GSA Announces Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner

The General Services Administration tapped Julie Dunne as commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service.

Dunne had served as acting FAS commissioner since Oct. 15, when she replaced Alan Thomas, who held the role since June 2017. According to a GSA announcement Thursday, FAS’ acting deputy commissioner Tom Howder—who has worked at GSA for more than 30 years—will transition to FAS’ deputy commissioner, rounding out its leadership team.

“I’m pleased to lead the FAS team as we continue to drive progress on a number of acquisition reform and IT modernization efforts–all with the goal of helping our customer agencies advance their missions and save taxpayer dollars,” Dunne said in a statement. “I’m fortunate to be in a position to implement some of the procurement policies I helped create on Capitol Hill. I’m committed to maintaining our positive momentum to ensure we have a modern procurement environment that is innovative and efficient.”

Dunne will oversee an organization with several major initiatives and modernization efforts underfoot. FAS is leading the Multiple Award Schedules consolidation effort, simplifying the way federal agencies buy goods and services, and is in the early stages of standing up an e-commerce platform. The platform will allow multiple commercial companies to service agencies looking to purchase certain goods and services online. FAS is a key organization within GSA in carrying out Trump administration priorities as they relate to technology and acquisition and working with other government stakeholders.

Dunne joined GSA in May 2019, having previously served as staff director of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and senior counsel on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Before working for Congress, Dunne was a government contracts attorney and served in legal positions at the Homeland Security and Commerce departments.

“Julie’s extensive background in federal acquisition policy and experience in the executive branch, private sector, and Congress provides a valuable foundation for her leadership role at GSA,” GSA Administrator Emily Murphy said in a statement. “Julie’s addition to our leadership team demonstrates our commitment to remaining an agency that attracts the best talent in service to the nation. I am excited to work with her as she implements her vision for continuing GSA’s work to modernize and streamline government.”