General Services Administration (GSA)

Definition

The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent U.S. government agency established to streamline and manage the operation and infrastructure of federal agencies. The GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, offering products, services, and facilities that are vital to the daily operations of federal agencies. These include office supplies, building management, technology, and vehicle management.

Examples

1. Procurement and Supply Services: GSA provides procurement services to manage and supply office products, telecommunications services, and computers to federal agencies.
2. Public Buildings Service: Manages federal buildings and leases commercial real estate for federal purposes.
3. Federal Acquisition Service: Helps federal agencies buy goods and services through streamlined contracting vehicles like the GSA Schedules Program.
4. Technology Programs: Initiatives like the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) which standardizes security assessment for cloud products and services.
5. Vehicle Management: Offers leasing and maintenance services for federal vehicles through the GSA Fleet Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the mission of the GSA?

The mission of the GSA is to deliver effective and efficient government services at the best value to improve how the federal government operates.

How does the GSA help with procurement?

The GSA offers procurement solutions through various schedules and contracting vehicles that enable federal agencies to purchase products and services efficiently.

Can state and local governments use GSA services?

Yes, state and local governments can use certain GSA services and procurement schedules under specific programs, like the Cooperative Purchasing Program.

What is the GSA Schedule?

The GSA Schedule is a long-term government-wide contract with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to millions of commercial products and services at volume discount pricing.

How does the GSA manage federal real estate?

Through the Public Buildings Service, GSA constructs, manages, and maintains thousands of federal buildings, and leases commercial real estate to accommodate federal agency needs.

Related Terms

• Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR): A set of regulations issued to provide uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by executive agencies.
• FedRAMP: The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program standardizes security assessment for cloud products used by federal agencies.
• Public Buildings Service (PBS): A division of the GSA that provides workplaces for federal customer agencies.
• Multiple Award Schedule (MAS): An acquisition vehicle run by the GSA that provides federal, state, and local government buyers with access to commercial products and services.

Online Resources

• GSA Official Website: www.gsa.gov
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) resources: Acquisition.gov
• FedRAMP: www.fedramp.gov

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Inside Guide to the Federal IT Market” by Larry Allen: This book offers insights and key takeaways on navigating the federal IT marketplace, which includes working with the GSA.
2. “The Complete Guide to Government Contracting: Everything You Need to Know to Explore and Pursue U.S. Government Contracts” by Kenneth R. Segel: A comprehensive guide that breaks down government contracting for businesses.
3. “Federal Acquisition for the Non-Acquisition Professional” by Ralph C. Nash, Jr., Karen O’Brien-DeBakey, and Kelly Hepburn: Expands on the principles of federal acquisition, including insights into GSA programs.

Fundamentals of General Services Administration: Public Administration Basics Quiz

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