How Would You Improve Federal Building Maintenance and Operations Services?

GSA issues RFI to collect industry feedback

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) released a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking industry feedback and demonstrated best practices in facility maintenance and operations  to assist the agency with the development of a new government-wide Building Maintenance and Operations (BMO) services program, such as  HVAC, elevator maintenance, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and utilities.

This program is designed to incorporate federal strategic sourcing principles including pricing discounts, improved operations management, small business support, and incorporation of government and private industry best practices. Through this request, GSA seeks recommendations about how cost and operations savings can be measured and achieved through a BMO-focused strategic sourcing solution, either by demand management strategies, better acquisition or improved performance management.

Quick Facts

• In 2013, Building Maintenance and Operations was selected as one of five new commodity categories to be considered as a Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI).
• GSA is currently developing a governmentwide program designed to improve the way the federal government purchases and manages these types of services, which could include:

o    HVAC
o    electrical
o    elevator
o    road work
o    janitorial
o    landscaping
o    pest control
o    waste management
o    utilities

• Small and local business utilization is a major focal point of the development of this building maintenance and operations program. The agency is committed to creating opportunities for small businesses.

GSA's Federal Acquisition Services (FAS) Commissioner Tom Sharpe
weighs in:   

"The federal government's portfolio of building assets contains more than double the square footage of the top five U.S. commercial real estate companies combined," said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Tom Sharpe, Jr. "This program has the opportunity to significantly change the way the government approaches the services used to maintain and operate its buildings and structures, saving money and streamlining processes."

Next Steps

For more information, and access to the RFI document and submittal instructions, click here. The RFI response period will close on January 17, 2014, and the agency will host a follow-up Building Maintenance and Operations "Industry Day" next month to  discuss the government's strategy and provide the opportunity for interested industry stakeholders.

SOURCE U.S. General Services Administration