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Return to Article: Acting GSA chief says agency is gaining clout

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  Thomas, you're right on target. We've decimated the ranks of realty specialists (now called leasing contracting specialists or officers). This is largely due to the National Broker Contract that isn't working that well and is clearly a much bigger cost to taxpayers.

  We've reached to point of dimishing return in this area and need to reduce that contract to an "as needed" resource rather than a guaranteed quota for major leasing/broker firms.

  PBS needs to hire more leasing personnel. A good start would be pulling them from agencies who shouldn't be so deeply engaged in the facilities business (IRS and SSA being the biggest culprits). Why doesn't Congress see the duplication of effort and make those agencies focus their dollars on their missions??

  Tim Posted November 12, 2009 10:48 AM
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  Number one priority should be getting more Realty Specialists in PBS. Senior Management has failed to see the ramifications of not having the proper amount of personell to accomplish even half of the mission to procured leased space.

  Thomas Bell Posted November 10, 2009 9:28 AM
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  Building accessibility seems to be one of GSA's weak spots. There should be an investigation into the amount of money lost because GSA's staff was not cognizant of the ADAAG building requirements. So many buildings had to be renovated before they could be deemed accessible. I'm sure that there is a long list of buildings that still have to be renovated. I have not seen any signs that GSA acknowledges this to be an issue.

  Charlie Posted November 6, 2009 12:01 PM
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  al gore loves this more $$$ for him

  dan m ketter Posted November 5, 2009 8:01 PM
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  GSA would like the federal government to mandate that all federal agencies to operate through them on major acquisition purchases. Several large agencies (DoD and non DoD) choose to use GSA sparingly. They do not see GSA adding value. In the past, GSA has used a "heavy handed approach" in capturing new business. I wish GSA the best in trying to get these large agencies to change their behaviors.

  Charles Hammock Posted November 5, 2009 6:10 PM
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  The situation around the "hold" on the nomination of Martha Johnson smells badly. GSA has committed to building a Federally owned building in Kansas City. The Senator holds out for a building that is under a lease/purchase agreement. Why the interest in not having the most economical approach for the building? I suggest some strong investigative journalism to inform us on this issue.

  Former GSA Executive Posted November 5, 2009 10:32 AM
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  I believe GSA is on the move and should continue to be more aggresive. GSA has the ability to market BPA's to the Federal Agencies and DOD. The Multiple Award Vendors have reduced prices to gain these Blanet Purchase Agreements but most Agencies, DOD,and their Bureaus are not informed about the savings these BPA represent.

  This is another way to promote the goals listed in this article and promote saving tax payer dollars at the same time.

  Vince Martinelli Posted November 5, 2009 7:29 AM