Overview
This section outlines the support services provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the regulatory guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to help agencies perform cost-effective rent, lease, or purchase analyses. It serves as a resource directory for agencies to obtain market intelligence and financial methodologies required for equipment acquisition decisions.
Key Rules
- GSA Support Services: Upon request, GSA must provide agencies with data on pending Federal Supply Schedule price adjustments, technological developments, and industry trends to inform acquisition strategies.
- Access to Expertise: Agencies are directed to the GSA FAS National Customer Service Center and specific GSA Schedule websites for technical assistance.
- OMB Analytical Standards: Agencies must follow OMB Circular A-94 (Section 13 and paragraph 8.c.(2)) for specific discount rates and benefit-cost analysis methodologies regarding lease-purchase decisions.
- Budgetary Compliance: Agencies must adhere to OMB Circular A-11 (Appendix B) to ensure proper budgetary treatment and scoring of capital asset leases and lease-purchases.
Practical Implications
- Contracting Officers can mitigate the risk of obsolete technology or sudden price hikes by leveraging GSA’s market research during the acquisition planning phase.
- Requirement owners and financial officers must use the specific formulas and interest rates prescribed by the OMB to legally justify any decision to lease equipment rather than purchase it outright.