GSA reorganizing tech service as part of Federal Acquisition Service
The General Services Administration will reorganize its Technology Transformation Service after only a year, putting the agile-focused TTS under the more traditional Federal Acquisition Service and appointing a new FAS head, FedScoop has learned.
Acting GSA Administrator Tim Horne notified Congress on Wednesday of his intent to make the move, which will “allow GSA to continue to support the missions of both organizations while achieving significantly greater impact and results,” he said in an official email to staff obtained by FedScoop.
With that reorganization, Horne has elected to install a new, non-career appointee as FAS commissioner. Alan Thomas will assume that role, Horne said, which has been held for the past four years by Tom Sharpe.
“Alan brings to GSA broad experience with both technology and business management. He is familiar with GSA and FAS, and has knowledge and experiences with the latest private sector business practices,” the acting commissioner wrote to staff.
Rob Cook will continue to serve as deputy commissioner of the TTS, and Kevin Youel Page will continue as deputy commissioner of FAS.
“By placing all of the offices focused on government modernization into the same organization, GSA will be better able to leverage its expertise and assets in support of the White House and its Office of American Innovation,” Horne’s email says.
In a separate note to the TTS, Cook explained that the change came as “unexpected.”
“I appreciate that this change is unexpected and significant and will raise questions and concerns,” Cook wrote. “That’s a reflection of how much we all care about our group and our mission. But I can assure you that the intention behind this is to help us thrive, and I believe it will prove to be a very positive change. We will continue to have our own culture and identity, and we will continue to work as we always have in an agile, user-centered way. And the move comes with many important practical benefits such as authorities and funding.”
Cook wrote that GSA leadership would be hosting a town hall focused on the reorganization and to share “its strong support for our mission.”
FedScoop has reached out to GSA for further comment.
