What does General Services Administration (GSA) do? The General Services Administration is an independent agency of the United States government that serves as a centralized procurement and property management organization. Established in 1949, GSA plays a crucial role in managing the government’s assets, acquiring goods and services, and ensuring efficient and effective use of federal resources. In this article, we will explore the various functions and responsibilities of the General Services Administration.
One of the primary functions of the GSA is to manage the government’s procurement process. This includes acquiring goods, services, and construction for all federal agencies. GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) provides a wide range of acquisition services, such as identifying sources of supply, negotiating contracts, and overseeing the delivery of goods and services. By streamlining the procurement process, GSA helps federal agencies save time and money while ensuring that they receive high-quality products and services.
In addition to procurement, the GSA is responsible for managing the government’s real estate portfolio. The Public Buildings Service (PBS) of GSA manages more than 9,600 federal buildings and 8,000 leasing locations across the country. PBS works to optimize the use of federal real estate, ensuring that it meets the needs of federal agencies while minimizing costs. This includes overseeing the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of federal buildings, as well as managing the leasing of space to federal agencies.
Another critical function of the GSA is to provide support services to federal agencies. The Federal Citizen Services (FCS) division of GSA provides a variety of services, such as printing, document management, and information technology support. By offering these services, GSA helps federal agencies operate more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, GSA’s Office of Governmentwide Policy develops policies and guidelines that help federal agencies achieve their missions while adhering to the highest standards of performance and accountability.
Environmental stewardship is also a significant focus of the GSA. The agency works to ensure that federal buildings and facilities are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient. GSA’s Green Building Service promotes the use of green building practices and technologies, helping federal agencies reduce their environmental impact and save on energy costs. Furthermore, GSA administers the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), which provides federal agencies with tools and resources to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Lastly, the GSA plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness and response. The agency coordinates the federal government’s response to natural disasters and other emergencies, ensuring that federal agencies have the resources and support they need to recover and resume operations. GSA’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works with federal, state, and local partners to develop and implement emergency management plans, as well as to provide training and resources to help agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies.
In conclusion, the General Services Administration performs a wide range of functions that are essential to the efficient and effective operation of the federal government. From managing procurement and real estate to providing support services and promoting environmental stewardship, GSA plays a critical role in ensuring that federal agencies can fulfill their missions while optimizing the use of resources. As the government’s central procurement and property management organization, the GSA continues to be a vital partner in the administration’s efforts to improve government performance and accountability.
