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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA )

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a central management agency that sets Federal policy for Federal procurement and property management. GSA’s mission is to "help federal agencies better serve the public by offering, at best value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management policies."

GSA is the government’s “landlord,” meeting office and other space requirements of the federal workforce. GSA is also the premiere federal acquisition and procurement force offering equipment, supplies, telecommunications, and integrated information technology solutions to customer agencies. GSA also plays a key role in developing and implementing policies that affect many government agencies and helps other federal agencies improve their service to and communication with the public by offering effective citizen-response tools and services.

The General Services Administration (GSA) prescribes regulations governing the use of Commercial Bill of Lading (CBL) and the U.S. Government Bill of Lading (GBL) which are published in 41 CFR 101-41.2 (now 41 CFR 102-118 available online at the GPO and GSA)

41 CFR § 102-118.60 To what extent must my agency use electronic commerce?

Your agency must use electronic commerce in all areas of your transportation program. This includes the use of electronic systems and forms for ordering, receiving bills and paying for transportation and transportation services. [69 FR 57618, Sept. 24, 2004]

41 CFR Part 102-194—Standard and Optional Forms Management Program

The Standard and Optional Forms Management Program is a Government wide program that promotes economies and efficiencies through the development, maintenance and use of common forms.

§ 102-194.30—What role does my agency play in the Standard and Optional Forms Management Program?

(j) Promote the use of electronic forms within the agency by following what the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) prescribes and all guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget and other responsible agencies. This guidance will promote the use of electronic transactions and electronic signatures.

The U.S. Government Freight Transportation Handbook

When mutually agreeable to the agency and the GSA Audit Division, your agency is encouraged to use electronic billing for transportation services. (page 78)

Here the GSA encourages Federal Agencies to use electronic billing due to their cost savings and efficiency.