GSA launches wireless services initiative

The General Services Administration is exploring the creation of a new contract vehicle to help agencies administer plans for wireless devices, such as cell phones.

In a request for information released Sept. 5, GSA said contracts under the vehicle will be available for use by all interested agencies. The effort is part of the Office of Management and Budget's strategic sourcing initiative, which requires agencies to analyze buying practices and use that information to negotiate better deals with vendors.

Using OMB data, procurement officials found that the top areas ripe for cost savings through bulk purchases included wireless services and devices, office supplies, copiers and printers and domestic delivery services, said Mary Davie, acting assistant commissioner for customer accounts and research in GSA's Federal Acquisition Service.

"[We] all agreed that [the agencies] could do a much better job at managing the plans, managing the billing [and] managing the devices," Davie said. "[This involves] everything from turning off cell phones that don't exist anymore to refreshing technologies."

Since November 2005, a team with representatives from 14 agencies has participated in gathering information on agencies' wireless needs and the private sector's offerings under the strategic sourcing initiative, Davie said.

The managed services offering would be different from GSA's Networx telecommunications contract, but officials are keeping "abreast of what Networx is doing and they [are keeping] abreast of what we're doing," Davie said. "We [will] make sure there is not duplication and overlap. We're not related, but we're certainly in sync."

Agencies that sign up for the managed wireless service could end up purchasing wireless services and products through Networx, Davie said. GSA has not determined what type of contract vehicle the managed services program will use. According to the RFI, the contracts under the proposed vehicle would be for a minimum of one year with four one-year option periods. Under the request, all wireless communications services must comply with industry practices and standards that include using the proper encryption software to secure devices.

GSA spokesman Jon Anderson said the intent is for the contracts to go to small businesses and companies owned by minorities.

The success of the Transportation Security Administration's spring contract for managed wireless services served as the inspiration for GSA's program, Davie said.

"[TSA] found that not only are they getting significant price savings because they are better managed, but they are very happy with this arrangement because it's taken the burden off the government, and now they have an expert who can do this for them," Davie said.