Recently GSA announced the availability of our cloud email solution, the Email as a Service (EaaS) Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA), which will allow agencies to order pre-approved cloud based tools for email, office automation, and electronic records management, as well as the migration and integration services necessary for a swift transition leading to rapid savings. The BPAs offer government recurring purchasing options at a reduced cost that are also convenient and efficient.

GSA now offers cloud email services

Cloud based email services support the Obama Administration’s efforts to bring cloud services into the federal government and reduce federal data centers, which save taxpayer dollars. The implementation of 25 Point Federal IT Reform Plan, and “Cloud First” mandates require federal agencies to consider cloud-based solutions the new default IT solution. Everything agencies need to move to the cloud is available through GSA.

Cloud IT represents an innovative way for government to do more with less at a time when federal budgets are shrinking. Agencies can leverage cloud services to become more efficient. We estimate that agencies that use cloud based email will save 50 percent, about $1 million, annually for every 7,500 users migrated. Last year GSA was the first federal agency to make the move to cloud migrating 17,000 email accounts, saving $2 million to date, with an estimated savings of $15 million over five years.

What makes EaaS even more exciting is that it will leverage GSA’s innovative security program, Federal Risk Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which uses a “do once, use many times” approach to save agencies time and money by providing a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring.

These new BPAs are the latest cloud offering from GSA, however, we have been working in collaboration with government and industry for years to provide government agencies with a comprehensive cloud solutions portfolio for use by government agencies to save millions of taxpayer dollars. In fact, GSA’s history of providing cloud solutions dates back to 2009.

The move to the cloud has not been easy and there have been some growing pains in the process for both government and private industry providers. Government is experiencing slower migrations to the cloud than anticipated and industry is learning what it takes to meet government mandated security controls. Transitioning to cloud IT is a major shift in the way government conducts business, which means that we are constantly learning lessons and making improvements. And out of those lessons we get great solutions, like FedRAMP, which will make sure that every agency, no matter their mission, can rely on the security of their cloud solutions; and the millions spent by agencies conducting their own security assessments can be avoided.

GSA views technology, specifically cloud technology, as a primary driver to transform how government works while saving millions of taxpayer dollars and driving efficient collaboration. We envision a great government through technology and cloud IT is helping us take a giant leap in that direction.

Filed in Cloud Computing, Federal Acquisition Service

GSA in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is proud to announce the completion of the new Langley Research Center headquarters in Hampton,Virginia. The project will save $2.5 million annually, and is part of GSA’s ongoing push to make more efficient use of government assets while providing the best value for American taxpayers.

GSA and NASA teamed up to build new facility

GSA is incredibly honored to have the opportunity to provide innovative and efficient solutions for NASA’s oldest research center. The new facility uses an average of 59 percent less energy and uses 41 percent less potable water than other office buildings, saving $2.5 million annually in operations and maintenance costs. The facility’s sustainable features have earned LEED Platinum certification.  In addition, the project has won six awards, including the prestigious Gold-Level 2012 Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell’s Environmental Excellence Award.

The completion of the headquarters is only the first step of a larger project called the New NASA Town, which is centered around the Langley facility. Together, GSA and NASA have embarked upon a partnership creating a long-term facilities modernization program with this multi-year project.

A fundamental part of the GSA mission is to support other federal agencies by promoting efficiency and getting the best deal for American taxpayers. By creating sustainable and energy efficient workspaces that are built to last, GSA helps the government be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Filed in Energy, Public Buildings Service, Sustainability, Technology

When we began our Top-to-Bottom review of the entire agency, I wanted to find a way to engage employees in the process of improving the agency and making it more efficient. We came up with the Great Ideas Hunt and from the first day of the hunt I was impressed with the quality of responses received from GSA employees across the country.  We wanted to send a strong message that everyone in GSA is responsible for and plays a critical role in reforming and improving the agency.  Employees generated more than 600 ideas and posted thousands of comments, demonstrating their commitment to our mission of saving taxpayer dollars.

GSA Implements Five Employee Ideas

To date, GSA received a total of 632 ideas submitted via the web from employees across the country. GSA staff then voted for their favorite submissions, registering close to twenty thousand votes online. Even before the results are tabulated, we are taking action on the five most popular ideas that can be implemented immediately:

• Reduce Subscriptions: A GSA employee highlighted the fact that GSA can save money by reducing the number of newspaper and magazine subscriptions and choosing online versions when possible. By doing this the GSA can save up to $630,000 agency-wide.

• Eliminate Redundant Survey: Three suggestions were submitted urging the agency to retire a costly and redundant employee survey.  It turns out that the survey costs $1 million annually and virtually all of its questions are addressed in the Office of Personnel Management Employee Viewpoint Survey, which is free. GSA has now stopped its use of the survey.

• Create Web-based Surveys: Four GSA employees submitted an idea to replace the paper-based Public Buildings Service (PBS) Tenant Satisfaction Survey with a web-based solution instead.  PBS is making this change immediately, which  will save about $1.2 million annually.

• Expand PrintWise policy: Two entries noted that setting the default printing settings to ‘double-sided’ will save money on paper and reduce GSA’s  impact on the environment. As a result, GSA will roll out this policy agency-wide, and could realize a savings of $2.7 million.

• Implement External Great Ideas: GSA received so many helpful ideas through this campaign internally, that three employees suggested the agency create an external website to allow federal partners and vendors to share  ideas and feedback on how GSA can better manage our offerings.

The string of comments from the ideas was active and vibrant, and I’m impressed at the level of involvement from every corner and every level of GSA. In the coming weeks, the leading suggestions will be evaluated to determine which are actionable and will have a meaningful impact on GSA and the agencies we serve. The Great Ideas Hunt began May 31 and ended July 6. In addition to these five ideas, we are reviewing and researching 40 other ideas submitted through the program and expects to implement them on a rolling basis.

The success of the Great Ideas Hunt demonstrates our commitment to having a positive impact across government.  We continue to show that GSA is focused on its core efforts of promoting efficiency, delivering better value, and saving taxpayer dollars.

Filed in Social Media, Sustainability

As part of our top to bottom review of GSA, we have been looking for savings in our government-wide travel programs. Each year, GSA sets the federal government’s travel reimbursement rates for lodging, meals, and incidentals for official government travel.  For the first time in more than a decade, we decided to freeze the rates at current levels. This will help federal agencies save an estimated $20 million in avoided costs in Fiscal Year 2013. This is in line with President Obama’s Campaign to Cut Waste and the Administration’s directive to reduce travel spending by 30 percent.

GSA reduces travel costs across government

While we considered a number of proposals to drive savings through the GSA per diem lodging rates, we needed more time to undertake a comprehensive review of the methodology used to determine those rates. We need better data to make sound decisions. Freezing the rates now was the most pragmatic approach that achieves significant savings while also allowing us more time to further evaluate the rates. The next step is for us to meet with experts through a Federal Advisory Committee and develop a plan for the rates moving forward.

Per diems are just one avenue through which GSA is reducing travel costs for agencies. Recently, we proposed to eliminate a policy that allows employees who attend a federal government sponsored conference to spend 25 percent above the per diem rate. Through this action, we will save approximately $9 million a year. We are also moving towards more cost-effective travel solutions, including launching the next generation of electronic travel service, beginning a pilot project for GSA’s online hotel booking program (FedRooms), and renegotiating contracts with airlines to offer discounted rates for federal employees.

GSA is also in the process of meeting with over a dozen agencies to identify areas where we can help drive savings government-wide, including in the area of travel.

Our work has just begun. GSA will continue to identify and launch new approaches to travel, fleet, contracting, IT and real property that will drive savings and improve government’s overall efficiency.

Filed in Office of Governmentwide Policy

This week marks the two year anniversary of GSA’s innovative web program to evaluate and streamline federal government websites. Through the First Fridays program, GSA conducts best practice testing for federal websites through user surveys, trials with federal employees, and website evaluations. To date, First Fridays usability team has conducted more than 45 tests across all U.S. cabinet agencies, saving over $1.3 million in avoided costs. GSA offers this service government-wide to help agencies save money.

Federal Workers conduct website testing

GSA’s team of experts developed ways for federal agencies to quickly find and solve user problems. Almost all of the solutions offered can be implemented within 30 days, improving the overall usability of these websites. First Fridays creates customer-service focused websites that help the public get the information they need from the government. This program shows other federal agencies how to test and analyze their own websites to better serve visitors to the site.

The program has since spawned six different spin-off teams at other agencies, including the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Transportation. All told, almost 800 participants and volunteers have experienced First Fridays’ simple, yet effective way to make the web work better.

As we celebrate two great years of successfully improving federal websites, we welcome new participants to join in and have your federal website tested. For more information go to howto.gov/firstfridays.

Filed in Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technology, Technology

A critical part of GSA’s mission is to help federal agencies save money, and that includes getting the best price for government travelers. Leveraging government buying power is one way GSA can maximize cost-savings for federal agencies and save taxpayer dollars.

'City Pair's' cuts travel costs

The City Pairs Program establishes standard airfare rates between cities where the federal workforce typically travels, and these pre-negotiated rates save the government money. GSA is able to negotiate best-value pricing for the government by using travel data. All major U.S. carriers participate in the City Pairs Program. The 2013 rates will become effective October 1, 2012.

When awarding City Pairs contracts to airlines, GSA considers a number of criteria, including availability of nonstop service, total number of flights, flight availability, average elapsed flight time, and price of service. The program also offers dual fare markets to provide flexibility for immediate travel and discounted fares for booking flights early.

For more information on the Airline City Pairs Program or to view air fares, please visit Airline City Pairs.

Filed in Federal Acquisition Service, Office of Governmentwide Policy

As part of GSA’s mission to effectively manage government assets, we are disposing of properties that are no longer needed. We are making more efficient use of the government’s real estate assets and saving taxpayer dollars by getting underutilized properties off of the government’s books. In the past year alone, GSA has sold or transferred 97 excess properties valued at $82 million. GSA is implementing several strategies that will allow us to shed even more excess property.

Last week, GSA posted a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the redevelopment of the historic David W. Dyer Federal Courthouse in Miami, Florida. GSA is seeking information from both the public and private sector on ideas for the courthouse. By seeking input from the development community and the public, we can decide whether to exchange, sell, or lease the courthouse. The RFI has been posted on FedBizOpps.gov.

GSA seeks ideas for historic Dyer Courthouse

Another strategy to dispose of excess property implemented by GSA is to pursue a partnership with a private-sector developer to exchange excess property for the construction of a new building. One example of this is the historic North Spring Street courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. In exchange for the courthouse, the proposed plan calls for a private developer to construct a new building to house federal tenants.

GSA is also auctioning excess properties across the country, and we are working to get the best deal for the taxpayers.  In Moscow, Idaho, GSA is auctioning the Moscow Federal Building beginning August 7th. Also on the disposal list are two commercial properties in NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Fairview Park, Ohio, and the auction is now open for bids. Later this year, GSA will auction the Georgetown Heating Plant in Washington, DC. Auctioning these properties allows these buildings to be returned to productive use in the local community. Bids for all current auctions may be submitted at GSA’s auction website at RealEstateSales.gov.

Since 2002, more than 3,355 federal properties have been taken off the government’s rolls, and more still needs to be done. Our mission at GSA is to make government more efficient and to save money. We will continue to do that by working with agencies to identify and dispose of buildings and facilities that are no longer needed.

Filed in Courthouses, Disposal, Public Buildings Service

Three months ago we began a comprehensive, top to bottom review of all agency operations. We are committed to redoubling  our core mission of promoting efficiency, driving steeper bargains, delivering better value, and creating greater opportunities for government-wide savings.

As we continue this rigorous review, we are examining all aspects of GSA’s enterprise including the agency’s long-term hiring needs and compensation process. This review has uncovered clear deficiencies in the area of performance awards. By our count, we currently have more than fifteen different bonus structures; there are questions about the agency’s high award rate, and questions about whether performance goals are set at a high enough level throughout the agency. I believe performance awards should be issued for exemplary service that goes above and beyond the basic, expected level of performance.

Therefore under the discretion given to the administrator of the agency, we will be cutting Senior Executive performance awards this year by 85 percent. We will also be suspending all performance awards given out in the Administrator’s Office for the rest of the fiscal year. Additionally, effective immediately, we will eliminate the Awards Stores program, where employees had access to prizes like iPods and digital cameras. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

We are also going to undertake a comprehensive review of all our performance management and awards system, including individual and organizational performance awards.  And we will work closely with the unions to fulfill our obligations.

At the same time, we are instituting a temporary freeze on hiring across the agency. As we’re rethinking how we are structured and how our compensation process works, I believe it is prudent to temporarily suspend new hiring and to cut executive bonuses to ensure they are aligned with the outcomes of our rigorous review.

I believe that these immediate changes will help the agency achieve better clarity about our compensation and hiring process as we continue to bring the maximum level of efficiency and effectiveness to the work we do every day.

Filed in Open Government

GSA has now launched the Digital Services Innovation Center, a key piece of the White House’s new digital government strategy released in late May. The strategy was designed to ensure federal agencies use emerging technologies to serve the American people as effectively as possible through improved web services and mobile applications.

Digital Services Center offers improved government web services

Over the next 10 months, the Center is charged with meeting a number of specific digital strategy milestones to deliver digital services and government information anywhere, anytime and on any device.  The Center will engage agencies across government by serving as a virtual hub to accelerate innovative digital services. Initial efforts are underway establishing shared solutions and training to support infrastructure and content needs across the Federal government, and identifying and providing performance and customer service satisfaction measurement tools to improve service delivery.

The Center will consist of a small core staff housed within GSA’s Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, but will be pulling in contributors across government to fulfill its mission.  As a result of GSA’s work on the digital government strategy, the American public can expect an improved customer experience from digital government services. Over the coming year, the public will be able to access and use more government information than ever before.

Across GSA, additional offices are also hard at work implementing the digital government strategy.  The Federal Acquisition Service, Office of Government-wide Policy, and Data.gov within the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies are all working on elements to widen shared services, increase efficiencies, and provide tools for a better government.

GSA’s Digital Services Innovation Center is leading the agency-wide commitment to deliver more efficient and lower-cost digital services across government.  For more information, or if you have an interest in ways to help us innovate, email digitalgov@gsa.gov.

Filed in Cloud Computing, Federal Acquisition Service, Mobile Applications, Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technology, Office of Governmentwide Policy, Technology

Imagine your agency or private business is considering a small renovation project that is supposed to be green but you are not a “sustainability expert”. What would you need to know before starting the project?  How would you plan something like this using sustainable building models?  What about comparing green products to fit your building project? When do you need to hire an expert?

Sustainable Facilities Tool helps plan green projects

GSA’s popular online Sustainable Facilities Tool – SFTool.gov – does all of these things, a one stop web tool to meet all sustainability planning, designing, and procurement needs. It’s purpose is to simplify, for both government and private-sector property managers, sustainable building practices and compare options for renovation projects.

Sustainability is best thought of as a process, rather than a thing. It means to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations. New ways of designing, constructing and operating buildings and facilities must be identified to achieve such conditions.

The website offers easy to use learning tools on sustainability and green building planning, customizing sustainable work environments to suit your needs, and an integrated learning section. It also has interactive building models, including virtual office sustainable workplaces and whole building systems.

GSA has now released an upgraded version of SFTool.gov.  The new version expands upon some of the features of the original to include 50 percent more web content and the green products compilation tool, which allows customers to purchase green building materials directly from the website.  It also features an updated interface and new interactive user guides.  Additionally, its advanced search engine will help customers find their specific building requirements.

There is also a mobile app called SF Mobile, which provides mobile access to the website on Apple, Android, and Blackberry platforms.  The tool’s mobile app has been downloaded more than 1400 times.

Since its initial launch in February 2011, the popular tool has informed project decision making for more than 30 federal agencies as well as states and foreign countries.

To learn more about the GSA Sustainable Facilities Tool and the new addition of the Green Products Compilation go to www.SFTool.gov.

Filed in Energy, Mobile Applications, Office of Governmentwide Policy, Public Buildings Service, Sustainability, Technology