Federal contractors, agencies, and organizations working with government clients often experience office relocations tied to expiring contracts, new projects, or simply changing space needs. When that move involves federal property, compliance isn’t optional; it’s required. 

A GSA-compliant moving company has specific contract vehicles, follows federal regulations, and abides by agency standards to help guarantee compliance when moving federal property. This article helps inform you on how to choose an appropriate GSA compliant moving company.

Start with the Right Contract Vehicle

The first step in selecting a GSA-compliant moving company is confirming that they hold the correct contract under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). 

Most federal office relocations fall under Special Item Number (SIN) 541614OR, which covers Office Relocation and Reconfiguration. This listing falls within the Office Management category and includes contractors specifically authorized to handle commercial office moves for government entities.

To verify eligibility, check the status of the company in the GSA eLibrary. You’ll be able to confirm their SIN, contract number, performance period, and whether they qualify as a small business. Choosing a company already listed here saves time and reduces procurement overhead. 

Because MAS pricing is pre-negotiated and the Industrial Funding Fee is included, agencies avoid the lengthy process of full competitive bids under FAR Part 15. Any orders placed under FAR 8.4 benefit from streamlined procedures and quicker turnarounds.

Review Required FAR Clauses

A qualified GSA moving contractor must meet specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements. 

FAR 52.247-3, “Capability to Perform a Contract for the Relocation of a Federal Office,” is the most important clause in this category. It requires vendors to demonstrate they have control over the necessary vehicles, crews, equipment, and facilities to handle moves across state lines or within a state.

Ask prospective movers to provide a compliance matrix. The document should identify each clause in the solicitation and show exactly where that requirement is addressed in their proposal or catalog. 

Other common clauses involve contractor liability, loading and unloading responsibilities, and additional services that may be part of the project scope.

Verify Current Registrations and Safety Records

Federal agencies are responsible for confirming that all contractors meet baseline standards of responsibility. That includes checking a series of public databases:

• SAM.gov: Confirm the mover has active status with no exclusions or suspensions.
• FMCSA SAFER System: Look up the USDOT number of the company to view its safety rating and proof of insurance. A “Satisfactory” safety rating is a good sign of operational reliability.
• CPARS or OpenRatings: Review past performance data. Look for at least “Satisfactory” scores on similar office relocations within the past three years.
• Cybersecurity and Facility Clearances: If the relocation involves secure or classified materials, request details from the Facility Security Officer of the company regarding clearances.

Each of these checks confirms the company meets the general standards of contractor responsibility found in FAR 9.104.

Know The Recent Rule Updates

Contract requirements shift over time, and GSA contractors are expected to stay current. Two recent updates are particularly relevant:

• FAR Class Deviations (February 15, 2025): These changes affect transportation acquisitions and may impact the required clauses or proposal language. Ask whether the mover has incorporated the deviations into its GSA catalog.
• MAS Refresh 23 (December 2024): This refresh clarified rules for freight-related services and updated requirements for staffing quotes involving heavy freight. It applies to SINs in the Transportation & Logistics category and is important for larger relocations.

If the contractor’s catalog has not been updated to reflect these changes, it may be out of compliance.

Build a Clear and Protective Statement of Work

Government-related relocations often involve sensitive assets, specialized equipment, and strict security requirements. A well-defined statement of work (SOW) helps control the process from beginning to end.

First, scope the full inventory of your location. Make sure to include all major categories such as modular furniture, IT hardware disconnection and reconnection, lab or industrial equipment, and recycling or disposal services. If secure storage or transport is needed, list those items separately.

Next, set clear performance metrics. Some common measures include pickup and delivery timeliness, damage rates, and proper space restoration. Try to tie payment to punch-list completion to protect the agency from partial or unfinished work.

Leaders should make sure to establish a clear pricing model. Fixed-price or ceiling-price orders tied to MAS rates are common. These formats protect against budget overruns and simplify auditing.

Security expectations should be written into the SOW, which may include rules for contractor access, PIV card requirements, chain-of-custody documentation, and after-hours entry. Define expectations clearly to prevent confusion later on.

Finally, make sure to include walk-throughs and acceptance procedures. Agencies often schedule a pre-move and post-move inspection to document the condition of assets and office space. Completion of these walk-throughs for government relocations is typically tied to final payment.

Use a Final Compliance Checklist

Before awarding a task order or beginning the move, double-check that the vendor meets all federal expectations. A good compliance checklist includes:

• Making sure the contractor is listed under SIN 541614OR with an active contract
• Their FAR 52.247-3 capability narrative is on file
• Have active registration in SAM with no exclusions
• Maintain a satisfactory FMCSA safety rating and current insurance
• Have updated MAS catalog reflecting the latest rule changes
• Offer recent past performance showing relevant office moves
• Provide a detailed written move plan, including chain-of-custody procedures
• Offer fixed-price or ceiling-price orders placed under FAR 8.4

Selecting a GSA-compliant moving provider goes beyond basic logistics. It includes due diligence around certifications, adherence to federal standards, and clear communication of roles and requirements.

Final Steps Before You Commit

Choosing a GSA-compliant moving company means doing the legwork up front. From contract verification and safety records to performance history and regulatory updates, every detail matters when the move involves government work. 

Moving Masters has over 40 years of experience handling secure, large-scale office moves for government agencies, contractors, and commercial organizations moving across the Washington, DC region. As a GSA-approved, veteran-owned company, we specialize in relocations involving high-value assets, classified environments, and detailed planning requirements.

To speak with a project manager or request a GSA-compliant moving estimate, contact Moving Masters today at 1-(301)-278-8988, use our online contact form, or get started with a customized quote for your agency’s next relocation.