Major programs within GSA

The Federal Technology Service started implementing its new commercial procurement for IT, network services and professional services last summer in two regions. The program is intended to provide vendors and agencies with better project management and financial data. Vendors have raised concerns since the implementation started because they are not getting paid in a timely manner and contract opportunities are not being sent to the right people. One of the 25 e-government initiatives, the project team has implemented 17 systems that fall under three categories: Business Partner Network, Acquisition Information Reporting and e-Marketplace. The project also launched a pilot with four agencies for intragovernmental rent transactions and IT services greater than $100,000. The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the test run to determine a schedule for governmentwide rollout. GSA also will develop a one-stop portal for vendors and agencies to access all the acquisition tools. This multiple-award follow-on to FTS 2001 for voice and data telecommunications services is potentially worth $20 billion. Agencies and vendors submitted comments on the draft request for proposals in December, and the final RFP is set for release in April. FTS plans to award the contract by April of next year.