GSA areawide public utility contracts

We have authority under 40 U.S.C. 501 and FAR Part 41 to procure utility services for federal agencies such as electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and steam and establish long-term (10-year) governmentwide contracts for utilities. In certain vertically integrated service territories, you can order these services directly from the GSA areawide contract for your facility. View our listing of Areawide Contracts.

For Federal Agency Customers

Federal contracting officers can procure utility services through our GSA areawide public utility contract, a master blanket contract for public utility services. The GSA Areawide Public Utility Contract lists the terms and conditions of service, incorporates all applicable federal clauses, and provides instructions for federal agencies.

Part 41 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requires agencies with annual spending over the simplified acquisition threshold to use an areawide public utility contract, if available. Exceptions are when service is available from another federal agency or the government benefits from obtaining services under a single-point contract and has a delegation of authority from GSA. For more information on the steps to procuring utility services under an areawide contract, view our utility areawide guide [PDF - 1 MB].

Agencies can also leverage the areawide public utility contract to pursue Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs). UESCs allow agencies to implement energy efficiency, water conservation, and electricity demand measures through their local utility service company. Learn more about procuring energy management services through the use of the areawide public utility contract in the energy management services guide [PDF - 6 MB].

View guidance on creating the annual report on Federal Government energy management.

For questions on procuring utility services through a GSA Areawide Public Utility Contract or for specification formats for use in conducting annual reviews of the electric, natural gas, water, steam, and sewage services, contact energy@gsa.gov.

For Vendors

Areawide contracts allow vendors to partner with federal agencies and provide terms and conditions that span agency-wide. They also streamline the acquisition process while drastically reducing timelines. 

Areawide contracts are negotiated with utilities vendors in vertically integrated markets for the provision of service within the vendors’ franchise territory or service area. Each areawide contract includes an authorization form for ordering service, connection, disconnection, or change in service. This authorization will be for each utility service available under the vendor’s tariff. 

Per FAR Part 19, vendors must send us an annual report on the areawide contract performance in accordance with the approved subcontracting plan for small and small disadvantaged business concerns. Vendors must also issue an annual report listing all federal customers obtaining service under the contract. For small business guidance, including subcontracting plan requirements, see FAR Part 19. 

Utilities can also view our subcontracting page for additional small business training and resources, including the latest version of the model subcontracting plan templates for our annual subcontracting plan requirements. Prime contractors must also submit an annual summary subcontract report into the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System.

If you are a vertically integrated utility vendor and are interested in establishing an areawide contract, please contact energy@gsa.gov.