U.S. General Services Administration
GSA’s role in supporting America’s economic recovery
Post filed in: Infrastructure and Economy
After three years of disruptions and challenges caused by the pandemic, America’s economy continues to recover and show signs of steady and stable growth. Unemployment and inflation are continuing to drop, while wages are going up.
At the U.S. General Services Administration, we are proud of the role we play in using the federal government’s real estate footprint and buying power to build a strong and equitable economy.
Here are just a few examples of how GSA is supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
Strengthening Federal Facilities and Supply Chains
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, GSA is investing $3.4 billion in land ports of entry along America’s border with Canada and Mexico. These projects will create good-paying local jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges – all while serving as models for sustainability and innovation.
Most of the 26 major modernization projects that will be funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have elements that will enhance commercial processing capabilities that are crucial to American trade and competitiveness. For example, in Douglas, Ariz., a brand new commercial port will better facilitate the crossing of commercial goods, produce, and equipment, as well as to act as a regional economic engine.
The $3.4 billion in direct spending by GSA will also create good jobs, supporting an estimated 6,000 annual jobs over the next eight years and contributing $4.5 billion to the National Gross Domestic Product.
Expanding Opportunities for Small Disadvantaged Businesses
GSA continues to open paths to do business with the federal government and harness federal buying power. By giving small businesses a fair shot at the federal marketplace, we’re spurring entrepreneurship, innovation, and equitable job growth. And we’re giving federal agencies access to America’s best, most cutting-edge solutions.
During fiscal year 2021, GSA awarded $2.7 billion, more than 46% of eligible dollars, to small businesses, exceeding all of its small business and socioeconomic small business goals at the prime contract level.
Leading by Example Toward the Clean Energy Economy
GSA helps lead the government-wide effort to spark clean energy innovation and lower energy costs. Electrifying the federal fleet and powering government operations with 24/7 carbon pollution-free electricity will support the market for low-cost clean energy, while combating the urgent threat of climate change.
The Inflation Reduction Act boosts GSA’s efforts to decarbonize its real estate portfolio—which will ultimately help reduce emissions and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies. The law provides $2.15 billion for low-embodied carbon materials in construction projects; $975 million to support emerging and sustainable technologies; and $250 million for measures to convert federal facilities into High Performance Green Buildings.
These projects will create good-paying jobs in communities across the country. GSA estimates that the $3.4 billion it will invest through the Inflation Reduction Act will create over 9,500 average annual economy-wide jobs across the length of the projects, support $2.8 billion in labor income, and generate nearly $1 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments.
Digital Solutions that Deliver Value and Save Money
GSA also plays a role in developing technology solutions that enable the government to deliver what the American people need, when they need it — and reducing duplication across agencies. Through various programs, GSA is working to use technology to deliver excellent customer experience while saving taxpayer money.
For example, the American Rescue Plan included critical resources for GSA’s Technology Modernization Fund and Federal Citizen Services Fund to upgrade and secure our digital infrastructure: from helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned with a simpler login solution; to expanding awareness of the Child Tax Credit with an outreach and implementation strategy; to helping USDA speed up its inspection process and feed more Americans. Congress signaled support for these kinds of efforts more recently with the Omnibus spending bill.
By improving government operations and services and investing in federal infrastructure, GSA will continue to help build a strong and stable economy.