Federal Procurements

GAO testified on S. 1958, the proposed Federal Property and Administrative Services Authorization Act of 1992, and S. 2619, the proposed Multiple Award Schedule Program Reform Act of 1992. One of the former's most important provisions would authorize appropriations for the General Services Administration (GSA) only through fiscal year 1993, thus establishing reauthorization of agency appropriations in lieu of the current permanent reauthorization. GAO agrees that increased GSA oversight is needed. While Congress has kept a watchful eye over specific GSA projects in recent years, such as computer procurements and FTS 2000, it has not been as active in monitoring the agency's overall mission or performance. A factor hindering sustained attention to GSA is that most of its operating funds derive not from direct appropriations but from fees charged to agencies for goods and services. Section 2 of S. 1928 would bolster legislative oversight. For this to be effective, periodic reauthorizations must focus on defining and achieving several key agencywide strategic goals and objectives, irrespective of how the activities involved are funded.