step 3: Position Your Company

Step 4: Develop Winning Proposals

Winning Strategies

1. Specialize in labor-management and public-sector conflict resolution.
2. Use GSA MAS as primary vehicle.
3. Team with mediation and ADR training firms.
4. Track congressional appropriations for FMCS program expansions.
5. Pursue small case-management IT work directly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Bidding FMCS training without ADR domain expertise.
2. Treating FMCS like a generic training buyer.
3. Under-pricing facilitator work.

Small Business Programs

FMCS meets small-business goals with modest but consistent 8(a) and WOSB utilization.

Key Contracting Offices

• FMCS Office of Administration — Washington, DC

FMCS by the Numbers