4) Changes to the Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions (AIMS) Offices

The GSA reorganization has now affected the AIMS office, which this month was moved from Arlington, VA to Fort Worth, TX.

GSA Schedule 541, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions (AIMS), is specifically designed for marketing firms interested in working for and with the federal government. Ordering agencies searching for expertise associated with marketing solutions need to look no further than the AIMS Schedule Contractor List. This Schedule accommodates companies that specialize in media planning, advertising, website design, graphic design, direct mail campaigns, and market research. Contracts are awarded to advertising and marketing firms of various types and sizes. Under the AIMS schedule, a multitude of services are available and are categorized into five groupings for ease of reference:

• Advertising Services
• Public Relations Services
• Web Based Marketing Services
• Specialty Services (Market Research and Analysis, Video/Film Production, Exhibit Design and Implementation, Conference, Events and Tradeshow Planning, Commercial Photography Services, Commercial Art and Design)
• Integrated Marketing Services

Until this month, AIMS was operated by a team of Contracting Officers (COs) located in Arlington, VA. These COs have not only reviewed and awarded AIMS contracts, but also have managed the contracts post-award.With the recent move, the AIMS staff has been downsized to a single individual.

Companies providing advertising and marketing services that wish to contract with government clients through the GSA Schedules should be aware that, due to this downsize, GSA will most likely be more stringent in following set standards. In fact, we believe that a new refresh will be released soon and that in the mean time it will be significantly more difficult for companies to get awarded. Additionally, current AIMS Schedule holders should expect their CO administrators to change; in the process, contract modifications and renewals will probably be delayed.

If you have questions about this, or other, GSA moves, please feel free to contact your EZGSA account representative or one of our Schedule experts at 301/913-5000.