GSA: Small Businesses Win 85% of FSSI Awards for Office Supplies

GSA #10389

August 9, 2007
Contact:  Viki Reath (202) 501-1231

Washington, DC -- The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) to 11 small and two large businesses to provide office supplies to the federal government, as part of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI).

A total 85 percent of the companies awarded BPAs on Friday, Aug. 3, are 8(a) certified, women- and veteran-owned small businesses.

“These awards not only enable the federal government to realize significant savings but also provide opportunities for small business to be full participants in the federal procurement world,” said Administrator Lurita Doan. “Under the BPAs, companies will use their best commercial practices to provide further cost reductions and are required to submit management and detailed transaction reports.”

The following contractors will compete for federal office supplies sales over one year, with two options to renew: Metro Office Products, Adams Marketing, George W. Allen Co., Corporate Express, Veterans Imaging Products, Future Solutions, Inc.; Stephens Office Supply, Staples, Impac Computer Supplies, SITA Business Systems, Inc., IS. Group, Inc., Imaging Systems and Miller’s Office Products. Federal office supplies sales totaled $322 million in 2006.

The Office of Management and Budget created FSSI in 2005, directing federal agencies to establish formal strategic sourcing programs. The FSSI includes more than 20 military and civilian federal agencies and is co-chaired by GSA and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. FSSI aims to add value by increasing governmentwide savings and socio-economic participation, working with industry to develop solutions, share best practices and create a strategic sourcing community of practice.

####

Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government.  GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300 government-owned or leased buildings and 205,000 vehicles.  GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and eGov Travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

Did You Know?Strategic sourcing helps the federal government take advantage of its combined purchasing power and common business practices, resulting in more effective use of tax dollars.