AMS Deal Brings Online Auctions to GSA

By Nick Wakeman, Staff Writer




MAY 11 ? American Management Systems Inc. of Fairfax, Va., continues to broaden its electronic commerce base in the federal government by landing a deal with Ariba Inc. to run online auctions for the General Services Administration.



The value of the deal was not disclosed, but AMS and Mountain View, Calif.-based Ariba will use Ariba Dynamic Trade software to help GSA's Federal Supply Service sell surplus government property online.



Last year, GSA conducted more than $260 million in federal surplus property sales. The solution also would enable GSA to auction up to $10 billion annually in other government assets. GSA has named the new site "GSAAuctions.gov."



"My vision for GSAAuctions is that it will be the government site for government asset auctions," said Frank Pugliese, FSS commissioner. "In keeping with this administration's e-government initiatives, the public will find GSAAuctions easy to access and easy to use."



"GSA has been leading the charge in transforming government business models, and online auctions is another example of how e-government can improve business processes," said Zip Brown, AMS vice president, eGovernment Solutions Group. "AMS is excited to collaborate with GSA and Ariba on this best of breed, market leading project."



Currently, FSS auctions surplus federal property at traditional physical auction sites. The Ariba Dynamic Trade solution brings these physical auctions to the Web, allowing all registered participants to make bids in which the highest bid received at the conclusion wins the item or lot of items.



Online capabilities mean items located nationwide and handled by FSS regional offices throughout the country will be available to any interested buyer, regardless of location.