GSA Cleared to Establish Federal Acquisition Service

“In completing this final step to establishing the new FAS organization, GSA can now provide truly 21st century benefits to our customers – through better, easier, more efficient and effective services,” Administrator Lurita Doan said. “In combining the best of our legacy Federal Technology Service and Federal Supply Service, we create a stronger and more effective Federal Acquisition Service.”

According to GSA, the new FAS will provide:

• Improved customer service and focus.
  
• Better support for the president’s management agenda.
  
• Greater business flexibility for acquisition solutions.
  
• Enhanced financial management and accountability.
  
• Increased efficiencies.
  
• Greater standardization and innovation within FAS and with GSA’s industry partners.
  
• Greater career opportunities for GSA employees.

“This is a great day for GSA, our employees, our federal-agency customers and our business partners,” FAS Commissioner Jim Williams said. “This final step in establishing FAS will ensure that GSA continues as the premier procurement and acquisition agency for the federal government. FAS is all about service, innovation and value.”

H.R. 2066 – the General Services Administration Modernization Act, which President George W. Bush signed into law in October 2006 – authorized creation of FAS and established the Acquisition Services Fund to streamline acquisitions for GSA customers. A second GSA order in December 2006 established FAS regional structures.

With the completion of collective bargaining obligations, GSA said, positions, reporting relationships and operational processes within FAS are established. With the negotiations now complete, GSA explained that it will implement the changes necessary for creating the new FAS headquarters and 11 regional offices across the nation.