In Ballston, in the lazy post-Independence Day haze, a local print shop is having a celebration of its own.
Starting July 7th, ASAP Screen Printing has resumed status as a contractor on the GSA Schedule, under Contract Number GS03F125DA.
Though obtaining the GSA award may be a simple process for larger companies, it is a herculean task for a business as small as a local print shop. Mohammad Shiekhy, ASAP’s owner, remarks they have been continuously applying for the contract since 2012.
“‘Indomitable Spirit’ has always been our motto,” Mohammad says, and further credits this attitude as the reason ASAP had survived through the industry crash of 2008. “As small as we are, no one would believe that we had done this before, or that we can do it again in a more competitive market. But no matter how many times we were rejected, we picked ourselves back up and tried again.”
Through the years, ASAP Screen Printing has truly believed in their unmatched service and reliability. That they have kept many of their clients year after year and are still bringing in referral customers is proof of that fact.
“We have confidence that we can meet the demands of the GSA Schedule,” Mohammad says. “If we did not have that confidence, we should not even have applied. So when we were told ‘the [GSA] marketplace is too competitive,’ that is nothing.”
It can be no coincidence that the awarding of the contract occurs in the same month as ASAP Screen Printing’s 30th year in business as a local print shop.
“That we have survived for thirty years is a feat all by itself,” Mohammad admits. “We could never have survived this long without pride in our service and the loyalty of the community. And that we have survived long enough to be awarded a GSA Schedule a second time, that can be nothing less than a blessing.”
ASAP Screen Printing can be found on 4141 N. Henderson Rd, Suite 11 of the Hyde Park building. Questions about the business or its printing services can be sent to [email protected], or phoned in to (703) 841-1977 during normal business hours. Be sure to ask about their currently running special on black/white copy orders.