GSA issues final rule on state and local governments buying from schedule

The final procurement rule that allows state and local governments to buy information technology products and services off the General Services Administration schedules went into effect today.

Section 211 of the E-Government Act of 2002 authorized state and local governments to use GSA's Federal Supply Schedules to buy automated data processing equipment, software, supplies, support equipment and services. The final rule puts Section 211 into effect.

GSA had published an interim rule in May 2003 with a request for comments on the provision. After the comment period, GSA officials decided the interim rule should be made a final rule with minor changes, according to today's Federal Register.

Changes include:

• a provision that allows contractors the option of providing supplies or services overseas


• a clarification that contractors can decide whether or not to accept orders from outside the executive branch of the federal government


• a clarification that state and local government entities may add terms and conditions other than those required by law or regulation. Those terms and conditions cannot contradict schedule terms and conditions.