I am a retired GSA employee after 35 years. I signed my name to millions of dollars in contracts. As CO I purchased everything from pens to remodeling warehouses. I bought the government fleet of vehicles during my tenure.
I remember agencies b*tching about Federal Supply Service (FSS) for years and then GSA stopped being a mandatory supplier. guess what- our sales skyrocketed once the agencies were forced to buy the stuff themselves or chose to come back to us.
PBS (Public Building Service) executives were a different bred though. I am not wholly surprised at the excesses, since I saw the whole crap about team building conferences come in to play under -— the Clinton and the Bush administration. I kid you not. I was forced to go to them. What a waste I said then. What a waste it is now. The powers took away all the money from our projects to pay for this crap.
I am glad all the excess came to light. but I will still defend the agency’s purpose. We did offer a good service.
I worked private sector for years, and the Team Building meetings
were a waste there as well.
Property Administrator for 34 years..know GSA inside and out. Attended many conferences and know of all their services. When you go to the land and facilities side of their business...it’s just $$$$$$. Been a CA & COR myself in my time. Congrats on 35 years...enjoy your retirement