WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of State awarded a five-year, $19.7-million contract to the Fleet Management Office (FMO) to provide fleet management, shuttle, and sedan services, according to the Web site www.newsblaze.com. The government’s most efficient organization was selected as the winner of a public-private competition. The government’s bid will transform the current in-house fee-for-service operation to an organization based on a market-based pricing model, and is projected to save the Department of State $1.25 million over the course of the five-year contract.

The Most Efficient Organization presented improved efficiency in meeting the department’s transportation needs for the Washington D.C., metropolitan area. Specifically, the organization will save money and increase accountability via the exclusive use of government-owned and operated shuttles. In the past, some shuttles were government-owned, contractor-operated, while others were contractor-owned and operated, making it difficult to determine the responsible party when there was a break in service. It will also introduce flexibility into position descriptions; drivers will be able to operate any vehicle, from sedans to shuttle buses.