Congress has given the General Services Administration
the go-ahead to merge the Federal Supply Service with
the Federal Technology Service to create the new Federal
Acquisition Service.
Both Senate and House appropriations subcommittees have
now approved the agency’s plan, which was submitted
Feb. 27.
“We are now positioned to begin FAS implementation and
adapt to a marketplace that has grown far more complex
and demanding over the decades,” said acting GSA
administrator David L. Bibb.
The FAS will include five major customer centers among
its five portfolios, each made up of various divisions.
The customer accounts and research center will permit
FAS to better understand customer requirements and
become a strategic partner in helping agencies meet
them, according to a GSA statement.
It said an acquisition management center would ensure
that activities are fully compliant with laws,
regulations and policies, and that operating practices
are consistent across business lines.
An integrated technology services center combines
business lines from IT, professional services and
telecommunications, GSA said.
It said a general supplies and services center would
acquire a broad range of commercial products as well
as some professional services and GSA specialized
logistics-based activities.
Finally, a travel, motor, vehicle, and card services
center would operate with respective supplier
industries but share commonalities where appropriate,
GSA said.
It said the reorganization would leverage the
government’s buying power, increase value to commercial
suppliers, but that the agency will have to do more to
stop revenues from declining further.
The White House recently nominated a Virginia
businesswoman to head GSA: Lurita Alexis Doan,
whose recently sold company, New Technology Management
Inc., held several federal contracts worth over
$200 million as of 2003.
If confirmed by the Senate, she will replace Bibb.
