New Law Allows Volume Discounts for Homeland Security Goods
The U.S. General Services Administration received new authority to help state and local governments in purchasing homeland security equipment and services under the Local Preparedness Acquisitions Act (HB 3179) signed by President Bush last week. The new law authorizes the GSA Administrator to allow state, local, and tribal governments to buy homeland security goods and services through the cooperative purchasing program. Officials will be able to use GSA's Schedule 84 to buy items such as alarm systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, and marine craft.
"This is wonderful news for the American people and a big improvement to the status quo," said Acting Administrator David Bibb. "State and local governments can now take advantage of GSA's volume discounts for the supplies and services that will help keep our citizens secure."
Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Jim Williams said, "GSA's ability to leverage the federal government's enormous buying power enables us to provide goods and services at best value and pass the savings on to our client agencies. Now we can pass these discounts on to state and local governments, while also allowing for enhanced security through greater interoperability possibilities across the federal, state and local environment. That’s a win-win for our customers and the American taxpayers."
GSA says the new law is in keeping with its stated mission of providing superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions, and management policies at best value, allowing federal agencies to focus on their core missions.