We think of the General Services Administration (GSA) as a federal agency that assists in acquisition and real estate, but did you know GSA also plays a large role in the presidential transition? In the ten weeks from election to inauguration, the president-elect will prepare to take over the executive branch including over 140 agencies, sub-agencies, and millions of personnel.
GSA assists with the inter-agency transition, the presidential inauguration, and provides support in the pre-election process for the eligible candidates. Let’s talk about GSA’s role in this monumental process and how it may impact GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors.
GSA’s Role in the Presidential Election and Transition
GSA has held a prominent role in the transition between presidents since the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. You might have wondered what happens in between that awkward period when a new president is elected in November (if the incumbent is not re-elected) and the inauguration at the end of January. This act was created to ensure there is no disruption of power and the transition happens smoothly and peacefully.
Through this act, GSA provides office space and core support services to the President-elect, Vice President-elect, as well as pre-election space and support to major eligible candidates. Since there is no incumbent president running this election, GSA is not only assisting in the pre-election but will also step in during the transition.
GSA’s Support for Eligible Presidential Candidates
Upon request, GSA provides pre- and post-election services and facilities for each eligible candidate. The pre-election services include:
- Suitable office space
- Furniture and furnishings
- Office and IT equipment
- Office supplies
The post-election services include the services and facilities above and:
- Fleet vehicles
- Mail management
- Payment of compensation for office staffs
- Payment of expenses for the procurement of experts or consultants and communication services
- Payment of travel, subsistence, printing, postal, and other expenses as necessary and appropriate
GSA also sits on two councils appointed 6 months before an election—the White House Transition Coordinating Council and the Agency Transition Directors Council.
The White House Transition Coordinating Council is established by the current president and includes a senior employee of the Executive Office of the President, and other high-level officials, such as cabinet officers, the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Government Ethics, and the Administrator of GSA. The Agency Transition Directors Council is co-chaired by GSA’s Federal Transition Coordinator and the Office of Management and Budget’s Deputy Director for Management.
GSA’s Support for Inter-Agency Transition After an Election
The presidential transition is not taken lightly. Becoming president is obviously a major undertaking, and mistakes in the transition can have major ripple effects throughout the presidency, especially if there’s a party change. GSA’s Federal Transition Coordinator makes sure the federal government has an integration strategy in place to prepare for the presidential transition and turnover of non-career appointees. This planning starts well before an election through the Agency Transition Directors Council.
GSA’s Support for the Outgoing Presidential Administration
GSA also provides services and facilities to support the outgoing President and Vice President. This includes:
- Office space
- Communication systems
- IT support
- Financial management
- Human resources management
- Telephones
- Administrative support services (such as payroll, financial services, and contracting)
If there’s a chance in administration, GSA works with the National Archives and Records Administration to support the former Presidents in establishing/maintaining their libraries.
How the Presidential Election Will Impact GSA Schedule Contractors
The election itself will inevitably change government spending and priorities depending on the outcome, but right now we know for sure GSA is acquiring products and services to complete post-election and inauguration duties.
As mentioned above, when requested, GSA provides several services such as admin support, communications, and HR, as well as products like office supplies, vehicles, and IT. If you’re a GSA Schedule contractor, or plan to be on the Schedule soon, this is a great opportunity to bid on contracts in support of the election and transition process. We suggest you keep an eye out for current and future opportunities that will arise as a result of this presidential election.
Are You Ready for Upcoming Opportunities?
The federal government Fiscal Year started October 1st, but with the election happening soon after we are inevitably going to see a change in initiatives and spending. It’s typical of a new president to sign some immediate Executive Orders and start off their term strongly. This means more opportunities could be coming across your desk soon, so it’s important to take the time now to make sure your GSA Schedule is optimized, and you are keeping it compliant. Many contractors take too long to submit a crucial modification such as a price change or adding a product and can miss out on opportunities.
If you need help maintaining your GSA Schedule, or are interested in acquiring one, our consultants are here to help.
