The Security Industry Association (SIA), Alexandria,
Va., confirms a new interim rule that
expands state and local government access to electronic security products and
services offered through the GSA (General Services Administration) Schedules
Program. Under the GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules
and Federal Supply Schedules) Program, GSA establishes long-term
government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to commercial
supplies and services that can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors.
SIA’s Government Relations Committee has led the electronic
security industry’s effort to expand “cooperative purchasing” — which opens up
new business opportunities for SIA members and industry suppliers.
“This new GSA rule…will essentially increase the potential
number of state and local customers who will buy security products and services
through the GSA Schedules Program,” said Donald Erickson, SIA director of
government relations.
Under
this rule, products and services will receive increased visibility before state
and local governments who will get the benefits of federal prices deemed fair
and reasonable. Of particular significant to SIA members is a provision of the
GSA rule that provides for “advanced purchasing” which allows state and local
governments to acquire products and services before a disaster or terrorist
attack takes place.
