GovWorks began operating almost ten years ago with the intent of offering Federal managers superior, regulation compliant acquisition services in a responsive, timely and efficient manner. The organization has grown and is still guided by this straightforward principle.

GovWorks operates as a non-appropriated Franchise Fund under the congressional authority of the Government Management Reform Act (GMRA) that relies on the service charge they earn from their clients. As a Franchise Fund, GovWorks' guiding principles are anchored in the foundation of GMRA objectives. These principles provide a constant motivation for GovWorks to operate more efficiently and effectively, while offering its clients accurate, courteous, responsive, and quality service.

GovWorks provides comprehensive acquisition fee-based services to other Federal agencies. The Franchise Fund structure is ideal as it allows GovWorks to serve clients throughout the duration of a contract. It provides the ability to perform start-to-finish procurement services. Once the procurement task has been formally designated to GovWorks, the client's funds necessary to administer the contract can remain with GovWorks until expended. Clients do not lose their investment and a higher level and duration of service can be provided.

Due in great part to its ability to attract and retain customers, plus provide quality acquisition services with responsiveness and expertise, GovWorks has grown rapidly: from $74 million in contract dollars awarded in 1998 to over a billion in 2005. The organization has also been recognized for its innovative approach to generating buzz about its capabilities. Creating a consistent image in the marketplace has been a vital component of GovWorks' accomplishments. Using strategies that parallel successful private sector brands, such as print and online advertising, GovWorks has taken a professional approach to branding and creating awareness about their services.

As GovWorks has grown, documenting the business process has been the cornerstone to maintaining and developing best practices. Training has also been a primary investment, especially in the area of compliance. Employing best practices to provide the best value for their clients and ensuring the highly-experienced staff remain current on all aspects of procurement is the number one priority.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and strategic focus, GovWorks attributes most of its achievements to continuously delivering a valuable benefit to its customers. By minimizing the burdens of time and expense for their clients and for government as a whole, they've helped to improve how government works. That's Government working with Government.