CBP wins award from GSA
It won the first Travel and Relocation Innovation Award for its work to relocate 15,000 Border Patrol agents.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection received the General Services Administration’s 2006 Travel and Relocation Innovation Award, GSA announced today.
CBP’s work to protect U.S. borders requires constant relocation of more than 15,000 Border Patrol agents. To reduce costs, it developed the innovative Volunteer Relocation Program, approved under a GSA federal travel regulation test program. Border Patrol agents who volunteer to relocate receive a lump sum reimbursement for relocation expenses. It is less than the typical reimbursements paid to those whose relocations are mandatory.
The Border Patrol is the first recipient of the award, which will be given every two years. It promotes improvements in travel and relocation management in the federal government by recognizing and publicizing innovative achievements that benefit the federal community.
“The award program delivers on GSA’s mission to be the federal government’s premier acquisition provider, and the leader in setting and supporting governmentwide policy that increases government effectiveness and efficiency, while adding value to taxpayer dollars,” GSA Administrator Lurita Doan said.
The Interior Department’s National Park Service, Midwest Region received an honorable mention.
The department created a centralized online travel and relocation program. It provides customers with access to need-to-know information, while reducing overall relocation time and management costs.
Doan said GSA’s efforts coincide with the President’s Management Agenda to expand the use of technology to meet goals.