GSA Metric Program

Purpose

This Order establishes policies and assigns responsibilities for implementing the metric system of measurement within the General Services Administration (GSA).

Background

1. The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Pub. L. 94-168, 15 U.S.C. 205a, et seq.), as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-418), established the modern metric system (System International, or SI) as the preferred system of measurement in the United States and directed that, to the extent economically feasible, the metric system be used in all Federal procurements, grants, and business-related activities by September 30, 1992.
2. This statute was implemented by Executive Order 12770, signed on July 25, 1991.
3. The Savings in Construction Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-289) prohibits Federal contract documents from solely specifying hard metric concrete block and hard metric recessed lighting fixtures unless the agency makes the written determination required by 15 U.S.C. 205l.  This Act also requires each executive agency that awards construction contracts to designate a senior agency official to serve as construction metrication ombudsman.

Applicability

This Order applies to all GSA offices.

Cancellation

This Order does not cancel or supersede any previous Order.

Roles and Responsibilities

The SPE, Construction Metrication Ombudsman, Chief Architect, and HSSOs, in coordination with appropriate officials, must initiate all actions necessary to implement this Order.