GSA celebrates 60th anniversary

The U.S. General Services Administration today is commemorating its 60th anniversary as it engages in one of its its most challenging assignments ever—helping to achieve the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“We will not miss a beat as we turn 60,” said GSA Acting Administrator Paul Prouty. “GSA’s role is to help green the government, move America toward energy independence, increased transparency and accountability and much, much more. 

GSA also plays a leading role in preserving historic buildings, supplying U.S. troops fighting for American ideals, helping small business succeed, supporting citizens during national crises, providing world-class child care for working parents and using technology to strengthen the bond between citizens and their government.

“We’re taking this moment to celebrate our rich history while taking full advantage of a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery,” Prouty added, noting that 60 years after its creation, GSA is among the government’s top best federal places to work.

GSA is modeling energy independence. It’s already spent $287 million in Recovery Act funds to add fuel-efficient vehicles to the government fleet. More orders are in the works. GSA is also investing $5.5 billion in Recovery Act funds in greening federal buildings, courthouses and land ports of entry. Projects are being funded across the country, providing benefit for local and state economies, with at least one GSA project related to the Recovery Act in every state.

“Our 60th anniversary slogan says it all: A Legacy of Service, a Pursuit of Excellence,” Prouty said. “After six decades we’re just hitting our prime.”

About GSA

GSA provides a centralized delivery system of products and services to the federal government, leveraging its enormous buying power to get the best value for taxpayers. Founded in 1949, GSA manages more than 11 percent of the government’s total procurement dollars and $24 billion in federal assets, including 8,600 government-owned or leased buildings and 213,000 vehicles.

GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 480 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services.

GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

Web site references: www.gsa.gov, www.gsa.gov/gogreen, www.recovery.gov

Did you know? GSA’s first major renovation project was a complete rebuilding of the White House that required “stripping it down to four walls without a roof,” in the words of General Jess Larson, the first GSA Administrator.