GSA Activities

We're taking several measures to enhance safety and health in GSA-controlled federal and leased locations in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). GSA is also helping federal agencies, and state and local governments, get the materials and services they urgently need to continue mission critical work. This includes the following:

Please see the below for Frequently Asked Questions. For questions beyond what is addressed here, please contact covid19.questions@gsa.gov. For media inquiries, please contact press@gsa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate

  • The portion of the facility accessed by the infected individual(s) will be cleaned and disinfected. All environmental cleaning and disinfecting will follow CDC’s guidance..
  • For federally owned facilities under GSA’s jurisdiction, custody or control, cleaning and disinfecting is handled through an independent contract, service contract or other similar means. Incidents in facilities leased by GSA leases will be coordinated through the lessor. Incidents at fully delegated buildings will be handled by the customer agency that has been delegated such authority.
  • If a custodial contractor or lessor is unable to perform environmental cleaning and disinfecting in accordance with CDC’s guidance, we anticipate that service will either be subcontracted or procured through another contract vehicle.
  • If customers require above-standard cleaning services, described in greater detail below, please work with the GSA property manager to submit a reimbursable work authorization through eRETA.
  • In accordance with CDC guidance, if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you must stay at home and notify your supervisor. Supervisors must notify their appropriate agency representative and facility manager immediately, so steps can be taken to clean and disinfect that portion of the facility accessed by the infected individual(s) in accordance with CDC guidance.
  • According to the CDC, someone who is suspected to have COVID-19 is someone displaying the symptoms of a respiratory infection [e.g., cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever] but who has not been tested for COVID-19.
  • Standard Services paid by GSA: In all facilities under GSA’s jurisdiction, custody or control, except for those where GSA has delegated operation and maintenance responsibility to a customer agency, we will provide cleaning services as outlined in GSA's National Custodial Specification or as otherwise described in a lease agreement. Should an individual in one of these types of facilities develop a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, we will clean that portion of the facility accessed by the infected individual(s) in accordance with CDC guidance, which may exceed GSA's National Custodial Specification or as otherwise described in a lease agreement.
  • Above-Standard Services Paid By the Customer: In all facilities under GSA’s jurisdiction, custody or control, except for those where GSA has delegated the operation and maintenance responsibility to the tenant, we will provide cleaning services requested by customers that include, but are not limited to, the following: Additional cleaning services that exceed CDC guidance, increased frequency of cleaning services and the use of special cleaning supplies and materials. The requesting customer must pay for such additional services by submitting an reimbursable work authorization through eRETA. Should an individual in one of these types of facilities develop a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, and the customer requests GSA to provide cleaning in accordance with the recommended CDC protocol to other portions of the facility not accessed by the individual, rather than solely cleaning that portion(s) of the facility accessed by the infected individual(s), the requesting customer must pay for such additional services through an RWA.
  • Please see this internal GSA memo for more information on funding responsibilities COVID-19 Cleaning Funding Memo [PDF - 109 KB].
  • The following procedures will be used if a GSA-controlled building will be closed to the public due to a COVID-19-related incident:
  • First, the impacted agency will notify the GSA facility manager, Facility Security Committee (FSC), and their agency staff.
  • The GSA facility manager will then notify other building occupants, including contractors working in the building.
  • Decisions to temporarily close GSA-controlled buildings to the public should be made by the building’s Designated Official (as defined in 41 C.F.R § 102-71.20), in consultation with the GSA facility manager and Federal Protective Service (FPS) representative.
  • Once a decision has been made to close the building, the GSA facility manager will communicate building closure notifications to the occupants prior to closing a building, and coordinate with FPS to adjust post orders for guards.
  • GSA will then post signage at building entrances to reflect the closure and instructions for contacting occupant agencies, and will add the building to GSA’s Facilities Status closure list.

Acquisition

  • Emergency Response products are available through the GSA Advantage! Disaster Relief Products aisle. If a product you want to purchase is backordered on GSA Advantage, we recommend you contact the vendor directly as stock levels change daily.
  • Please note that all active contracts available -- including both GSA offerings and the nine delegated VA Schedules for medical equipment and supplies -- can be searched on the GSA eLibrary. Please also note that Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 18.1 and 18.2 describe available flexibilities in times of emergencies.
  • For customers with FEDSTRIP/MILSTRIP requisitioning capability, you can use requisition channels to purchase products by placing STRIP requisitions for relevant GSA Global Supply National Stock Numbers (NSNs) and part numbers via their internal supply requisition systems or via the FEDSTRIP ordering utility under "NSN Ordering.” NSNs can be found by searching on GSA Advantage, GSA Global Supply, or the GSA Global Supply e-catalog.
  • For assistance with IT-related purchases, please note that GSA is offering additional support to agencies, including market research support to identify companies to respond to COVID-19-related requirements and support determining telework IT requirements. Please review our list of resources to support agency COVID-19 requirements and our list of available support services, and contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 800-488-3111 for any non-rated orders questions. Questions about rated orders can be sent to covid19support@gsa.gov.
  • For agency customers interested in requesting a GWAC Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA), please review the Request a GWAC Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) process.
  • For non-rated Schedule orders that are delayed beyond the standard delivery terms and conditions (30 days from receipt of order) due to COVID-19, we recommend that the ordering contracting officer contact the contractor to negotiate an accelerated delivery.
  • For additional governmentwide acquisition guidance and resources, refer to the COVID-19 page on Acquisition.gov. Additionally, agencies can access COVID-19 acquisition resources on the Acquisition Gateway and Max.gov.
  • The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) has set up a covid19support@gsa.gov email address for agencies looking for assisted acquisition support, and for vendors who have supplies and/or services related to the COVID-19 response.
  • In addition, there is a ncsccustomer.service@gsa.gov email address for all other questions including the status of orders placed through FAS.
  • Generally, no. However, under certain circumstances once a national emergency has been declared by the President Federal customers may receive priority over other customers when the order is specifically labeled as a “rated” order under the Defense Priorities Allocation System (DPAS).
  • Under Title I of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2061), delegated agencies may obtain preferential acceptance and performance of contracts and orders supporting certain approved national defense and energy programs and to allocate materials, services, and facilities in such a manner as to promote these approved programs.
  • On March 14, 2020 DHS determined GSA's emergency response program for COVID-19 was eligible for use of DPAS. On March 16, 2020, DOC gave a rating authorization to GSA to use the DPAS system to provide telework equipment and cleaning supplies for COVID-19. On March 17, 2020, the GSA Administrator delegated the authority to place DO priority rated orders to the FAS Commissioner and the GSS Central Office Acquisition Division (QSAB) within the Office of General Supplies and Services. See Acquisition Letter MV-20-05 for more details on GSA's approved use of the DPAS System.
  • Please see GSA Order OGP 4800.2I for information regarding eligibility to use GSA sources of supply and services.
  • GSA has outlined available purchasing resources and support for state and local governments [PDF - 436 KB] eligible to directly access GSA Schedules. State and local governments should always coordinate purchases in accordance with guidance issued by FEMA (or other applicable agency) and follow the regulations and requirements outlined by funding agencies prior to purchasing from any source.
  • Hospitals that are instrumentalities of state and local governments have access to the same programs as state and local governments.
  • During the extent of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, state and local government entities, including instrumentalities, may make self-determinations of eligibility and should send written confirmation to gsaeligibilitydetermination@gsa.gov. See 40 U.S.C. 502(c) and (d). For more information refer to the Eligibility Determinations website.
  • Please note that not all Schedule vendors participate in these programs. Additionally, vendors may offer items under these programs, but may not have supplies available on hand to provide to state and local government entities. Please contact vendors directly before placing orders on GSA Advantage! to ensure their availability.
  • GSA's Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation program enables state and local governments to receive surplus equipment and supplies. GSA is expediting personal property donation requests for COVID-19 response efforts where possible. For more information please contact your State Agency for Surplus Property (www.gsa.gov/sasp).
  • A rated order is a contract or task order issued in accordance with the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) regulation (15 CFR Part 700). When a vendor receives a rated order, they must prioritize it ahead of other orders and meet the designated delivery date.
  • Through GSA's authority to use the DPAS regulation, agencies can purchase healthcare IT equipment, telework IT equipment, and cleaning supplies, including gloves and hand sanitizer. Personal protective equipment, like N95 masks, are not included.
  • All rated orders related to COVID-19 response are then submitted to FEMA, who works with the White House Task Force established through Executive Order signed on March 27, 2020.
  • Agencies interested in placing a rated purchase request through GSA should email covid19support@gsa.gov with all purchase requirements. For requisitions of $750,000 or more, agencies must establish an Interagency Agreement. For all assisted acquisitions an Interagency Agreement must be established. If a potential vendor is processing rated orders only, include that information as well. Please aggregate purchase requests when possible. GSA will then determine if a rated order is needed and contact you to discuss the estimated time to execute the rated order, which varies based on complexity and dollar value. If a purchase request receives a DPAS priority rating, the ordering GSA contracting officer should 1) review implementation guidance in FAR 11.604; 2) ensure FAR 52.211-14 is completed and included in each order request; and 3) include FAR 52.211-15 in the task order.
  • Because contractors must prioritize rated orders, other orders -- including those in GSA Advantage!, or requirements posted in GSA eBuy -- may be delayed.
  • Yes, SPE-2020-11 provides an exception for Schedule contracts to temporarily allow the procurement of certain TAA non-compliant products (e.g. N95 masks, disinfectants, cleaners, and hand sanitizer). However, many restrictions still apply for TAA non-compliant purchases of other supplies. Please see FAR Part 25, particularly FAR 25.4, for applicability of trade agreements and prohibitions against purchasing products from countries without an international trade agreement with the United States, including China.
  • Additionally, please note that even when the TAA does not apply to an acquisition, the Buy American Act may still apply (see FAR 25.1) for supply classes that are not covered by SPE-2020-11.
  • Only those TAA non-compliant products that fall under the Federal Supply Classes (FSC) identified in Attachment 1 of SPE-2020-11 [PDF - 3 MB] and are in direct support of the Government’s COVID-19 response may be requested. Please note that SPE-2020-11 applies only to GSA contracting activities.
  • Contractors submitting TAA exception modification requests to temporarily allow TAA non-compliant products should notify their CO and follow the Contract Requirements and Modification Guidance instructions. If the contractor's existing letter of supply on file does not cover the TAA exception products requested, then an updated letter of supply may be necessary.
  • Requests may include more than one product or Special Item Number (SIN). Contractors can submit a request to add a SIN even if they do not already hold a SIN relevant to the FSCs covered by SPE-2020-11. Contractors holding an Order-Level Materials (OLM) SIN may quote TAA non-compliant products to support the Government’s COVID-19 response in certain circumstances (see GSAR 552.238-82 for more information). Any requests to add other proposed product/service offerings, economic price adjustments, etc. in conjunction with the modification request to add TAA non-compliant products will be rejected.
  • Any TAA non-compliant products temporarily awarded must be uploaded via a SIP/EDI change file for inclusion in the authorized price list on GSA Advantage! Contractors should include the following notice in the product description: “ATTENTION: This TAA non-compliant product is only available for orders supporting the Government’s COVID-19 response efforts and subject to unilateral and immediate removal by GSA. There is no dollar limit on FSS orders for this TAA non-compliant product; however, FSS orders that include these items must be issued no later than the end date of the exception authority as outlined in SPE Memo SPE-2020-11. Orders shall be for as short of duration as is feasible to ensure an adequate supply is obtained.”
  • As indicated above, all orders must be issued on or before the end date of the exception authority as outlined in SPE Memo SPE-2020-11. However, orders issued on or before then may be completed after that date. When SPE-2020-11 is cancelled or expires or when an FSC is removed from Attachment 1 of SPE-2020-11, GSA will issue a unilateral contract modification to remove the TAA non-compliant products from the Schedule contract. When this occurs, contractors must submit a change file via SIP/EDI to remove the TAA non-compliant products from the price list on GSA Advantage!
  • Please view DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website for the latest information on the criteria for being considered "essential critical infrastructure" workers.
  • For a template letter authorizing contractors to travel to critical work locations, please see SPE Memo SPE-2020-08.
  • SPE Memo 2020-08 [PDF - 224 KB] authorizes GSA Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs) to issue a letter to contractors that attests (identifies and confirms), which activities have been determined by the HCA to be in support of GSA essential critical infrastructure activities.
  • The System for Award Management (SAM) is extending registration expirations. Current registrants in SAM with active registrations expiring before May 16, 2020, will be afforded a one-time extension of 60 days. At this time, companies should not expect any other changes in payment processing and disbursement.
  • Generally, payment processing should not be impacted. Disbursements are currently being accelerated to 15-day payment terms instead of the typical contractual terms of 30 days under the Prompt Payment Act.
  • For any bonds required by FAR Part 28, electronic, mechanically-applied and printed signatures, seals, and dates may be used and will be considered original signatures, seals, and dates, without regard to the order in which they were affixed. See class deviation CD-2020-05 for additional details.
  • Respond to our COVID-19 Request for Information to provide information to buying organizations across government.
  • Ensure your company information and GSA Advantage catalog items are up to date.
  • Provide accelerated payments to your subcontractors as described in the CAAC Policy.
  • Sign up to be part of the SAM.gov Disaster Response Registry.
  • Pursue subcontracting opportunities with GSA contract holders.
  • Visit the MAS Roadmap to see if GSA Schedules are a good fit for your company.
  • Consider submitting a modification to temporarily add non-TAA compliant products to your contracts if you are a MAS contract holder for specific Federal Supply Classes (e.g. masks, sanitizer, soap, bleach, disinfectants).
  • Propose innovative products and services that can aid in cleaning, disinfecting, ventilating, etc.
  • Make a donation of critical supplies and materials to FEMA.
  • Stay informed by reviewing acquisition information and resources on Acquisition.gov, the GSA Acquisition Policy Library.

Policy-related

  • Agencies may be directed by FEMA to provide personal property to support emergency relief efforts, per the Stafford Act (44 CFR 206.62) and as coordinated by FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer, per 44 CFR 206.64.
  • Agencies may directly transfer excess personal property to other Federal agencies or GSA may approve the transfer of surplus assets to state and local activities authorized to provide emergency services via the Federal Donation Program, per FMR 102-36, Subpart D and FMR Part 102-37 respectively. Property transferred through the Donation Program must first be reported as excess to GSA by the owning agency. Once GSA screens for re-use across all Federal agencies and it is not required for the needs of any Federal agency, it is designated as “surplus” property to the Federal Government, and may then be donated.
  • Additionally, agencies may transfer computers directly to schools and educational programs through the Computers for Learning Program, per EO 12999 and FMR 102-36, and transfer computers and research equipment to research institutions for research activities, per 15 USC 3710.
  • Agencies may also donate surplus property to state agencies and activities. Property must first be reported to GSA for Federal excess screening, which may be expedited. In emergency or disaster situations, agencies may also loan property to state and local governments with or without compensation, even before reporting it as excess to GSA, per FMR 102-36.370.
  • Agencies that determine that the cost of storing low-value personal property for an extended period of time exceeds the benefit to the Government may use the Abandonment/Destruction authority, pursuant to FMR 102-36.305 through FMR 102-36.330. GSA's personal property policy office has more information on the use of property during disaster relief efforts.
  • Before authorizing travel, federal agencies should review OMB federal travel guidance.
  • Agencies may authorize federal employees on temporary duty to drive privately-owned vehicles rather than use a common carrier after considering cost and other factors, including employee safety, per Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 301-10.4.
  • Agencies may reimburse expenses that are not refundable, including nonrefundable hotel charges for Federal employees whose official travel was cancelled for reasons beyond the employee’s control, per FTR 301-11.16.
  • Federal employees experiencing COVID-19-related travel delays may be exempt from the Fly America Act’s (49 USC 40118) requirement that all U.S. Government-funded air travel use U.S. flag air carrier service. Exemptions can be found in FTR sections 301-10.135 through 301-10.138 and are further governed by the requirements at 301-10.139 through 301-10.143. Contract exemptions can be found in Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 47.4.
  • Agencies may reimburse temporary quarters subsistence expenses (TQSE) at origin rather than send the employee to their destination if the destination has an outbreak of COVID-19 (41 CFR 302-6.9); however, the employee's total time cannot exceed the 120-day limit for TQSE, per 5 U.S.C. 5724a(c)(2). If the total time on TQSE exceeds 120 days, the employee cannot be reimbursed for additional days, per 41 CFR 302-6.104 unless the employee is relocating to or from a remote or isolated location and would suffer hardship if the limitation were not waived (5 U.S.C. 5738(a)(2)).
  • Although agencies, not employees, determine if official travel is required and select the mode of transportation (FTR §301-10.4), employees may choose to use another mode of transportation; however, reimbursement is limited to the constructive costs of the authorized method (FTR §301-10.6).
  • Although agencies must consider cost and other factors in choosing the mode of transportation (FTR §301-10.4), agencies may consider other factors not specified in the FTR to authorize a mode of transportation that is not the least expensive method because they believe it is the method most advantageous to the government.
  • If air travel is authorized, official travelers who are eligible to use a City Pair Program (CPP) fare must use a CPP fare if available (FTR §301-10.106), unless one of the limited exceptions in FTR §301-10.107 exists. If CPP fares are not available, fares must be limited to the lowest available full coach fare. Carrier preference is not a valid reason for using a non-contract fare (FTR §301-10.108).
  • Each agency determines its policies on employee special needs and required accommodation(s) under the special needs rule (FTR part 301-13). This includes determining if having an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is a special need.
  • Each agency determines its policies on reimbursing official travelers for personal protective equipment such as masks, hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Employees on official travel cannot purchase two coach seats or upgrade to first or business class tickets to increase social distancing as doing so does not ensure that appropriate social distancing space will be maintained. However, while FTR §301-10.123 and §301-10.162 do not address upgrades for pandemic conditions, upgrades may be authorized for exceptional security circumstances or to accommodate an employee’s special needs. In addition, the FTR does allow for upgrades when required because of agency mission, consistent with the agency's internal procedures.
  • When a facility is closed, the mail will be returned to the USPS office and held for 10 days. The mail manager may also contact the delivering USPS office and request that the mail be held for up to 30 days. Agencies should work with their USPS Accoun t Manager to initiate and extend holds.
  • Agencies cannot direct the USPS to forward mail to an individual's residence. However, mail managers may take actions to forward mail unless an agency policy or existing mail processing contract restricts it. Forwarding mail does not require additional postage if the recipient's name remains unchanged. To do so, strike through the existing barcodes on the processed mail (front and back), place a label with the new address over the current address, and put it with outgoing mail for pickup by the service provider. Mail managers should continue to follow their agency mail screening policies before forwarding mail. For more information, please visit the USPS Coronavirus Updates for Business Customers.
  • Agencies consolidating mail operations may request that USPS forward mail to another government facility. USPS charges an annual fee for this service and does not forward high-security products like registered mail. Agencies should contact their USPS business services representative or use the USPS Business Customer Gateway for more information.
  • Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-192.80, agencies are required to maintain security policies and plans that include addressing continuing mail operations and delivery. Federal employees with agency-specific mail policy questions — including how mail is screened prior to it being forwarded to an employee's alternative work site — should review their agency's internal security policies and plans.
  • If employees on official travel are required by Executive Orders or federal or foreign laws to quarantine upon arriving at the Temporary Duty (TDY) location, the government will pay for subsistence expenses (lodging plus M&IE per diem) during the required quarantine. Agencies must determine employee activities, such as working from the quarantined location, during this time period.
  • Official travelers returning from TDY who are required to quarantine for 14 days are expected to do so in their place of residence. There is no quarantine guidance from the CDC that requires staying in a hotel. In addition, there is no authority under the FTR to pay per diem at an employee’s official station.

Other

  • GSA programs for purchasing and leasing vehicles, as well as acquiring short term rentals, are fully operational. If agencies require assistance regarding any vehicle needs, please contact GSA Fleet at gsafleet@gsa.gov.
  • Additionally, we recognize that cleaning and disinfecting vehicles is a challenge as the potential exists for a vehicle to be exposed to COVID-19 with each use. Therefore, it is in the best interest of vehicle operators to frequently clean vehicles being used, especially after the vehicle has left an individual's custody for use by others, for oil changes, for maintenance activities or other reasons. Here is the detailed vehicle cleaning guidance gathered from the CDC and Original Equipment Manufacturers.
  • Agencies can acquire needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies through GSA Advantage. (Recommend contacting the vendor prior to placing an order to confirm availability.) If an agency needs assisted acquisition services to acquire PPE and cleaning supplies or services, please request assistance at covid19support@gsa.gov.
  • No, only if the head of an agency has authorized home-to-work transportation for employees in an emergency. This determination must be in writing and the initial determination cannot be effective for more than 15 days. Determinations should be completed before an employee is provided with home-to-work transportation unless it is impracticable to do so. Drivers should consult their agency fleet manager for agency-specific policy.
  • The CARES Act Section 3610 allows agencies to modify contract terms and conditions to reimburse contractors for keeping employees or subcontractors in a ready state to protect the life and safety of Government and contractor personnel.
  • Agencies with an existing order off of a GSA Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (such as Schedule, GWAC, etc.) may exercise this authority subject to OMB guidance, the stewardship principles and limitations in Section 3610, and any applicable agency implementation guidance. Agencies without written implementation guidance may follow GSAR Class Deviation CD-2020-12.
  • Agencies using this authority to modify an existing order must ensure the availability of funds; cite the applicable FPDS COVID-19 NIA code; verify that the labor rates shall not include profit or fees and that reimbursement will not exceed an average of 40 hours per week for each billed contract employee; and include language that the contractor agrees that any amount received based on the exercise of this authority shall be reduced by the amount of credit a contractor is allowed pursuant to Division G of Public Law 116–127 and any applicable credits a contractor is allowed under this Act.
Last Reviewed: 2020-09-17