PRESS RELEASE from U.S. General Services
Administration
November 5, 2008
GSA # 10556
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Contact: Diane Merriett |
GSA Turns Over Transition HQ to New Administration
WASHINGTON –
Acting Administrator James A. Williams today, as part of GSA’s
Presidential Transition responsibilities, declared an “apparent winner”
and turned over the Presidential Transition headquarters to
President-elect Barack Obama.
Today’s historic
event marks the culmination of several years of rigorous planning at
GSA. As directed by Congress in the Presidential Transition Act of
1963, GSA is responsible for providing the new Administration with
office space, information technology, furniture, equipment, and other
logistical support. GSA is also responsible for publishing a
transition directory that provides an overview of each federal agency
and arranging orientation briefings for new appointees. The Act
also directs GSA’s Administrator to authorize the release of federal
funds that provide for the day-to-day support of transition activities
for the President-elect.
“I and the members
of the GSA Presidential Transition Support Team look forward to
supporting you during this transition period and throughout your
administration,” Acting Administrator Williams said in an official
letter of acknowledgement to President-elect Barack Obama and Vice
President Joe Biden, pursuant to Section 3 of the Presidential
Transition Act of 1963.
“This is an
historic moment for our nation and for GSA,” added Presidential
Transition Director Gail Lovelace. “Our team has worked more than two
years to complete this headquarters and help facilitate the orderly
transfer of executive power.”
The 2008
Presidential Transition Headquarters, located in downtown Washington,
provides approximately 120,000 square feet of fully furnished and
computer-equipped office suite space.
“GSA was created
nearly 60 years ago to provide superior goods, services and workplaces
at best value so our client agencies can focus on their core missions,”
Williams said. “We have done that in this instance as well, providing a
world-class workplace for the incoming administration. This is a proud
day for GSA, and it has been an honor to work with the campaign teams
to fulfill our responsibilities and meet their transition needs.”
GSA provides a centralized
delivery system of products and services to the federal government,
leveraging its enormous buying power to get the best value for
taxpayers.
•
Founded
in 1949, GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total
procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in
federal assets, including 8,600 government-owned or leased buildings
and 208,000 vehicles.
•
GSA
helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more
than 425 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official
portal to federal government information and services.
•
GSA’s
mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions,
acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and
management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on
their core missions.
Did you know? GSA
manages over 425 historic buildings including 64 National Historic
Landmarks and 2 National Historic Sites.