GSA's Global Supply Eases Fed Buying and Expands Inventory

GSA #10026

June 30, 2003
Contact: Viki Reath (202) 501-1231
viki.reath@gsa.gov

WASHINGTON� GSA Global Supply, the new name for the streamlined U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Customer Supply Center, will soon provide tens of thousands of new items, agency officials announced today.

Customers will choose new office products, tools and maintenance/repair/ operating (MRO) supplies, along with the traditional mandatory source items, as required under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD). Purchasers are guaranteed compliance with relevant procurement regulations.

A new Web site, http://www.GSAglobalsupply.gsa.gov, makes buying easier and faster. Customers can choose from this wide array of products and still receive only one bill. Customers also may continue to choose direct billing or use GSA SmartPay purchase cards so there is no need for purchase orders.

"These changes will make it easier and faster for our customers to get the supplies they need, so they can focus on their mission," said Edward J. O'Hare, Assistant Commissioner for GSA Global Supply. "It will help them do more with less, the challenge that faces all federal buyers."

GSA Global Supply complements GSA Advantage's Web site, http://www.GSAadvantage, which permits federal buyers to purchase GSA items, along with products and services from more than 8,000 commercial firms holding GSA Schedule contracts. The new Web site does not include GSA Schedule offerings.

GSA's supply program serves federal agencies throughout the United States and around the world. Purchases may be made by phone, fax and Internet, as well as in four walk-in stores and 23 local inventory partnerships, primarily in support of military customers in Europe and Asia. GSA Global Supply tallied $889 million in business volume in fiscal year 2002.

GSA is a centralized federal procurement and property management agency created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. GSA, comprised of 14,000 associates, provides services and solutions for the office operations of over 1 million federal workers located in 8,300 government -owned and leased buildings in 1,600 U.S. communities.