Bush signature completes GSA reorganization

The General Services Administration's long-awaited reorganization is finally official.

President Bush late Friday signed into law legislation that formally authorizes the merger of the Federal Acquisition and Federal Technology services into the Federal Acquisition Service.

The law also replaces the General Supply and IT funds with the Acquisition Services Fund.
Congress passed the bill late last month, almost a year and a half after the House cleared the legislation in May 2005. The bill stalled in the Senate after a number of lawmakers prevented it from moving to the floor.

Despite the delay, GSA launched FAS ? largely in name only ? last year under former administrator Stephen Perry, who left the agency last October.

Current administrator Lurita Doan named Jim Williams commissioner of the division this summer.

In a recent speech, Doan said she would sign an order formally acknowledging the new law and finalizing changes to FAS as recommended by Williams in September.

GSA officials were not immediately available for comment.

Rob Thormeyer is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.