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GSA Needs To Improve the Management of Its New Item Introductory Schedule Program

PLRD-82-82 Published: Jun 04, 1982. Publicly Released: Jun 04, 1982.
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Highlights

GAO reviewed the General Services Administration's (GSA) New Item Introductory Schedule (NIIS) program to determine whether it is effectively introducing new and improved items into the Federal Supply System (FSS).

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
General Services Administration The Administrator of GSA should establish a central control point for new item applications within FSS.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
General Services Administration The Administrator of GSA should direct FSS to establish guidelines which provide specific criteria for screening and processing new item applications and making decisions on approved items, including followup on items which are transferred to other supply programs. The criteria should provide for: (1) considering the requirements of other FSS supply programs during the approval process; (2) maintaining accurate and complete records for reporting purposes and as a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the program; (3) the timely processing of applications and awarding of contracts by eliminating duplicative reviews and responding to vendor applications within 90 days; and (4) assigning a separate FSS identification number to each New Item Introductory Schedule item and providing feedback to the business service center on the disposition of applications.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
General Services Administration The Administrator of GSA should direct FSS to: (1) update the publication of approved items more frequently to provide users with better information on the items available from the NIIS program; and (2) selectively verify data submitted by NIIS contractors.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

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Topics

Government Operations
CentralizationEvaluation criteriaFederal procurementProgram managementProperty and supply managementRecords managementGovernment procurementFederal supply systemsFederal agenciesReorganization