GAO says $1.3B could’ve been saved thru FSSI

The main problem with the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) is that federal agencies have not been utilizing it to the fullest extent, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

The FSSI consists of several governmentwide acquisition vehicles--including for office furniture, office products and cleaning supplies--that allow agencies to buy from preselected vendors.

The government accepted a limited number of small businesses in those contracts, which has led to criticism that many small vendors were shut out.

From fiscal 2011 to 2015, agencies reported spending almost $2 billion through the FSSI, with $470 million in savings, GAO said.

However, agencies “low use” of the FSSI reduced the potential savings that could have been achieved, GAO said.

If agencies had directed all their addressable spending of $4.5 billion through the FSSI, “up to $1.3 billion in savings could have been achieved,” GAO said. Currently they are directing only about 10% of their spending through FSSI, the report added.

The GAO recommended increased oversight and monitoring of agencies’ use of the FSSI, including making sure agencies submit transition plans and set specific targets and performance measures for use of FSSI and category management. No recommendations were made about small business participation.

More Information:
GAO report: http://www.gao.gov/assets/690/680634.pdf

GAO says $1.3B could’ve been saved thru FSSI

“Substantial progress” in SBA goaling report accuracy: OIG

Judge dismisses ASBL lawsuit

‘Hidden gem’ NAICS codes

Column: Claims and Requests for Equitable Adjustment - a primer

Washington Insider: