General Services Administration (GSA) Executive Correspondence

Purpose:

This Order establishes policy for managing executive correspondence and other official documents.

Background:

The Executive Secretariat (Exec Sec), Office of Administrative Services (OAS), pursuant to the Delegation of Authority from the Administrator to the Chief Administrative Services Officer (ADM 5450.39D, Ch 16), shall establish standards and controls for official correspondence or documents requiring the involvement of the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief of Staff, or the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA).

Applicability:

This Order applies to GSA employees in the performance of their duties.  The following are exceptions: 

1. The Office of Inspector General per its independence under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (5 U.S.C. 401 et seq.); and 
2. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals due to its independent authorities pursuant to section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2006 (41 U.S.C. 7105).

Cancellation:

This Order supersedes OAS 1804.1, General Services Administration (GSA) Executive Correspondence.

Summary of Changes:

1. Removal of DEI references
2. Addition of Records Management regulatory guidance
3. GSA Executive Correspondence Guide (Appendix) has been updated. All offices are expected to adhere to the guidelines therein.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. The Office of the Administrator is responsible for approving and authorizing the signature on correspondence from the Chief of Staff, Deputy Administrator, or Administrator.
2. The Heads of Service and Staff Offices and Regional Offices are required to establish internal procedures and assign staff to handle executive correspondence in a timely manner.  Staff that coordinate with Exec Sec will be trained on the correspondence process.
3. The Office of the General Counsel reviews all executive-level correspondence for legal sufficiency only.
4. The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs clears executive-level correspondence to members of Congress; governors; state, county, local officials; and representatives from foreign governments and other governmental bodies. 

All offices are responsible for adhering to the GSA Correspondence Guide and  ensuring executive correspondence is not made public before it is signed.