GSA picks hotel system vendor

General Services Administration officials have chosen CW Government Travel Inc. to manage the Federal Premier Lodging Program.

Hotels that participate in the program provide pre-negotiated room rates for federal employees. Officials at the company, based in San Antonio, will negotiate rates with hotels and market the system. The task order runs for one year, with four one-year options, GSA officials said.

Hotels in 90 cities are part of the program, GSA officials said. The company will take over the system starting Oct. 1.

"This was a logical next step for such a successful government program," said Rick Freda, the program's coordinator. "GSA still oversees the program, while participating hotels and federal travelers get the benefit of a world-class hospitality management company."