(1888PressRelease)
August 13, 2009 - BISHOP, CA - the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add Taiwan (known in the World Trade Organization as ``the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei))'' as a designated country. On July 15, 2009, Taiwan became a designated country based on its accession to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement. This interim rule adds Taiwan to the list of World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement countries.
To GSA Schedule holders, this can expand their catalog of items offered greatly. To the Taxpayers, this allows the Federal agencies to purchase from a larger catalog of items of which can potentially offer a lower price than a catalog from countries with smaller manufacturing process and higher costs. Taiwan is a major supplier of goods worldwide, due to the fact that manufacturing in Taiwan has been streamlined for optimum performance and cost. This ruling opens the opportunities to Federal Marketplace. GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules and Federal Supply Schedules) Program, GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to over 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services that can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors.
The Trade Agreements Act is the enabling statute that implements numerous multilateral and bilateral international trade agreements and other trade initiatives. The TAA is applicable to all Schedules. In accordance with the TAA, only U.S.-made or designated country end products shall be offered and sold under Schedule contracts.
GSA Schedules holders are made up of small and large business from all social economic backgrounds across the United States and are responsible for billions of dollars of sales in products and services to the GSA Contract holders.
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