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Buy through us
Explore buy through us
Category management
Government property for sale or lease
Personal property (tangible goods)
Real property (real estate and buildings) for public use
Real property sales
Vehicle sales
Products and services
Human capital
Industrial products and services
Office management
Professional services
Security and protection
Transportation and logistics services
Purchasing programs
Assisted acquisition
Commercial platforms
Emergency acquisition basic ordering agreements
Federal strategic sourcing initiative
Fleet management
HCaTS and HCaTS SB
OASIS and OASIS SB
Requisition programs
State and local programs
Shared services
Payroll services
Support services for CABs
Sell to government
Explore sell to government
Step 1: Learn about government contracting
Ways you can sell to government
How to access contract opportunities
Conduct market research
Step 2: Compete for a contract
Register your business
Certify as a small business
Become a schedule holder
Market your business
Research active solicitations
Respond to a solicitation
What to expect during the award process
Step 3: Manage your contract
Comply with contractual requirements
Handle contract modifications
Monitor past performance evaluations
Real estate
Explore real estate
Design and construction
3D-4D building information modeling
Computer-aided design standards
Engineering
Project management information system
Prospectus thresholds
Facilities management
Security
Tenant services
Water quality management
Our properties
Owned and leased properties
Regional buildings
Renting property
Real estate services
Leasing
Real property disposal
Reimbursable services (RWA)
For businesses seeking opportunities
For workers in federal buildings
Voice of the customer
Workplace optimization
Commercial coworking
Federal coworking
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Aviation management policy
Information technology policy
Real property management policy
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Travel management policy
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Federal travel regulation
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Region 2 | Northeast and Caribbean
Region 3 | Mid-Atlantic
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  1. Home
  2. Reference
  3. GSA Privacy Program
  4. Privacy policy and procedures guide

Privacy policy and procedures guide

Note: The information on this page is intended to inform members of the public of GSA’s privacy policies and practices as they apply to GSA employees, contractors, and clients.

  • Purpose of guide
  • Definition of terms
  • Privacy Act program responsibilities
  • Policy guide
  • Procedures guide

Purpose of this guide

This guide contains the policies and procedures put in place by GSA to protect the personal information of employees and of other individuals on whom GSA maintains systems of records under the Privacy Act. All GSA systems of records from which information is retrieved by name or a personal identifier, such as the Social Security Number (SSN), are covered.

The guide is designed as a source of information and guidance for:

  • Individuals who are the subjects of records.
  • Managers and supervisors who use the records.
  • System managers who manage Privacy Act systems and the information in the systems.
  • Vendors and contractors who provide support services for systems containing personal information.
  • Management officials who have responsibilities for carrying out functions under the Privacy Act.

The guide provides information on how individuals can obtain, correct, and control the dissemination of their personal information. It explains the responsibilities of GSA managers and supervisors that relate to their staff’s personal information and the responsibilities of the system managers, GSA employees, and vendors or contractors who manage and operate the various systems of records in GSA.

Definition of terms

The terms in this part are defined to ensure consistency and common understanding when used in a Privacy Act context:

  • Agency means Federal Government executive or military departments, corporations, other establishments in the Executive Branch, and regulatory agencies (5 U.S.C. 551(1) and 5 U.S.C. 552a (a)(1)). The Privacy Act applies only to Federal Government agencies. It does not cover State and local government agencies.
  • Individual means a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien on whom GSA maintains Privacy Act records. GSA employees are considered “individuals” under the Act and have all the rights specified by the Act.
  • Record means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual which contains the individual’s name or other personal identifier such as number or symbol, fingerprint, voiceprint, or photograph. The information may relate to education, financial transactions, medical conditions, employment, or criminal history collected in connection with an individual’s interaction with GSA.
  • System of records means a group of records under GSA’s control from which information is retrieved by the name of an individual, or by any number, symbol, or other identifier assigned to that individual.
  • System of records notice means a notice published in the Federal Register by GSA for each new or revised system of records. The purpose of the notice is to allow public comment on the system before its implementation.
  • Routine use means disclosure of a record for the purpose for which it is intended.
  • Request for access means a request by an individual to obtain or review his or her record or the information in the record.
  • Disclosure of information means providing a record or the information in a record to someone other than the individual of record.
  • Exempt records means records that may not be obtained by an individual because they are exempted under the Privacy Act.
  • Solicitation means a request by an officer or employee of GSA for an employee’s personal information to be included in a system of records for a specified purpose.
  • Program manager means the GSA official who is responsible for a system of records and the information in it. This person is always cited in the Federal Register system of records notice.
  • Computer matching is the computerized comparison of information between GSA and an outside source to verify an individual’s eligibility for Federal benefits or to recoup delinquent debts.
  • Information technology (IT) system (also known as electronic information system) means the equipment and software used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information.
  • Information in identifiable form means data within an IT system or online collection that permits the identity of an individual to whom the information applies to be reasonably inferred; information that identifies the individual by name or other unique identifier or by which an individual is identified in conjunction with other data elements such as race, birth date, geographic indicator, and similar personal information. Information permitting the physical or online contacting of a specific individual is considered information in identifiable form. 
  • Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) means the process for evaluating privacy issues in an electronic information system, including examining the risks and effects of collecting, maintaining, and disseminating information in identifiable form, and identifying and evaluating protections and alternative processes to mitigate the impact to privacy of collecting such information. The process consists of gathering data on privacy issues from a project, identifying and resolving privacy risks, and obtaining approval from agency privacy and security officials. Completion of the PIA process results in the PIA Report. 

Privacy act program responsibilities

  • Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP)
  • GSA Privacy Act Officer
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)
  • Heads of Services and Staff Offices (HSSOs) and Regional Administrators (RAs)
  • Program Officials
  • Program Managers
  • System Developers and Designers
  • Authorizing Official (AO)
  • Office of General Counsel, General Law Division (LG)
  • Office of Acquisition Policy
  • GSA Forms Management Officer
  • Data Integrity Board
  • Supervisors and GSA Employees
  • Vendors/Contractors
  • Deputy Administrator (AD)

Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP:)  Has overall responsibility for establishing and overseeing the Privacy Act Program in GSA and for ensuring GSA’s compliance with privacy laws, regulations and GSA policy.

  • Signs GSA Privacy Act notices for publication for public comment in the Federal Register.
  • Reports to OMB and Congress on the establishment or revision of Privacy Act systems.
  • Periodically reports to OMB on GSA Privacy Act activities, as required by law and OMB information requests.
  • Heads for Full Agency Response Team when responding to large-scale information breaches.

GSA Privacy Act Officer : Is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Privacy Act Program requirements within GSA. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Developing and issuing GSA’s Privacy Act policy, standards, and procedures.
  • Assisting in developing new or revised systems of records notices.
  • Coordinating the concurrence and approval of Privacy Act notices for submission to OMB and Congress.
  • Submitting for publication in the Federal Register GSA Privacy Act systems of records notices for public comment.
  • Clearing new and revised systems with OMB and Congress.
  • Developing and clearing requests for computer matching systems.
  • Develop and review forms and other data collection instruments for Privacy Act statements.
  • Liaison with the Office of General Counsel on privacy matters.
  • Maintaining Privacy Act records and documentation.
  • Preparing and submitting Privacy Act, Computer Matching, and other reports to OMB as required. 
  • Evaluating Privacy Impact Assessments to ensure they meet Privacy Act requirements.

Chief Information Officer (CIO):  Responsible for implementing IT security management in GSA, with overall responsibility for the GSA IT Security Program and the IT Capital Planning Program, and for security policy on electronic privacy data. Responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing security policy for privacy data.
  • Ensuring review of Privacy Impact Assessments for information security considerations.
  • Ensuring that Privacy Impact Assessments are part of GSA’s System Development Life Cycle Guidance for Information Technology.


Heads of Services and Staff Offices (HSSOs) and Regional Administrators (RAs): Responsible for ensuring that the systems of records under their jurisdiction meet the requirements of the Privacy Act and GSA privacy and security policies and procedures. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Approving the establishment of new systems of records and the revision of existing systems within their Service, Staff Office, or Region.
  • Concurring in Privacy Act notices to be submitted to the Federal Register for new and revised systems of records.
  • Approving their Service, Staff Office, or regional reports on Privacy Act activities upon request by the Privacy Act Officer.
  • Ensuring that contractors performing services associated with systems of records (such as system development, maintenance, or operation) are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and security requirements.
  • Consulting with legal counsel, their program managers, and Privacy Act program officials on the disposition of special cases involving release of information, or on resolving appeals.
  • Making decisions to deny access to systems of records and notifying the individual of the denial.

Program Officials: Responsible for ensuring that the systems of records in their program areas meet the requirements of the Privacy Act and security policy and regulations. Responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring that the program systems of records are necessary, relevant to the program, and authorized by statute, regulation, or Executive Order.
  • Identifying the need for and proposing the establishment of new or revised systems of records to accomplish program mission or functions.
  • Proposing the cancellation of outdated or obsolete systems of records.
  • Consulting with their HSSO or RA, the General Counsel’s office and Privacy Act program officials on the use and release of system information under special conditions or appeals.
  • Identifying and proposing for exemption the systems that meet nondisclosure criteria under the Privacy Act.
  • Ensuring that all contractors providing program systems of records services follow Privacy Act and security requirements.
  • Appointing a program manager for each of their system of records.
  • Identifying systems requiring Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), coordinating on developing the PIAs, and resolving any privacy issues.

Program Managers: Responsible for implementing the requirements described in this guide for their systems of records. Responsibilities include:

  • Periodically reviewing their system of records for need, relevance, and purpose for existence, and proposing changes as needed to meet changing circumstances.
  • Periodically reviewing the information in the system to make sure it’s still necessary, relevant, complete, and up-to-date.
  • For a new or a revised system of records, coordinating with the GSA Privacy Act Officer on preparing a Privacy Act notice for publication in the Federal Register.
  • Ensuring that an appropriate form or other data collection method is developed for collecting Privacy Act information contains a Privacy Act statement providing the purpose for collecting the information, how it will be used, the authority for collecting the information, its routine uses, and the effect on the individual of not providing the requested information.
  • Collecting information directly from the individual whenever possible.
  • Ensuring that the system information is used only for the stated purpose.
  • Establishing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure security and confidentiality of records.
  • Providing access to individuals who request it according to established procedures.
  • Maintaining an accounting of disclosures of information.
  • Informing individuals of information disclosure.
  • Amending records where appropriate, informing any recipients of former records of any changes, and maintaining a record of these activities.
  • Working with the program officials and the system developer on the system’s privacy issues, preparing a PIA report if needed, obtaining the Program Manager’s approval of the PIA report, and submitting the PIA report to CHCO and OCIO officials for review and approval.
  • Serving as the point of contact for the system.

System Developers/Designers: Responsible for ensuring that the system design and specifications conform to privacy standards and requirements and that technical controls are in place for safeguarding personal information from unauthorized access.  Responsibilities include establishing system protection controls (e.g., access, retrieval, storage, user restrictions).

Authorizing Official (AO): Each Service, Staff Office, and Region has a DAA whose primary responsibility is to ensure the security of IT systems. Additionally, the DAAs are responsible for reviewing and approving Privacy Impact Assessments in their organizations, and for ensuring that IT systems that handle privacy data meet the privacy and security requirements of the Privacy Act and IT information security laws and regulations.  

Office of General Counsel, General Law Division (LG): Responsible for providing legal advice and assistance on Privacy Act matters and GSA systems of records. Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting program and system managers to determine the applicable statute or regulation for a new or revised system of records.
  • Reviewing the Privacy Act notice for applicable legal citations, routine uses, and other legal aspects of establishing or revising the system.
  • Approving each notice for publication.
  • Advising management on appropriate actions involving GSA systems of records, including release of information, appropriate use of information, and appeals.
  • Providing legal opinions on all Privacy Act issues as needed.

Office of Acquisition Policy: Responsible for developing, coordinating, and obtaining the required public comments and clearance, under Executive Order 12866, on Privacy Act contracting coverage drafted beyond the current FAR clauses. 

GSA Forms Management Officer: Responsible for providing advice and assistance on designing forms for collecting system of records information.

Data Integrity Board: Responsible for reviewing and approving all computer matching programs and activities. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and approving all proposed written agreements with other Federal or non-Federal agencies to establish a computer matching programs.
  • Ensuring that all matching programs in which GSA participates, either as a recipient or a source of information, meet applicable laws and regulations.
  • Annually assessing the costs and benefits of computer matching programs.
  • Annually assessing the continued justification for any computer matching program.
  • Approving an annual report to OMB describing GSA’s computer matching activities.

Supervisors and GSA Employees: Responsible for ensuring that the personal information they use in carrying out their official duties is protected according to Privacy Act and security requirements. 

Vendors/Contractors: GSA vendors and contractors are subject to the same laws and regulations as Federal employees and are therefore responsible for ensuring the privacy and security of systems they design, develop, maintain, operate, or use and for system data. They are accountable for any violation that may occur due to oversight or negligence and may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under the Privacy Act. 

Deputy Administrator (AD): Makes final determinations on administrative appeals for access to a record and for amendments to records based on information provided by the GSA Privacy Act Officer.

GSA Privacy Act Program Policy Guide

Policy Guide Contents

  • Disclosure of Information
  • Accounting of Disclosures
  • Collection and Use of Information 
  • Solicitation of Information
  • Collection of Social Security Numbers
  • Information Accuracy
  • Standards of Conduct
  • Safeguarding Information
  • Other Agencies’ Records
  • Conflicting Directives
  • Computer Matching

Disclosure of Information: No information contained in a Privacy Act system of records may be disclosed to anyone other than the individual of record without the written consent of that individual, except when specifically allowed under the Privacy Act.

Disclosures that are allowed under the Privacy Act include:

  • To GSA officials and employees in the performance of their official duties.
  • Under the Freedom of Information Act, where applicable.
  • For routine uses cited in the system of records Federal Register notice.
    to the Bureau of the Census for statistical purposes and only if the record is unidentifiable by individual.
  • To the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) when the record warrants permanent retention because of historical or other national value as determined by NARA.
    to law enforcement agencies in civil or criminal cases.
  • In emergencies affecting an individual’s health or safety.
  • To Congress or its staff when the record material falls within Congressional jurisdiction or oversight.
  • To the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the performance of its duties.
  • Under a court order.
  • To a consumer reporting agency if specifically authorized by law.

Accounting of Disclosures: The system manager must keep a record of any disclosure of personal information from a Privacy Act covered system for five years or for the life of the record, whichever is longer, except when no accounting of disclosure is needed as noted below.

Note: No accounting of disclosures is needed when the disclosure is:

  • To GSA officials or employees in the performance of their official duties.
  • Required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
  • Required for law enforcement purposes.
  • The system of records is exempted from disclosure in the Federal Register notice.

Collection and Use of Information: Personal information used to determine employee rights, benefits, and privileges must be collected directly from the individual of record whenever possible, and used only for the purpose for which it is intended. If the information needs to come from a third party, the individual’s written permission is required.

Solicitation of Information: When soliciting personal information from an individual or a third party, the system manager must include the following information on the data collection form or other data collection instrument:

  • The legal or regulatory authority for collecting the information.
  • Whether furnishing the information is voluntary or mandatory.
  • The purpose for which the information will be used.
  • The routine uses of the information.
  • The effect on the individual of not providing the information.

Collection of Social Security Numbers: Statutory authority must exist for collecting Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for record systems that use the SSN for identification purposes. SSNs will not be collected for systems without this specific authority. 

Also, SSNs will not be collected for systems that were established under a statutory authority in effect before January 1, 1975. Systems that were established before January 1, 1975, must be revised to avoid the collection and use of the SSNs.

Information Accuracy: Personal information provided by individuals must be accurate and complete.
System managers must ensure that the information in the system is relevant, necessary, and timely.

Standards of Conduct on Personal Information: GSA employees have a duty to protect the security of personal information by:

  • Ensuring the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness of records.
  • Avoiding any unauthorized disclosure, verbal or written, of records.
  • Ensuring that no system of records is maintained without a Federal Register notice.
  • Not collecting personal information unless authorized.
  • Collecting only the information needed to perform an authorized agency function.
  • Collecting information directly from the individual whenever possible.
  • Maintaining and using records with care to prevent any inadvertent disclosure of information.

Safeguarding Information: System managers must establish physical, administrative, and technical safeguards for their systems of records. The safeguards must ensure the security and confidentiality of records, protect against possible threats or hazards, and permit access only to authorized persons.

Paper records will be placed in secured locations. Electronic systems will use passwords, identity verification, detection of break-in attempts, firewalls, encryption, and/or other security measures determined to be appropriate by the responsible system and program managers.

Other Agencies’ Records: Where GSA has either permanent or temporary custody of other agencies’ records, system managers will coordinate with those agencies on any release or disclosure of information. 
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) records that are in GSA’s custody will be handled according to OPM’s rules and procedures.

Conflicting Directives: GSA officials and managers must ensure that no directives under their jurisdiction conflict with Privacy Act provisions. The policies and procedures presented in this guide take precedence over any other directives that may conflict with these policies and procedures.

Computer Matching: In the event GSA needs to establish computer matching programs or agreements to share system of records information with other Federal or non-Federal agencies, a Data Integrity Board will be created to review and approve such programs and agreements. 

GSA Privacy Act program procedures guide

Procedures guide contents

  • Accessing Your Records
  • Fees
  • Medical Records
  • Handling Law Enforcement and Security Records
  • Denial of Access to Records
  • Appeals
  • Amending Records
  • Routine Uses and Disclosures
  • Accounting for Disclosed Records
  • Establishing or Revising Systems of Records
  • Establishing Matching Agreements

Accessing Your Records

Who has your records? Generally, the program manager is the person you need to contact to get access to a record. The name and address of the program (system) manager is provided in the Privacy Act notice that is published in the Federal Register for each new system of records that GSA establishes. In cases where records are dispersed by region or office, this information also is provided in the Privacy Act notice.

How do you get access to your records? You can request access in person or in writing.

If you appear in person, you should identify yourself using a photographic identification such as an agency ID badge, a passport, or a driver’s license. Records will be available during business hours at the offices where records are located. You will be able to examine the record and get a copy of it on request. If you want someone else to accompany you when you are reviewing a record, you will be asked to sign a statement authorizing disclosure of your record to that person, and the statement will be kept with your record.

If you request your record in writing, mark both the envelope and the request letter “Privacy Act Request” and send it to the system manager or the official named in the Federal Register notice. Include in the letter:

  • Your full name and address.
  • A description of the records you want.
  • The title and number of the system of records as published in the Federal Register.
  • A brief description of the nature, time, and place of your association with GSA.
  • Any other information that you believe will help in locating the record.

Can parents or guardians get access to records? Yes, if you are the parent or guardian of a minor or of an individual who is determined to be incompetent by a court. In addition to properly identifying yourself and providing the information described above, you will need to provide:

  • A copy of the birth certificate, or a court order establishing guardianship, of the person whose record you want.
  • Sufficient information about that person to adequately identify him or her (name, age, Social Security Number, etc.). 

How long will it take to get your record?

  • If you show up in person and the record is available, you will get it immediately.
  • If the record cannot be located when you show up in person, or if your request is in writing, the record will be provided to you by the system manager within 10 working days after receipt of your request. 

What if there’s a delay?

  • If a delay of more than 10 days is expected in locating your record, the system manager must notify you in writing the reason for the delay and the date when the record will be available.
  • If the system manager needs additional information to locate your record, he or she may ask you for it. The system manager will then have an additional 10 workdays after receipt of the new information to provide your record to you.

Fees

Are there any fees for record copies? GSA employees will not be charged for copying a record of 50 pages or less. In other cases:

  • No fee will be charged to anyone for a reproduction cost under $25.
  • There will be a charge of 10 cents per page for paper copies when the reproduction cost exceeds $125.
  • For materials other than paper copies the fee is the actual cost of reproduction if its over $25.

Do these fees apply in every case? The system manager may waive fees above these amounts when he or she determines that providing the records is in the public interest, or when it’s customary to do so.

How do you make your payment? The system manager will notify you of the charges. You may be asked to pay a portion of your fee in advance if your fees are estimated to be over $250. Any additional amount will be due when you receive your records. Any overpayment will be returned to you. Your payment should be made by check or money order payable to the General Services Administration. Send your payment to the system manager.

Medical records

Do any special conditions apply to release of medical records? Yes, medical records that may adversely affect an individual will be released only to a physician designated by the individual. The designated physician will determine how to handle disclosure of the information to the individual of record.

What about medical records in official personnel folders? These records belong to the Office of Personnel Management and requests will be referred there for a response.

Law Enforcement and Security Records

Are there personal records that you can’t access? Yes, you generally won’t be given access to law enforcement and security records. The Privacy Act specifically exempts these records from access by individuals. These records consist of information that is maintained for the enforcement of criminal laws, such as for controlling crime and apprehending criminals, and in the activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities.

Which GSA systems of records are exempt? GSA has specifically exempted systems of records from access by individuals that are created and maintained as part of the law enforcement duties and responsibilities of the Federal Protective Service, the Office of Inspector General, and others. These systems are:

  • Investigation Case Files
  • Internal Evaluation Case Files
  • Security Files

Denial of Access To Records

Under what conditions will you be denied access to records? You will be denied access to the systems of records that GSA has specifically exempted under the Privacy Act. These systems consist of law enforcement and security records.

Who has the authority to deny access? The Head of Service or Staff Office or the Regional Administrator whose system contains the records may deny access after consultation with legal counsel, the system manager, and other officials.

How will you be denied access? You will receive a written notification explaining the reason for the denial along with an explanation of your appeal rights.

Appeals

Can you appeal a denial of access to a record? Yes, you may file an administrative appeal within 30 days after you receive a denial.

How do you file an administrative appeal? Write to the GSA Privacy Act Officer stating that you are filing an administrative appeal. Include the reasons for your appeal and any other pertinent information that would be needed for a review of the denial. 

Send your appeal to: 

GSA Privacy Act Officer (ISP)
General Services Administration
1800 F St., NW
Washington, DC  20405

Mark both the envelope and the appeal letter:
“Privacy Act Appeal”

How is an appeal handled? On receiving a denial of access appeal, the GSA Privacy Act Officer consults with the system manager, legal counsel, the program manager, and other officials as necessary. To arrive at decision on whether or not your request may be granted under the applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the decision, the appeal goes through one of the following processes:

Decision to uphold appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer notifies you of the decision in writing and arranges for access to the record.

Decision to reject appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer refers your appeal to the Deputy Administrator for a final administrative determination.

Administrative decision to uphold appeal. If the Deputy Administrator decides to grant your request, the GSA Privacy Officer notifies you of the decision in writing and arranges for access to the record within 30 days of your appeal.

Administrative decision to reject appeal. If the Deputy Administrator rejects your appeal, you are notified in writing of the reasons for the decision and of your right to a court review within 30 days of your appeal.

Court review. You may file a civil action to have the administrative decision overturned within 2 years after the decision is made. You may file in a Federal District Court where you live or have a principal place of business, where the records are maintained, or in the District of Columbia.

Amending Records

Can you amend your records? Yes, you may amend a record that you believe is incomplete or incorrect, but there are exceptions.

What are the exceptions? Under the law, you can’t amend the following records:

  • Transcripts of testimony given under oath, or written statements made under oath.
  • Transcripts of grand jury, judicial, or quasi-judicial proceedings that constitute the official record.
  • Pre-sentence reports that are within a system of records but are the property of the courts.
  • Records exempted from amendment by agency notice in the Federal Register.

How do you amend a record? Send a written request to the appropriate system manager stating that you want to amend your record.  

  • Include in your request the correct information along with any evidence or justification for amendment, as needed. 
  • Mark the letter and the envelope “Privacy Act request to amend record”.

Who decides whether it’s appropriate to amend your record? The system manager, in consultation with other officials (legal counsel, program officials, the GSA Privacy Act Officer) as needed, will determine whether to amend your record based on a comparison of the existing record with the amendment you propose for accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness, and for compliance with the law.

How will you know whether your record has been amended? Within 10 workdays after receiving your request, the system manager will let you know in writing whether your proposed amendment has been approved.

If there’s an expected delay in making a decision, the system manager will acknowledge the receipt of your request in writing and provide you with an estimated date for the decision.

Depending on the decision, the system manager will do the following:

Request approved: The system manager will amend your record and send an amended copy to you and to anyone who has previously received the record. The system manager will keep a record of the amendment with your system record.

Request denied: The system manager will let you know in writing the reason for denial, provide an alternative amendment for your consideration when possible, and inform you of your appeal rights.

What are your choices if your request is denied?

Choice 1. You may agree to the alternative amendment if one is proposed by the system manager, in which case:

  • Write to the system manager stating that you agree to use the alternative amendment.
  • The system manager will amend your record and send a copy to you and to anyone else who previously had received your old record.

Choice 2. You may file an appeal. If you choose to file an appeal, within 30 workdays of the denial, write to the GSA Privacy Act Officer giving your reasons for the appeal.

Send your appeal to:
GSA Privacy Act Officer (ISP)
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC  20405

Mark the appeal letter and the envelope:
 “Privacy Act Amendment Appeal”

How will your appeal be handled? On receiving your appeal, the GSA Privacy Act Officer will consult with the system manager, legal counsel, the program manager, and other officials as needed, and a decision will be made on whether or not your request will be granted under the applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the decision, the appeal goes through the following process: 

Decision to uphold appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer will notify you of the decision in writing and arrange for amending your record.

Decision to reject appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer will refer your appeal to the Deputy Administrator for a final administrative determination within 30 days of the receipt of your appeal. The Deputy Administrator may extend the time limit for the decision beyond 30 days, if needed, by notifying you in writing of the reason for any delay.

Administrative decision to uphold appeal. If the Deputy Administrator decides to grant your amendment request, the GSA Privacy Officer will notify you of the decision to amend your record in writing within 30 days of your appeal, and the system manager will amend your record and send a copy to you and anyone else who previously had received a copy.

Administrative decision to reject appeal. If the Deputy Administrator rejects your appeal, within 30 days of your appeal you will be notified in writing of the reasons for the decision, your right to a court review, and your right to file a statement of disagreement.

Statement of disagreement.   You may file a statement of disagreement with the system manager within 30 days of the denial to amend your record. In the statement of disagreement include an explanation of why you believe the record to be inaccurate, irrelevant, out of date, or incomplete. The manager will file the statement with your record, provide a copy to anyone who previously had received the record, and include it in any future disclosures.

Court review. You may file a civil action within 2 years of the denial to have the administrative decision overturned. You may file in a Federal District Court where you live or have a principal place of business, where the records are maintained, or in the District of Columbia.

Routine Uses and Disclosures

What is a routine use? It’s the sharing of information for the purpose for which it’s collected as spelled out in the Privacy Act notice for each system of records.

What are GSA’s standard routine uses?   GSA has identified certain standard routine uses for its systems of records. GSA may disclose system information as a routine use:

  • To GSA employees in the performance of their official duties.
  • In any legal proceeding, where pertinent, to which GSA is a party before a court or administrative body. 
  • To authorized officials engaged in investigating or settling a grievance, complaint, or appeal filed by an individual who is the subject of the record. 
  • To a Federal agency in connection with the hiring or retention of an employee; the issuance of a security clearance; the reporting of an investigation; the letting of a contract; or the issuance of a grant, license, or other benefit to the extent that the information is relevant and necessary to a decision.  
  • To the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) when the information is required for program evaluation purposes.
  • To a member of Congress or staff on behalf of and at the request of the individual who is the subject of the record.
  • To an expert, consultant, or contractor of GSA in the performance of a Federal duty to which the information is relevant.
  • To the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for records management purposes.

What other routine uses does the Privacy Act permit? The Privacy Act also permits disclosure of information as a routine use in the following cases: 

  • To the Bureau of the Census for planning and carrying out a census or survey related to the system information. 
  • For statistical research, but only when the information can’t be identified by an individual.
  • When the individual’s health or safety is involved.
  • To the National Archives when it determines a record is of historical value warranting permanent retention.
  • To a consumer reporting agency as governed by the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966.

Accounting for Disclosed Records

What is an “accounting of disclosure” record? If a system manager discloses a record as allowed by the Privacy Act, in some cases certain information must be kept on that record. This information is the “accounting of disclosure” record.

Who keeps the accounting of disclosure record? The system manager maintains an account of a disclosure of information from the system he or she manages, when required to do so.

What information is kept on a disclosure? The system manager keeps the following information on the disclosed record:

  • Name of person or agency to whom the record has been provided.
  • Date information was provided.
  • Type of information provided.
  • Reason for the disclosure.
  • Any needed justification for the disclosure.
  • Any written consent by the individual of record.

Can you get an accounting of disclosure of your records? Yes, except in special circumstances, as follows:

Certain disclosures don’t need an accounting and therefore no accounting of disclosure records are kept. This happens when: 

  • Disclosures are to GSA employees in the performance of their duties.
  • Disclosures are required to be provided under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Disclosures are specifically prohibited, as in the following cases:

  • When records are disclosed for law enforcement and security purposes.
  • When GSA specifically exempts a system of records in the Federal Register Privacy Act system notice.

Establishing or Revising Privacy Act Systems of Records in GSA

How is a new GSA system of records established? The establishment of a new Privacy Act system of records generally follows these steps: (Contact the GSA Privacy Act Officer for guidance as needed.)

1. A program manager determines that a new system needs to be established to carry out a program responsibility or improve a process.

2. The program manager prepares a proposal, in the form of a draft Privacy Act system of records notice, to establish the new system of records. The draft notice (see format and sample of notice ) describes and justifies the establishment of the system.

3. The proposal is reviewed and concurred in by the Head of Service or Staff Office and submitted to the GSA Privacy Act Officer.

4. The GSA Privacy Act Officer prepares documentation (including a final system proposal, a report to OMB and the Congress, and a camera ready copy for publication in the Federal Register) for review and concurrence by appropriate GSA officials (program officials, legal counsel, and the Chief Human Capital Officer).

5. After the Chief Human Capital Officer signs off on the proposal, it is submitted to OMB, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for evaluation at least 40 calendar days before the planned system implementation.

6. At least 30 calendar days before the planned system implementation, the proposal is submitted for publication in the Federal Register for public comment.

7. The new system goes into effect 30 calendar days after the notice is published in the Federal Register if no public comments are received or if no changes are needed as a result of any comments. The program manager with responsibility for the system resolves any questions resulting from the comments or makes appropriate changes to the proposal. If changes are made, the proposal is reprocessed as a new proposal.

What’s the procedure for revising an existing system of records? The procedure for revising a system of records is the same as for establishing a new system of records if the revision is substantive in nature, such as when there’s a change in:

  • The types of individuals covered.
  • The categories of information in the system, or an expansion of categories.
  • The manner in which the system records are retrieved.
  • The purpose(s) for which the information is used, or there’s a new or revised “routine use” of the information in the system.
  • The access capability, as when updated software makes it easier to access system information.

Establishing Matching Agreements

What is a matching agreement? It’s a written document establishing the sharing of personal information among computerized systems of two or more Federal or non-Federal agencies. Generally, the shared information is used to determine the eligibility of individuals for Federal benefit programs or to identify delinquencies on obligations.

Does GSA have any matching agreements? Yes. In May a matching agreement between two GSA Privacy Act systems was established.

 

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Last updated: Jan 31, 2025
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Glossary

  • 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:

    • Be a small business
    • Not already have participated in the 8(a) program
    • Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged
    • Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $750,000 or less.
    • Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $350,000 or less
    • Be owned by someone with $6 million or less in assets
    • Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
    • Have all its principals demonstrate good character
    • Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts

    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:

    • Artificial intelligence
    • Distributed ledger technology
    • Robotic process automation
    • Other types of emerging technologies

    It provides best-value IT solutions to federal agencies, while strengthening chances in federal contracting for small businesses through subcontracting.

  • 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.

    • BA51 is for new construction
    • BA53 is for rental of space
    • BA54 is for repairs and alterations below the prospectus level
    • BA55 is for repairs and alterations above the prospectus level
    • BA61 is for operations, except salaries, cleaning, utilities, etc.
  • 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:

    • Flexibility to book one-way, multi-leg, and round-trip tickets
    • Lenient refund policies
    • Ability to adjust or cancel flights at no additional cost
    • Unrestricted time limits on ticketing
    • No advance purchase requirements
    • No blackout periods

    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.

  • An SBA program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Meet all the requirements of the WOSB Federal Contract program
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $850,000
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $450,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6.5 million or less in personal assets

    See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

  • 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:

    • Vehicle purchasing, leasing and short-term rentals
    • Vehicle disposal
    • Maintenance control and accident management
    • Loss prevention and fuel services
    • A fleet management system with detailed, accurate data
  • 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:

    • Office equipment
    • Furniture
    • Scientific equipment
    • Heavy machinery
    • Airplanes
    • Vessels
    • Vehicles
  • 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:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
    • Have its principal office located in a HUBZone
    • Have at least 35 percent of its employees live in a HUBZone

    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:

    • Invest in federal buildings with low-carbon materials and sustainable technologies, making them more efficient, saving taxpayer dollars and creating opportunities for small businesses
    • Leverage emerging clean technologies to achieve greater carbon reductions and catalyze American innovation
    • Help boost the competitiveness of American manufacturers developing sustainable materials

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    • Cemetery maintenance
    • Electrical systems and energy management control systems
    • Elevator inspection and maintenance
    • Energy management and audit services
    • Fire alarm and fire suppression system maintenance
    • Janitorial
    • Landscaping and snow removal
    • Marine vessel maintenance and repair services
    • Painting
    • Pest control
    • Plumbing or pipe fitting
    • Refrigeration or heating, cooling, and air conditioning
    • Smart buildings
  • 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:

    • A rate for lodging
    • A rate for meals
    • A rate for incidental expenses
  • 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:

    • A common carrier
    • A government-furnished vehicle
    • A rental car

    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:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
    • Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
    • Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability
    • Permanently and totally disabled veterans who are unable to manage the daily business operations of their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management

    See Title 13 Part 128 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:

    • 8(a) Business Development contractors
    • Historically underutilized business zone
    • Service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses
    • Small businesses
    • Small disadvantaged businesses
    • Veteran-owned small businesses
    • Women-owned small businesses
  • A Small Business Administration program that gives preferential consideration for certain government contracts to business that meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Be a small business
    • The firm must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons
    • The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged

    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.

  • 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:

    • Be a small business, as defined by the size standard corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile
    • Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans
    • For those veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management

    Get a full list of eligibility requirements.

  • A governmentwide acquisition contract exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to sell IT services such as:

    • Data management
    • Information and communications technology
    • IT operations and maintenance
    • IT security
    • Software development
    • Systems design
    • New and emerging technologies
  • 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:

    • Be a small business
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
    • Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions

    See Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.