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Month: June 2017

GSA Surveys the Crowd

Today is the 2017 GSA Supplier survey!

The annual GSA partner survey helps shape the Federal Acquisition Service’s efforts to improve processes and policies. Data from 2016 suggested the launch of the Startup Springboard and FAStlane initiatives, making it easier to bring innovative companies to the Multiple Award Schedules pool.

GSA also used survey data to expand employee training opportunities. In addition, GSA scheduled more industry days and check-ins to increase collaboration.

For more information, contact surveys@gsa.gov

The IG’s Eye’s on you

The Inspector General’s biannual report to Congress was especially telling this year. The report covered October 2016 to March 2017.

In that period, the office audited 31 contractors. They found that 21 partners did not submit honest information, 13 overcharged GSA customers, eight did not adequately report schedule sales, and five did not comply with price reduction provisions.

All of that adds up to $224 million in savings through smarter or less spending. The IG also noted that GSA’s digital services wing, intended to cover its own costs, had guzzled $32 million government dollars.

The IG recommended no fewer than 168 cases for legal action, of which 49 faced prosecution and 41 indictment. More than 100 companies were suspended and debarred.

The moral of the story is to keep a tight ship; you don’t want to answer to the inspector general.

Uncle Sam Wants You … To Comment on Acquisition Regulations

Per the Trump administration’s mandate, GSA continues to streamline federal regulations. They have subsequently requested industry comment on policies that may be due for repeal, modification, or replacement. GSA especially needs input on less recent items, such as evergreen contracting. The office also encourages information on newsworthy topics such as the Transactional Data Reporting rule.

Of particular interest are regulations that inhibit job creation, seem outdated, have more drawbacks than benefits, create serious inconsistencies, derive  from non-transparent data, or rely on executive orders that have since been rescinded.

Send in your comments to take advantage of this opportunity to comment  on GSA’s policies and practices. Read more at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-05-30/pdf/2017-11052.pdf