Congressional and Intergovernmental Inquiries and Relations

1.  Purpose

This Order establishes the policy and procedures General Services Administration (GSA) Services, Staff Offices, and Regions must follow for handling Congressional and Intergovernmental inquiries and relations. This Order formalizes agency procedures for communications with the U.S. Congress (Congress), State & local governments, and Tribal and foreign governments by:

     a.   Ensuring the Administrator’s and Administration’s positions and policies are conveyed to Congress and State and local governments accurately, clearly, promptly, professionally, and consistently;

     b.   Making preparations so that Members of Congress, their staffs, and individuals from other governments can work with GSA in a systematic and efficient manner; and

     c.   Providing a mechanism to keep the Administrator informed of all agency-related matters of interest to Congress, State, local, Tribal, and foreign governments.

2.  Cancellation

This order supersedes GSA Order ADM 1040.4.

3.  Summary of Changes.

1. Added information on Government Accountability Office (GAO) inquiries.
2. Updated language for inclusivity.

4.  Background

GSA must speak with one voice.  Information provided to Congress, State, local, Tribal, and foreign governments by GSA employees that addresses official GSA policies and positions must be consistent, factually accurate, clear, and in accordance with GSA policies and positions.  This Order sets out procedures all GSA employees must follow in providing information about GSA policies and positions to Congress, State, local, Tribal, and foreign governments.