GSA Makes BAA and TAA Non-Availability Exception Due to COVID-19 National Emergency, Applicable to GSA Schedule Orders

On April 3, 2020, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a class determination of non-availability under both the Buy American Act (BAA) and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) clauses, effective through July 1, 2020 and applicable to GSA Schedule orders, to address the immediate and urgent needs of GSA and other agencies to preserve lives in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The class determination currently applies to enumerated products (N95 masks, bleach, disinfectants, cleaners, and hand sanitizers), though GSA stated that it may need to update and add items to meet evolving government needs, and encouraged stakeholders to provide updated information on product availability.