Organization
The fundamental purpose of GSA is to create efficiency for the federal government in the acquisition of goods and services needed to operate. GSA consolidates the buying power of the federal government and uses this position to serve other federal agencies in obtaining quality products and services at the best available price. GSA delivers services to its federal customers through 11 regional offices and the headquarters office in Washington, D.C. The primary sub-organizations of GSA are the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), the Public Buildings Service (PBS), the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies (OCSIT), the Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), 10 staff offices that support the agency, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA). For more information on these offices, please see the Description of Independent and Central Offices in the Other Accompanying Information section of this report. GSA has a continuing commitment to its federal customers and the U.S. taxpayers to provide services in the most cost-effective manner possible. GSA delivers on this promise by steadily improving organizational performance.
Federal Acquisition Service
FAS is the lead organization for coordinating the acquisition of products and services (other than real property) for federal customers. FAS leverages the buying power of the federal government by negotiating prices on many products and services required by federal agencies for daily operations. While these products and services may not be purchased in bulk, the pricing reflects quantity discounts that represent volume purchasing. By arranging a network of service providers FAS is able to meet the operating and mission requirements of a vast array of federal agencies and state, local, and tribal governments. FAS business operations are organized into four portfolios based on the product or service provided to our customer: Integrated Technology Services (ITS); Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS); General Supplies and Services (GSS); and Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services (TMVCS).
Public Buildings Service
PBS provides facility and workspace solutions to more than 60 federal agencies. PBS is the largest public real estate organization in the United States. PBS aims to provide a superior workplace for the federal worker and superior value for the taxpayer. PBS activities fall into two broad areas: workspace acquisition and property management. Through lease and purchase transactions, PBS delivers the workspace necessary to meet the respective missions of its federal customers. By consolidating the decision-making process about facility requirements and pricing into a single organization, GSA provides a uniform front to prospective vendors and saves taxpayer money. PBS operations requires making decisions on maintenance, servicing tenants, and deciding when and how to dispose of property at the end of economic useful life. In addition, PBS is working with its federal customers to design the workplace of the 21st Century, seeking to reduce overall workspace needs and associated costs. These services are also coordinated to obtain the best available pricing.
Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies
OCSIT is the focal point for data, information, and services offered by the federal government to citizens. Its mission is to provide high-quality customer service, reduce the expense and difficulty of doing business with the government, provide citizens with simpler access to government services and make government more transparent and accountable. The primary goal of OCSIT is ensuring that the public gets the information it requests. OCSIT has prepared a platform offering a consistent experience when citizens access information from the government, whether it be from the web, in print, or over the telephone. OCSIT provides access to a wide range of government services, as well as consumer protection information through the official web portals of the federal government, USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov. GSA's USAServices.gov provides a one-stop source for information about federal government programs and services, and consumer information. This includes using new delivery channels and technology, such as social media and smart phones. OCSIT works closely with other government agencies—federal, state, local, and international— to collect and consolidate information and make it available to the public, sharing experiences that lead to better solutions.
Office of Government-wide Policy
OGP sets government-wide policy in the areas of personal and real property, travel and transportation, information technology, regulatory information, and the use of federal advisory committees. OGP seeks to ensure that government-wide policies encourage agencies to develop and use effective and efficient management practices for their operations. OGP accomplishes its work by building and maintaining a policy framework that (1) incorporates federal laws, executive orders, and other regulatory material into policies and guidelines; (2) facilitates government-wide reform by providing federal managers with business-like incentives, tools, and flexibility to manage; and (3) identifies, evaluates, and promotes best practices to improve efficiency of management processes.
FTE Breakdown By Organization
In FY 2012, GSA expended 12,505 full-time equivalents (FTE). FTE are defined as the total number of hours worked, divided by the number of compensable hours applicable to each fiscal year. Compensable hours include leave, but not holiday and overtime hours.
