The Federal Telecommunications Service has a new middle name, in keeping with its expanded responsibilities. On Oct. 1, the General Services Administration unit became the Federal Technology Service.
The new FTS name reflects the trend toward using the same wires to transmit voice, data and video information, agency officials said. The unit was established in 1995 to operate the FTS 2000 long-distance program and provide local telephone services for the government, but FTS has been taking on more computer-related work for agencies. Currently, for instance, it is preparing to procure "seat management" services that agencies can buy in lieu of installing and maintaining their own desktop computers.
The FTS leadership is changing, too. GSA Chief Financial Officer Dennis Fischer will take over the bureau later this year, replacing Robert J. Woods. Woods is retiring and will join a Virginia market research company, Federal Sources Inc.
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