Doan takes oath of office

The new administrator said GSA must do a better job of proving that it is the best federal procurement agency.

Lurita Doan took the oath of office today to become the 18th administrator of the General Services Administration.

In a speech after the ceremony, she said GSA must do a better job of proving that it is the best federal procurement agency, according to a GSA press release.

Doan is the first woman to hold the position. President Bush nominated her April 6, and the Senate confirmed her nomination May 26.

“I am honored that President Bush asked me to take on such a critical role in his administration,” Doan said. “I share his vision to make GSA, now and for the future, the premier source for cost-effective, timely and compliant property management and government procurement.”

Following the official swearing-in, Doan addressed the GSA audience and discussed her plans for the agency.

“Together we will restore GSA’s leadership as the premier contracting and service provider,” she said. “To be the best, we are going to need to improve all of our services and better understand and anticipate the requirements of our customers. But we can do it.”

“GSA can provide purchasing services quantifiably better, faster and save taxpayer’s dollars,” she added. “GSA must do a better job of proving this and enable government agencies to refocus scarce management and contracting resources on their core issues.”

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Roberts administered the oath of office at GSA headquarters. Doan was accompanied by her husband, Doug; her two daughters; and other family members, friends and GSA employees.