In 1949, President Harry Truman, my fellow Missourian, established the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to do two things: streamline government operations and save money. That no- nonsense vision — to make government work better for the people it serves and save money doing it — remains our defining purpose today.
The impacts of the global pandemic, the urgent threat of climate change, and a rapidly changing digital landscape underscore the need for innovative solutions that meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Advances in technology offer unprecedented opportunities to deliver government services more efficiently and effectively, all while saving taxpayer money. In this moment of change, GSA is uniquely positioned to help our customer agencies deliver for the American people by providing critical tools, systems, solutions, and expertise at the best value.
With over 8,300 leased and owned assets under the Public Buildings Service’s jurisdiction, custody or control, GSA is one of the largest landlords and tenants in the country. GSA manages the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the country, and we maintain one of the country’s largest public art collections. This past year, the Federal Acquisition Service helped government agencies buy over $84 billion in goods and services and the Technology Transformation Service helped buy, build, and support technology products and services that are used by hundreds of millions to access healthcare, file taxes, and even buy surplus government property.
Today, our priorities are making government work for people and customers at all levels, including State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments, restoring trust by delivering services efficiently and effectively, and saving taxpayer money.
GSA’s financial results and the progress we have made this year toward creating value for the American taxpayer demonstrate our continued commitment to public service and delivering on our mission. The Agency Financial Report (AFR) outlines GSA’s accomplishments, and the challenges we face, as well as management’s accountability for our stewardship of taxpayer dollars entrusted to us. The AFR also fulfills the requirements of OMB Circular A-136, Financial Reporting Requirements.
As outlined in the Management Assurances section of this report, GSA assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over operations, systems, and reporting. GSA can provide reasonable assurance that internal controls were operating effectively in each of these areas throughout the year. Management relies on these internal controls to identify material weaknesses in financial and program performance areas and to identify corrective actions required to resolve them. As mandated by the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, I have assessed the financial and performance data in this report and believe them to be complete and reliable.
GSA employees are critical to our responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars which includes an obligation to report waste, fraud, and abuse. This year’s AFR is a reflection of our collective efforts to serve the American people effectively and efficiently. I am proud of the GSA team and what we have accomplished in an unprecedented and difficult year and look forward to continuing to serve our customers, partner agencies, and the communities in which we work and live.
Best,
Robin Carnahan
Administrator of General Services
November 12, 2021
U.S. General Services Administration
