In a groundbreaking venture, GSA now has in place a series of ten dedicated facilities management schedules that enable the Federal government’s private sector business partners to market their services to a huge Federal audience in over 400,000 facilities through a single contract vehicle.
Qualified business partners agree to perform work to high standards and at an attractive discount, guaranteeing that Federal agencies will receive the best value available. The service categories include complete facilities management and maintenance, fire alarm and suppression systems, environmental services and energy management, and independent elevator inspection. An eleventh schedule – facilities risk management services – is currently under study.
This program highlights a remarkable partnership between two GSA services with very different missions. On the one hand, through its numerous vendor schedules, the Federal Supply Service (FSS) serves as the source for virtually every commercial product or service an agency might need. On the other hand, the Public Buildings Service (PBS) specializes in real estate – designing and constructing buildings, leasing space, and renovating, repairing, and maintaining existing facilities. Through the collaboration of these two organizations, GSA’s customers and business partners gain seamless service and realize outstanding value.
In the words of GSA Administrator Stephen Perry, the fact that two Services working together ” nearly brought tears of joy to my eyes!” The partnership program represents a model for a fully integrated, ‘one GSA’ approach to service delivery.
The ‘turnkey’ approach of the multiple award schedules (MAS) is built upon pre-qualified firms that pre-price their products and services and guarantee customers their best value. The savings from this program are significant: in cost (eighteen percent lower than prevailing commercial rates, in one example), time (acquisition reduced from eight to twelve months to an average of fifteen days), and versatility (two or more MAS contractors can team for a total solution).
By leveraging the facilities knowledge of PBS, the acquisition expertise of FSS, and the combined buying power of the Federal government, GSA provides best value products and services to its customers. This program boosts GSA’s performance, increases customer and business partner satisfaction, and provides timely, cost-effective support for Federal real property requirements nationwide. PBS Commissioner M. Joseph Moravec sums up: ” a model for value-added service the business case is compelling.”
For more information, contact Mr. Michael Jawer at (202) 501-0553 or via e-mail at michael.jawer@gsa.gov
