news from the gsa
printable version

The GSA is scrapping its Preferred IT (GSA-P) tracking system due to poor performance. The agency is expected to return to its legacy system until a solution for moving forward can be identified.

GSA-P was a technology that was to give agencies procuring goods and services through the GSA Technology Service a better look at how they spend money on tech products, specifically helping to track project billing deadlines.

GSA-P had interface problems with agency financial systems which hindered the project from the start. This problem, among others, prevented the program from being rolled out nationally across the agency.

After a system analysis by KPMG LLP of New York, the company concluded that the system’s shortcomings caused it to be less effective than its predecessor and, therefore, should be scrapped.

GSA-P will remain functional until all data is transferred back to the GSA’s current systems.

in other news

Revenues for Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from GSA schedule contracts rose 500% in FY 2005. Revenue reached $600 million in 2005 compared to $120 million in 2004.

Operation Breakout, the GSA’s initiative to increase business with SDVOSBs is off to a great start. The initiative is in line with President Bush’s Executive Order 13360, which was set to increase government business with SDVOSBs.

Overall, Operation Breakout has made it much easier for agencies to find SDVOSBs. The initiative also allows agencies to create set-aside and sole-source contracts for SDVOSBs. The initiative was enacted in 2004.