GSA explores takeover of civilian agency contracting amid reorganization

GSA is considering assuming contracting functions from other civilian agencies as part of a broad reorganization of its procurement operations, Federal News Network reports.

An internal GSA email states that GSA's Federal Acquisition Service is evaluating the creation of a new office to manage contracting for agencies such as OPMand Education. Affected agencies would no longer maintain in-house acquisition staff, with some personnel facing reductions in force (RIF) or reassignment to GSA.

According to Federal News Network, FAS is soliciting interest from current and former contracting officers to help establish the new office, with a deadline of noon Tuesday for responses. The initiative follows OPM’s recent layoff of its entire procurement team, a move first reported by GovExec.

GSA has yet to publicly acknowledge the potential transition, but sources say FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum is closely monitoring the effort.