The General Services Administration last week released a request for proposals in a governmentwide program that will allow agencies to completely outsource their desktop computing services.
The Seat Management Services Contract would create a single source for all aspects of desktop computing: hardware, software, help desk service, networking, maintenance and training. Agencies would not buy equipment. Instead they would buy the entire suite of computing services, officials say.
"Desktop computing can be delivered more effectively and efficiently through outsourcing of the full desktop," says Charles Self, assistant commissioner for information technology integration at GSA's Federal Technology Service. "The potential for saving millions of dollars is enormous."
Seat management will standardize computer systems within agencies, give government users the latest technologies and reduce support costs, GSA says.
The agency expects to select more than one contractor for the 10-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts. Agencies will be able to place individual task orders against the contracts.
GSA plans to award the contracts in March.
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