STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS

• Citation: 41 CFR Part 105-53
• Sections: 27

§ 105-53.100 Purpose.

This part is published in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552 and is a general description of the General Services Administration.

§ 105-53.110 Creation and authority.

The General Services Administration was established by section 101 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 377), effective July 1, 1949. The act consolidated and transferred to the agency a variety of real and personal property and related functions fomerly assigned to various agencies. Subsequent laws and Executive orders assigned other related functions and programs.

§ 105-53.112 General statement of functions.

The General Services Administration, as a major policy maker, provides guidance and direction to Federal agencies in a number of management fields. GSA formulates and prescribes a variety of Governmentwide policies relating to procurement and contracting; real and personal property management; transportation, public transportation, public utilities and telecommunications management; automated data processing management; records management; the use and disposal of property; and the information security program. In addition to its policy role, GSA also provides a variety of basic services in the aforementioned areas to other Government agencies. A summary description of these services is presented by organizational component in subpart B.

§ 105-53.114 General statement of organization.

The General Services Administration is an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. The work of the agency as a whole is directed by the Administrator of General Services, who is assisted by the Deputy Administrator. A summary description of each of GSA's major functions and organizational components is presented in subparts B and C.

§ 105-53.116 General regulations.

Regulations of the General Services Administration and its components are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations in title 1, chapters I and II; title 32, chapter XX; title 41, chapters 1, 5, 101, 105, and 201; and title 48, chapters 1 and 5. Titles 1, 32, 41, and 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations are available for review at most legal and depository libraries and at the General Services Administration Central Office and regional offices. Copies may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

§ 105-53.118 Locations of material available for public inspection.

GSA maintains reading rooms containing materials available for public inspection and copying at the following locations:

(a) General Services Administration, 18th & F Streets, NW., Library (Room 1033), Washington, DC 20405. Telephone [phone].

(b) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222. Telephone: [phone].

(c) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 26 Federal Plaza, NY, NY 10278. Telephone: [phone].

(d) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Seventh & D Streets, SW., Room 1050, Washington, DC 20407. Telephone: [phone].

(e) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Ninth & Market Streets, Room 5151, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Telephone: [phone].

(f) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Richard B. Russell Federal Building, U.S. Courthouse, 75 Spring Street, SW., Atlanta, GA 30303, Telephone: [phone].

(g) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 230 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604. Telephone: [phone].

(h) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 1500 East Bannister Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Telephone: [phone].

(i) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 819 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Telephone: [phone].

(j) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225. Telephone: [phone].

(k) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Telephone: [phone].

(l) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, 300 North Los Angeles Street, Room 3259, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Telephone: [phone].

(m) Business Service Center, General Services Administration, GSA Center, Auburn, WA 98001. Telephone: [phone].

§ 105-53.120 Address and telephone numbers.

The Office of the Administrator; Office of Civil Rights; Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies; Office of the Chief Information Officer; Office of Emergency Response and Recovery; Office of the Chief Financial Officer; Chief Administrative Services Officer; Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs; Office of Small Business Utilization; Office of General Counsel; Office of the Chief People Officer; Office of Communications and Marketing; Office of Governmentwide Policy; Public Buildings Service and the Office of Inspector General are located at 18th and F Streets NW., Washington, DC 20405. The Federal Acquisition Service is located at 2200 Crystal Drive Room 1000, Arlington, VA 22202-3713; however, the mailing address is Washington, DC 20406. The telephone number for the above addresses is 202-472-1082. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) is located at 1800 M Street NW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20036; however, the CBCA mailing address is 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405. The CBCA telephone number is 202-606-8800. The addresses of the eleven regional offices are provided in § 105-53.151.

§ 105-53.130 Office of the Administrator.

The Administrator of General Services, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, directs the execution of all programs assigned to the General Services Administration. The Deputy Administrator, who is appointed by the Administrator, assists in directing agency programs and coordinating activities related to the functions of the General Services Administration.

§ 105-53.130-2 Office of Ethics and Civil Rights.

The Office of Ethics and Civil Rights, headed by the Special Counsel for Ethics and Civil Rights, is responsible for developing, directing, and monitoring the agency's programs governing employee standards of ethical conduct, equal employment opportunity, and civil rights. It is the focal point for the agency's implementation of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. The principal statutes covering the Civil Rights Program are Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, sections 501 and 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, and the Equal Pay Act.

§ 105-53.130-3 Office of the Executive Secretariat.

The Office of the Executive Secretariat, headed by the Director of the Executive Secretariat, is responsible for policy coordination, correspondence control, and various administrative tasks in support of the Administrator and Deputy Administrator.

§ 105-53.130-4 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

(a) Creation and authority. Public Law 95-507, October 14, 1978, an amendment to the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, established in each Federal agency having procurement authority the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Each office is headed by a Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. The Director is appointed by the head of the agency or department.

(b) Functions. The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is responsible for the implementation and execution of the functions and duties under Sections 8 and 15 of the Small Business Act to include the issuance of policy direction and guidance. The office provides information, assistance, and counseling to business concerns, including small businesses, small socially and economically disadvantaged persons, women-owned businesses, labor surplus area concerns, and workshops operated by the blind and other severely handicapped persons. The office also conducts outreach, liaison, source listings, and seminars for small and disadvantaged businesses and coordinates and promotes procurement programs and policies.

§ 105-53.131 Office of Inspector General.

(a) Creation and authority. Public Law 95-452, known as the Inspector General Act of 1978, consolidated existing audit and investigation functions and established an Office of Inspector General in 11 major domestic departments and agencies, including GSA. Each office is headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Functions. The Office of Inspector General is responsible for policy direction and conduct of audit, inspection, and investigation activities relating to programs and operations of GSA; and maintaining liaison with other law enforcement agencies, the Department of Justice, and United States Attorneys on all matters relating to the detection and prevention of fraud and abuse. The Inspector General reports semiannually to the Congress through the Administrator concerning fraud, abuses, other serious problems, and deficiencies of agency programs and operations; recommends corrective action; and reports on progress made in implementing these actions.

§ 105-53.132 Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

(a) Creation and authority. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, headed by the Chairman, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, was established on January 6, 2007, pursuant to section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, Pub. L. 109-163, 119 Stat. 3391.

(b) Functions. The CBCA hears, considers, and decides contract disputes between Government contractors and Executive agencies (other than the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of the Army, the U.S. Department of the Navy, the U.S. Department of the Air Force, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Rate Commission, and the Tennessee Valley Authority) under the provisions of the Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 7101-7109, and regulations and rules issued thereunder. The Board also conducts other proceedings as required or permitted under statutes or regulations. Such other proceedings include the resolution of disputes involving grants and contracts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. 450, et seq.; the resolution of disputes between insurance companies and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA) involving actions of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Act, 7 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.; requests by carriers or freight forwarders to review actions taken by the Audit Division of the U.S. General Services Administration's Office of Transportation and Property Management pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3726(i)(1); claims by Federal civilian employees against the United States for reimbursement of expenses incurred while on official temporary duty travel, and expenses incurred in connection with relocation to a new duty station pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3702; and requests of agency disbursing or certifying officials, or agency heads, on questions involving payment of travel or relocation expenses pursuant to section 204 of the U.S. General Accounting Office Act of 1996, Public Law 104-316.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to CBCA programs are published in 48 CFR Chapter 61. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.133 Information Security Oversight Office.

(a) Creation and authority. The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), headed by the Director of ISOO, who is appointed by the Administrator with the approval of the President, was established by the Administrator on November 20, 1978, under the provisions of Executive Order 12065. Effective August 1, 1982, this authority is based upon Executive Order 12356, which superseded E.O. 12065.

(b) Functions. ISOO oversees and ensures, under the general policy direction of the National Security Council, Government-wide implementation of the information security program established by Executive order.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to ISOO Programs are published in 32 CFR chapter XX, part 2000 et seq.

§ 105-53.134 Office of Administration.

The Office of Administration, headed by the Associate Administrator for Administration, participates in the executive leadership of the agency; providing advice on the formulation of major policies and procedures, particularly those of a critical or controversial nature, to the Administrator and Deputy Administrator. The Office plans and administers programs in organization, productivity improvement, position management, training, staffing, position classification and pay administration, employee relations, workers' compensation, career development, GSA internal security, reporting requirements, regulations, internal directives, records correspondence procedures, Privacy and Freedom of Information Acts, printing and duplicating, mail, telecommunications, graphic design, cooperative administrative support, and support for congressional field offices. The office also serves as the central point of control for audit and inspection reports from the Inspector General and the Comptroller General of the United States; and manages the GSA internal controls evaluation, improvement, and reporting program. In addition, the office includes a secretariat to oversee Federal advisory committees.

§ 105-53.136 Office of Congressional Affairs.

The Office of Congressional Affairs, headed by the Associate Administrator for Congressional Affairs, is responsible for directing and coordinating the legislative and congressional activities of GSA.

§ 105-53.137 Office of Acquisition Policy.

(a) Functions. The Office of Acquisition Policy (OAP), headed by the Associate Administrator for Acquisition Policy, serves as the single focal point for GSA acquisition and contracting matters and is responsible for ensuring that the GSA procurement process is executed in compliance with all appropriate public laws and regulations and is based on sound business judgment. Also, OAP exercises Governmentwide acquisition responsibilities through its participation with the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the development and publication of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(b) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to OAP programs are published in 48 CFR chapter 1, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and in 48 CFR chapter 5, General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR). Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.138 Office of General Counsel.

Functions. The Office of General Counsel (OGC), headed by the General Counsel, is responsible for providing all legal services to the services, programs offices, staff offices, and regions of GSA with the exception of certain legal activities of the Office of Inspector General and legal activities of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; drafts legislation proposed by GSA; furnishes legal advice required in connection with reports on legislation proposed by other agencies; provides liaison on legal matters with other Federal agencies; coordinates with the Department of Justice in litigation matters; and reviews and gives advice on matters of contract policy and contract operations.

§ 105-53.139 Office of the Comptroller.

(a) Functions. The Office of the Comptroller, headed by the Comptroller, is responsible for centralized agencywide budget and accounting functions; overall allocation and administrative control of agencywide resources and financial management programs; planning, developing, and directing GSA's executive management information system; and overseeing implementation of OMB Circular A-76 agencywide.

(b) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to the Office of the Comptroller's programs are published in 41 CFR part 101-2. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.140 Office of Operations and Industry Relations.

The Office of Operations and Industry Relations, headed by the Associate Administrator for Operations and Industry Relations, is responsible for formulating GSA-wide policy that relates to regional operations, supervising GSA's Regional Administrators, and planning and coordinating GSA business and industry relations and customer liaison activities.

§ 105-53.141 Office of Policy Analysis.

The Office of Policy Analysis, headed by the Associate Administrator for Policy Analysis, is responsible for providing analytical support, independent, objective information concerning management policies and programs, and technical and analytical assistance in the areas of policy analysis and resource allocation to the Administrator, senior officials, and organizations in GSA.

§ 105-53.142 Office of Public Affairs.

The Office of Public Affairs, headed by the Associate Administrator for Public Affairs, is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of GSA public information and public events and employee communication activities, and managing and operating the Consumer Information Center.

§ 105-53.143 Information Resources Management Service.

(a) Creation and authority. The Information Resources Management Service (IRMS), headed by the Commissioner, Information Resources Management Service, was established as the Office of Information Resources Management on August 17, 1982 and subsequently redesignated as IRMS on November 17, 1985, by the Administrator of General Services. The Information Resources Management Service was assigned responsibility for administering the Governmentwide information resources management program, including records management, and procurement, management, and use of automatic data processing and telecommunications resources.

(b) Functions. IRMS is responsible for directing and managing Governmentwide programs for the procurement and use of automatic data processing (ADP), office information systems, and telecommunications equipment and services; developing and coordinating Governmentwide plans, policies, procedures, regulations, and publications pertaining to ADP; telecommunications and records management activities; managing and operating the Information Technology Fund; managing and operating the Federal Telecommunications System (FTS); planning and directing programs for improving Federal records and information management practices Governmentwide; managing and operating the Federal Information Centers; developing and overseeing GSA policy concerning automated information systems, equipment, and facilities; and providing policy and program direction for the GSA Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Support Programs.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to IRMS programs are published in 41 CFR chapter 201, Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR), and 48 CFR chapters 1 and 5. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.144 Federal Property Resources Service.

(a) Creation and authority. The Federal Property Resources Service (FPRS), headed by the Commissioner, Federal Property Resources Service, was established on July 18, 1978, by the Administrator of General Services to carry out the utilization and disposal functions for real and related personal property.

(b) Functions. FPRS is responsible for utilization surveys of Federal real property holdings; the reuse of excess real property; and the disposal of surplus real property.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to FPRS programs are published in 41 CFR chapter 1, 41 CFR chapter 101, subchapter H, and 48 CFR chapter 1. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116

§ 105-53.145 Federal Supply Service.

(a) Creation and authority. The Federal Supply Service (FSS), headed by the Commissioner, FSS, was established on December 11, 1949, by the Administrator of General Services to supersede the Bureau of Federal Supply of the Department of the Treasury which was abolished by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. The Federal Supply Service has been known previously as the Office of Personal Property and the Office of Federal Supply and Services.

(b) Functions. FSS is responsible for determining supply requirements; procuring personal property and nonpersonal services; transferring excess (except ADP equipment) and donating and selling surplus personal property; managing GSA's Governmentwide transportation, traffic management, travel, fleet management, and employee relocation programs; auditing of transportation bills paid by the Government and subsequent settlement of claims; developing Federal standard purchase specifications and Commercial Item Descriptions; standardizing commodities purchased by the Federal Government; cataloging items of supply procured by civil agencies; and ensuring continuity of supply operations during defense emergency conditions.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to FSS programs are published in 41 CFR chapters 1 and 5; 41 CFR chapter 101, subchapters A, E, G, and H; and in 48 CFR chapters 1 and 5. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.147 Public Buildings Service.

(a) Creation and authority. The Public Buildings Service (PBS), headed by the Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, was established on December 11, 1949, by the Administrator of General Services to supersede the Public Buildings Administration, which was abolished by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.

(b) Functions. PBS is responsible for the design, construction, management, maintenance, operation, alteration, extension, remodeling, preservation, repair, improvement, protection, and control of buildings, both federally owned and leased, in which are provided housing accommodations for Government activities; the acquisition, utilization, custody, and accountability for GSA real property and related personal property; representing the consumer interests of the Federal executive agencies before Federal and State rate regulatory commissions and providing procurement support and contracting for public utilities (except telecommunications); the Safety and Environmental Management Program for GSA managed Government-owned and-leased facilities; providing for the protection and enhancement of the cultural environment for federally owned sites, structures, and objects of historical, architectural, or archaeological significance; ensuring that Federal work space is used more effectively and efficiently; providing leadership in the development and maintenance of needed property management information systems for the Government; and coordination of GSA activities towards improving the environment, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1959.

(c) Regulations. Regulations pertaining to PBS programs are published in 41 CFR chapter 1, 41 CFR chapter 101, subchapters D and H; and in 48 CFR chapter 1. Information on availability of the regulations is provided in § 105-53.116.

§ 105-53.150 Organization and functions.

Regional offices have been established in 11 cities throughout the United States. Each regional office is headed by a Regional Administrator who reports to the Associate Administrator for Operations and Industry Relations. The geographic composition of each region is shown in § 105-53.151.