Webster heads GSA's program for service-disabled veterans

Bill Webster now heads the General Services Administration’s program to bring more contracts to service-disabled veterans, the agency announced today.

Webster, a Vietnam veteran and career employee, began Jan. 1 as the senior-level official in charge of driving the 21 Gun Salute initiative. His title is assistant commissioner for the Federal Acquisition Service’s Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services Office.

“I am honored to lead GSA’s efforts in support of small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans,” Webster said.

The program identifies such small businesses that supply high-demand products and services and help those businesses find markets. The program partners with veterans' organizations to establish a mentor program for those businesses.

Based on preliminary fiscal 2008 information, GSA said it exceeded the goal of awarding 3 percent of its contracting dollars to service-disabled veterans' businesses with help from the initiative. GSA awarded 3.8 percent of its dollars to them, more than $143 million, according to the agency. In fiscal 2007, GSA spent only 2.25 percent of its dollars, or $110 million, with service-disabled veterans, according to data from the Small Business Administration.