GSA’s procurement programs plan to create opportunities

The General Services Administration (GSA) is the central procurement arm of the federal government. With the change in administration, the GSA plays an integral role in implementing policy priorities. The new administration has set its sights on helping small businesses, establishing green energy alternatives, and increasing domestic sourcing. GSA’s procurement programs, managed by the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), plays a critical role in supporting customer agencies, accounting for $75 Billion in annual mission support.

FAS’ procurement programs include the Multiple Award Schedule program (MAS), Assisted Acquisition Services, IT GWACs, OASIS, and Global Supplies and Services (GSS). These programs are complementary, bringing a full solution offering approach to GSA’s customer agencies.

Consistency in application and implementation are key elements of the FAS procurement strategy. With respect to the new Administration’s priorities, FAS procurement under these vehicles will support the Buy American Act (BAA), Free Trade Agreements (FTA), and the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).

To create more opportunities, GSA is rolling out a commercial e-commerce pilot program for domestic and foreign sourcing. Awarded in June 2020, the e-commerce pilot program targets $6 Billion, GSA’s estimated addressable market, in open market purchase card spending by the federal government. The pilot program seeks to channel orders through three e-commerce platforms.

Author: Paul McVeigh

Source: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/commentary/2021/02/gsas-procurement-programs-and-the-administrations-domestic-sourcing-priorities-creating-opportunities-closing-loopholes/