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Recurring RWAs provide services to customer agencies where the costs of those services cannot be readily differentiated or separated from standard operating costs. Nonrecurring RWAs are those RWAs that provide services where costs can be readily identified and separated from standard operating costs.
A severable service is one in which the customer agency receives value as the service is rendered; the services are continuing in nature. A task is severable if it is divisible into components where each component meets a separate customer agency need. A nonseverable service or project is one in which the customer agency receives value only at the completion of the service or project. A task is nonseverable if it is required in its entirety to meet the customer agency need.
A, B, and N type RWAs are all used for nonrecurring federal agency’s, one time needs. N Types are the most commonly used RWAs; they are fully funded by the customer and can be for federal or leased space. A Type RWAs are for split-funded projects in which both PBS provides BA54 funds and the customer agency provides RWA funding for a project in federally owned space. B Type RWAs are for projects that are related to a PBS prospectus project regardless of the dollar value of the RWA.
Yes, an N Type for nonseverable services can be accepted during the period of availability of the funds and can be liquidated against for up to 5 fiscal years until the end of that fiscal year beyond the expiration of obligational authority of the customer’s funds. If an annually funded severable service is performed on an N Type, the N Type RWA can only last 12 calendar months and the services must be obligated prior to the expiration date of obligational authority of the fund.
Yes, but only for nonrecurring services where costs are readily identifiable (i.e. services that are separately metered or billed).
No. This is the definition of parking funds and violates both GSA policy and appropriations law.
Yes, given that the scope of work is the same across all buildings and other requirements as outlined in RWA Policy are met. See the National Policy Manual for use of N Type RWAs for multiple buildings.
A PBS prospectus project is one that is approved by Congress as a line item in the PBS budget. Any RWA in support of or done in coordination with a PBS prospectus project must be classified as a B Type RWA to allow for financial reporting to Congress. The prospectus thresholds can be found on GSA’s website.
The PBS prospectus threshold does not apply to customer funding. If a customer exceeds their agency’s prospectus threshold, PBS does not require any additional approvals from customers other than the signature from their Fund Certifying Official, certifying that they have the authority to use the fund as cited on the RWA.
It must be a B Type RWA because the work is related to the PBS prospectus project.
C Type RWAs are used for recurring services. D Type RWAs are used for nonrecurring services and projects.
Non-Federal customers should contact the Regional RWA Manager, who will establish a Work Request (draft RWA) within the RETA system. The RWA Manager can then supply the RWA number to the non-Federal customer, to cite on their pre-payment to GSA. Please see GSAs “Contact Us” page at www.gsa.gov/rwa for a list of RWA Managers.
Unlike all other RWA types, C and D Types require prepayment by the customer via credit card (through the Department of Treasury’s “Pay.gov” website) , or check. Customers should contact their respective Regional RWA Manager regarding regional finance office addresses where the check should be sent.
General Services Administration
Renting a space for a mock trial, filming a movie in a federal building, or renting a space for a wedding.
Non-Federal customers requiring overtime utility services in one of GSA’s buildings.
Customers should send RWA Work Requests as soon as possible, even before the start of the next FY, for F Type projects and services that will be needed. They can then submit RWAs for potential acceptance at the start of the FY, once a Summary Cost Estimate (SCE) is linked and approved to their WR. Customers should include “F Type” in the description of requirements field to aid in identifying the RWA as an F Type.
The bona fide needs rule and recording statute require services to be detailed and recorded prior to the expiration date of obligational authority of a fund. F Type RWAs are for miscellaneous services that are typically needed throughout a fiscal year not to exceed $250,000 total per RWA and $50,000 per order. These RWAs are not legally permitted to cross fiscal years and all work must be physically completed prior to the expiration date of obligational authority; therefore their use, bona fide need, scope details and financial record, remain within the period of availability of the customer’s funding.
Yes, customers can amend an F Type during the course of the fiscal year.
Any funds that have not been expensed by PBS prior to the end of the FY cannot be used by PBS. The customer may deobligate the excess funding on their books upon receipt of the Closeout Letter.
Yes, F Types have to be obligated and expended before the end of the fiscal year as F Types close at the end of the FY. This highlights the importance of monitoring the funding balances. If it appears there are excess funds on the RWA that will be returned when the RWA is closed, PBS and the customer can preemptively amend the RWA to deobligate excess funds. Then the customer can redirect unused funding to other projects prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Because F type RWAs are for miscellaneous projects and services, the scope on the RWA should say “miscellaneous projects” and “F Type”. If more scope detail is available, the team should consider accepting the RWA as an N type instead.
Severable.
R Types are most commonly used in federally owned space. PBS cannot use recurring RWAs (R Types) for leased space if the lessor provides specific invoices/bills for the above standard services.
No, recurring RWAs cannot cross fiscal years.
No, regular preventative maintenance is a severable service.
No, a repair or construction activity is nonseverable.
Yes, but the period of performance cannot exceed 12 months for annually funded RWAs in accordance with 41 U.S.C. § 3902 and the funds have to be obligated prior to the customer funding expiration.
Overtime utilities are severable because a benefit is received each time the overtime utilities are used.
Overtime utilities that are separately billed to PBS or separately metered are nonrecurring as the costs can be specifically identified. Recurring RWAs are used for overtime utilities where the costs cannot be specifically identified and are billed based on the estimate.
N Types because PBS cannot use recurring RWAs (R Types) for leased space if the lessor provides specific invoices/bills for the above standard services.
R Type for non separately billed overtime utility services and an N Type for separately metered and/or billed overtime utility services.
The RWA will need to be an F-type and follow the F-type rules (see RWA Policy). The description of requirements should include the phrase “F type” to ensure the RWA is set up properly.
The description of requirements on a severable service RWA must have enough specificity to award a contract and include:
The RWA will need to be an F-type and follow the F-type rules (see RWA Policy). The description of requirements should include the phrase “F type” to ensure the RWA is set up properly.
A CR should not prevent a customer from paying for its utilities. If a customer is unable to pay for the entire year of overtime utilities, then PBS should reduce services to the period of performance to the CR period until the CR ends. The RWA will need to be modified once when the CR ends. Customers should also keep in mind that the flat $500 fee for recurring RWAs (e.g. OUs in GSA owned space) is charged in the first month of billing, regardless of whether the RWA is fully funded or partially funded due to the CR. A user guide for GSA employees and customers on how to process overtime utility RWAs during a CR can be found at www.gsa.gov/ereta on the “eRETA Training Materials” page.
Yes. It is imperative that PBS assign the correct RWA Type to an RWA. This matters for data reporting, audits, financial reporting, customer billing, and accurate application of policies and appropriations laws.
PBS.
RWA Types are decided by the project, not by amount (e.g. a space project is an A Type or an N Type unless it is associated with a prospectus project which makes it a B Type.) There is a $250,000 limitation for F Types, and though an important consideration for the F Type RWA, the dollar amount of the RWA should not be the leading consideration for selecting the RWA Type.
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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Department of Defense.
Rates for foreign countries are set by the Department of State.
Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.
The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.
Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.
Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."
Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."
When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.
An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
From 5 USC 5701(6), "continental United States" means the several states and the District of Columbia, but does not include Alaska or Hawaii.
A multiple-award IDIQ governmentwide acquisition contract offering complete and flexible IT solutions worldwide. A best-in-class GWAC and preferred governmentwide solution, Alliant 2 offers:
It provides best-value IT solutions to federal agencies, while strengthening chances in federal contracting for small businesses through subcontracting.
A dedicated, flexible fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.
An investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges.
An agreement established by a government buyer with a Multiple Award Schedule contractor to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services.
Types of funds to use on specific expenses.
The work done to make a structure or system ready for use or to bring a construction or development project to a completed state.
Negotiated firm-fixed pricing on airline seats for official government travel. The locked-in ticket prices for the fiscal year save federal agencies time and money. Federal employees enjoy flexibility to change their plans without incurring penalties or additional costs. All negotiated rates have:
Use the CPP search tool to find current fares.
A space where individuals work independently or co-work collaboratively in a shared office. The work environment is similar to a typical office, usually inclusive of office equipment and amenities. Typical features of co-working facilities include work spaces, wireless internet, communal printer/copier/fax, shared kitchens, restrooms and open seating areas. May also be referred to as a “shared office.”
A system that is bought from a commercial vendor to solve a particular problem, as opposed to one that a vendor custom builds.
An employee who negotiates and awards contracts with vendors and who has the sole authority to change, alter or modify a contract.
An employee whose duties are to develop proper requirements and ensure contractors meet the commitments during contract administration, including the timeliness and delivery of quality goods and services as required by the contract.
A request of GSA where a federal agency retains and manages all aspects of the procurement process and is able to work with the selected vendor after award.
The process of handling real property that is surplus to the federal government’s needs. Federal law mandates the disposal process, which has these major steps (although not every property goes through every step):
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage devices, as defined by 10 C.F.R. § 474.2. It includes a battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a fuel-cell electric vehicle, etc.
Also called electric vehicle chargers, this includes EV charge cords, charge stands, attachment plugs, vehicle connectors, and protection, which provide for the safe transfer of energy between the electric utility power and the electric vehicle.
The primary regulation for federal agencies to use when buying supplies and services with funds from Congress.
Use acquisition.gov to browse FAR parts or subparts or download the full FAR in various formats.
The travel and relocation policy for all federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at government expense.
A program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment.
A GSA business line that provides safe, reliable, low-cost vehicle solutions for federal agency customers and eligible entities. Offerings include:
A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for fuel and maintenance of GSA Fleet vehicles. Find out where the Fleet card is accepted, how to use it and more.
A Department of Homeland Security program that allows members to use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when crossing international borders by air, land and sea.
A charge card for certain U.S. Government employees to use when buying mission-related supplies or services using simplified acquisition procedures, when applicable, and when the total cost does not exceed micro-purchase thresholds.
A charge card for U.S. government personnel to use when paying for reimbursable expenses while on official travel. Visit smartpay.gsa.gov for more.
A vehicle used to perform an agency’s mission(s), as authorized by the agency.
A pre-competed, multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract that agencies can use to buy total IT solutions more efficiently and economically.
A ceremony marking the official start of a new construction project, typically involving driving shovels into ground at the site.
An online shopping and ordering system at gsaadvantage.gov that provides access for federal government employees and in some cases, state and local entities, to purchase from thousands of contractors offering millions of supplies and services.
An online auction site at gsaauctions.gov that allows the general public to bid on and buy excess federal personal property assets such as:
Real property for which GSA is responsible. It can be either federally owned or leased from a public or private property owner.
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
A type of contract when the quantity of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, the government will require is not known. IDIQs help streamline the contract process and speed service delivery.
A fee paid by businesses who are awarded contracts under Multiple Award Schedule to cover GSA’s cost of operating the program. The fee is a fixed percentage of reported sales under MAS contracts that contractors pay within 30 calendar days following the completion of each quarter.
A law that provides $3.375 billion for us to:
This includes $2.15 billion for low embodied carbon materials in construction projects, $975 million to support emerging and sustainable technologies, and $250 million for measures to convert more buildings into High Performance Green Buildings.
A written agreement entered into between two federal agencies, or major organizational units within an agency, which specifies the goods to be furnished or tasks to be accomplished by one agency (the servicing agency) in support of the other (the requesting agency).
A facility, also known as a border station, that provides controlled entry into or departure from the United States for persons or materials. It houses the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies responsible for the enforcement of federal laws related to entering into or departing from the U.S.
An employee who is responsible for preparing, negotiating, awarding and monitoring compliance of lease agreements.
Criteria used to select the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. Solicitations must specify that award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors.
The rate of reimbursement for driving a privately owned vehicle when your agency authorizes it. Current rates are at gsa.gov/mileage.
Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. Also called Schedules or Federal Supply Schedules.
The standard federal agencies use to classify business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
A family of six separate governmentwide multiple award, IDIQ contracts for management and advisory, facilities, technical and engineering, logistics, intelligence services, research and development, environmental, and enterprise solutions.
A formal, signed agreement between GSA’s Public Buildings Service and a federal agency for a specific space assignment.
Services performed under a contract with a federal agency that include:
Official verification of someone’s origin, identity, and nationality. A U.S. passport is required of U.S. citizens for international travel and reentry into the United States. There are three types of passports: diplomatic, official, and regular. A government official may have at the same time a valid regular passport and a valid official or diplomatic passport. Use GSA Form 2083 to begin a request for an official passport.
The per day rates for the lower 48 continental United States, which federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel. Per diem includes three allowances:
An identification card that allows credentialed government personal to access facilities, computers, or information systems. May also be referred to as HSPD-12 card, LincPass, Smart Card, or CAC.
Furniture and equipment such as appliances, wall hangings, technological devices, and the relocation expenses for such property.
Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either alone or when combined with other information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Get our agency's privacy policies and practices as they apply to our employees, contractors, and clients.
You should only drive a privately owned vehicle for official travel after your agency evaluates the use of:
When your agency has determined a POV to be the most advantageous method of transportation, you are authorized reimbursement for mileage and some additional allowances (parking, bridge, road and tunnel fees, etc.).
Approvals from GSA’s congressional authorizing committees, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for proposed capital and leasing projects that require funding over an annually established threshold.
Region 1 (New England): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Region 2 (Northeast and Caribbean): Northern New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic): Delaware, parts of Maryland, Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, parts of Virginia, West Virginia
Region 4 (Southeast Sunbelt): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Region 5 (Great Lakes): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Region 6 (Heartland): Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Region 7 (Greater Southwest): Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Region 8 (Rocky Mountain): Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
Region 9 (Pacific Rim): Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Region 10 (Northwest Arctic): Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Region 11 (National Capital): Washington, D.C., area including parts of Maryland and Virginia
Formal agreements between GSA and a federal agency customer where GSA agrees to provide goods, services, or both, and the federal agency agrees to reimburse GSA’s direct and indirect costs. The customer portal for RWA information is called eRETA at extportal.pbs.gsa.gov.
A document used in negotiated procurements to communicate government requirements to prospective contractors (firms holding Multiple Award Schedule contracts) and to solicit proposals (offers) from them.
A document used to communicate government requirements, but which do not solicit binding offers. Quotations submitted in response are not offers. The Multiple Award Schedule order is the offer, and then the contractor can do something to show acceptance, like ordering supplies or contacting subcontractors.
An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business.
See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
To improve and stimulate small business utilization, we award contracts to businesses that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. We have contracting assistance for:
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Section 124.1001 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
The basis for the lease negotiation process, which becomes part of the lease. SFOs include the information necessary to enable prospective offerors to prepare proposals. See SFO minimum requirements.
Specific supply and service subcategories within our Multiple Award Schedule. For the Information Technology Category, a SIN might be new equipment or cloud services.
A national policy committing to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.
An online system at sam.gov, which the U.S. Government uses to consolidate acquisition and award systems for use by contractors wishing to do business with the federal government. Formerly known as FBO.gov, all contracting opportunities valued over $25,000 are posted at sam.gov.
When you use a government purchase card, such as the "GSA SmartPay" travel card for business travel, your lodging and rental car costs may be exempt from state sales tax. Individually billed account travel cards are not tax exempt in all states. Search for exemption status, forms and important information.
The finishes and fixtures federal agency tenants select that take a space from a shell condition to a finished, usable condition and compliant with all applicable building codes and standards.
A statute that applies to all Multiple Award Schedule contracts, unless otherwise stated in the solicitation or contract, which requires contractors to sell to the U.S. Government only products that are manufactured or “substantially transformed” in the U.S. or a TAA-designated country.
An option for vendors to report transactional data — information generated when the government purchases goods or services from a vendor — to help us make federal government buying more effective.
See our TDR page for which SINs are eligible and which line-item data to submit.
A unique number required to do business with the federal government.
An indicator of how efficiently a federal agency is currently using space, it is traditionally calculated by dividing the usable square feet of the space, by the number of personnel who occupy the space.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
A governmentwide acquisition contract exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to sell IT services such as:
The amount of solid waste, such as trash or garbage, construction and demolition waste, and hazardous waste, that is reused, recycled or composted instead of being put in a landfill or burned.
A GSA program designed to promote recycling and reuse of solid waste.
A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:
See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
Vehicles that, when operating, produce zero tailpipe exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) or greenhouse gas. These include battery and fuel cell electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles that are capable of operating on gas and electricity. They also may be called all-electric vehicles.
U.S. General Services Administration