Background and History
Mission
GSA leverages the buying power of the federal government to acquire best value for taxpayers and our federal customers. We exercise responsible asset management. We delivery superior workplaces, quality acquisition services, and expert business solutions. We develop innovative and effective management policies.
Administrator
James A. Williams was designated Acting Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration on August 30, 2008. Prior to becoming Acting Administrator, Williams served as Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, where he provided strategic direction-setting, performance management and leadership for the efficient and effective program execution necessary to provide best value for the government and for taxpayers, proactive customer assistance and simplified procedures. (Read full bio)
How GSA Benefits the Federal Government
GSA oversees the business of the U.S. federal government. GSA’s acquisition solutions supplies federal purchasers with cost-effective high-quality products and services from commercial vendors. GSA provides workplaces for federal employees, and oversees the preservation of historic federal properties. Its policies covering travel, property and management practices promote efficient government operations.
How GSA Benefits Citizens
GSA helps keep the nation safe by providing tools, equipment, and non-tactical vehicles to the U.S. military, and providing state and local governments with law enforcement equipment, firefighting and rescue equipment, and disaster recovery products and services.
GSA provides direct 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 USA Services provides a one-stop source for information about federal government programs and services and provides consumer information on money management, scams, federal benefits, identity theft, government auctions, health, housing, and jobs.
How GSA Is Organized
GSA delivers products, services, and policies to its federal customers through the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), the Public Buildings Service (PBS), 12 Staff Offices, and the independent Office of the Inspector General and Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. GSA interacts directly with customers through 11 Regional Offices and the Central Office in Washington D.C.
History
GSA was established by President Harry Truman on July 1, 1949, to streamline the administrative work of the federal government. GSA consolidated the National Archives Establishment, the Federal Works Agency and its Public Buildings Administration, the Bureau of Federal Supply and the Office of Contract Settlement, and the War Assets Administration into one federal agency tasked with administering supplies and providing workplaces for federal employees. (Read more)
How GSA is Funded
Only one percent of GSA’s total budget is provided through direct congressional appropriations. The majority of GSA's operating costs are recovered through the products and services it provides.
Last Reviewed 1/5/2009