GSA Aims to Make Federal Fleet Electrification Easier

U.S. General Services Administrator Robin Carnahan announced a new "one-stop-shop" for procurement of goods and services to make it easier for federal agencies to purchase zero-emission vehicles and install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. She made the announcement last week during a visit to Ann, Arbor, Michigan, when she met with auto manufacturers, as well as utility and union representatives at the University of Michigan’s Mcity Test Facility.

GSA aims to simplify the process for federal agencies through specialized acquisition resources to guide the process from start to finish, according to a press release.

“Electrifying the federal fleet will have enormous benefits, and we want to make it as easy as possible for federal agencies to make this transition,” said Carnahan. “Today’s meeting with auto industry stakeholders was a meaningful step as we work to strengthen partnerships, tackle shared challenges, and work together to advance American manufacturing and clean energy innovation.”

GSA is working with agencies across the federal government to achieve the Biden Administration’s goal of 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) acquisitions for the federal fleet by 2035 and 100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle acquisitions by 2027. So far in fiscal year 2022, federal agencies have ordered more than 3,000 ZEVs and awarded ZEV offerings increased by 82% compared to the previous fiscal year, jumping from 34 to 62. President Biden’s FY23 budget includes $300 million for GSA and $457 million for other agencies to help facilitate the Administration’s goals to build charging infrastructure and purchase ZEVs.

To further facilitate the federal government’s transition to clean vehicles, GSA is working to make it easier for federal agencies to purchase and install EV charging stations. In April, GSA awarded new Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Blanket Purchase Agreements, which will make it easier for federal customers to buy charging infrastrucutre. At that time, the agency made awards to 16 vendors, nine of which are small businesses. GSA anticipates making the first awards later this summer in its new governmentwide construction and design/build IDIQ contracts, established to support the installation of charging station infrastructure at federal locations nationwide.