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PBS's Office of Portfolio Management and Customer Engagement offers free "virtual classroom" webinars to help inform our Federal customers about workplace initiatives, real property policies/processes and value-added services. Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) are available.
October 21, 2021
1 - 3:00 p.m. (eastern) Register Now
The ABC's of GSA's Public Buildings Service
Are you new to government real estate, new to your Federal real estate position or wearing a new "hat" that now has you working with GSA PBS? Here's an introductory class that will provide you a roadmap at a high-level on how GSA works with your agency to support your mission needs with real estate solutions.
From requirements gathering for your space actions to occupying your space, this is your chance to familiarize yourself with the Public Buildings Service and meet some of our Subject Matter Experts from several business lines.
Our session will cover several key real estate topics:
Planning Your Space
Budgeting For Your Space
Acquiring Your Space - Lease or Federal Occupancy
Building Out Your Space
Occupying Your Space
Altering Your Space
Releasing Your Space
We'll also demonstrate our web-based PBS Customer Dashboard, which you can use to help track and manage your PBS real estate portfolio and projects.
Target Audience - all Federal employees who engage with GSA PBS on real estate projects - project, portfolio, property and financial managers.
Session Level - Beginner
This session will be hosted on our FedRAMP-compliant Zoom for Government platform, and will be recorded.
Recent Presentations
Date
Presentation Name
September 16, 2021
Leasing's GLS Plus: Private Sector Experience, Public Sector Value
The PBS Office of Leasing's Center for Broker Services presents GLS Plus.
GSA Leasing Support Services (GLS) Plus is a group of nine contracts awarded across the nation to provide broker and leasing support services for GSA’s lease contracting officers. GLS Plus enhances our Federal clients' experience by leveraging commercial real estate broker expertise to deliver workspace solutions, greater innovation, and maximum client and taxpayer savings.
Join us for a discussion on the key features of the GLS Plus contract:
Innovative virtual market survey technology
Enhanced Requirements Development services
Improved post-award construction services
We will also highlight Portfolios of Work designed for our client agencies to maximize efficiency while improving the space acquisition experience.
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in real estate acquisition efforts, especially those involved in agency workspace right-sizing efforts and agency space requirements development.
Session Level - Intermediate - Familiarity with GSA Leasing (or the CES Leasing 101 course) is recommended, but not required.
This session is hosted on the FedRAMP compliant Zoom for Government platform.
eRETA (RWA Entry and Tracking Application) is now the official tool for submitting Work Requests and digitally signed Reimbursable Work Authorizations to GSA. Our eRETA Digest sessions will feature the best of our eRETA "Basics" and "Advanced" session topics - offering you a soup to nuts overview - from gaining system access to managing and closing out your reimbursable program with greater transparency and efficiency. With a slide presentation and live on-air demonstration - get comfortable with the new electronic process and program and access to the resources and support you need to start successfully using eRETA today!
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in the development, planning, budgeting, tracking and funds management of reimbursable projects (RWAs)
Session Level - Intermediate - a background on reimbursable work authorization processes is recommended, but access to eRETA is not required.
Have more questions? Need more answers? Visit www.gsa.gov/ereta and go to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on the left navigation bar, where you'll find an extensive list of FAQs on eRETA and other RWA topics.
A perennial CES audience favorite, this session provides an introduction to PBS’s leasing services and offerings.
From requirements development to lease acquisition and construction to occupancy, customers will learn the basics behind GSA leasing practices and processes and our joint responsibilities for a successful lease project.
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in aspects of the lease project lifecycle.
Session Level - Beginner. A review of PBS's Space Pricing Basics (within the last 6 months) is strongly suggested.
The pandemic has provided new insights on how the landscape of the federal workplace could be modified to build upon the learnings from this past year of rapid adaptation.
The future of work is the ability to be productive anywhere, anytime. Technology has begun to replace space as the force bringing work together, but space still plays a key role toward maintaining and enhancing human connections.
Join us for an overview of the findings that GSA has gathered through a series of conversations across the federal government that bring this concept of technology and space together in innovative ways to support the federal workforce and the work accomplished.
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in workplace design, portfolio planning, mission delivery/workflow review, employee engagement/productivity review.
Session Level - Beginner - no specialized workplace knowledge is required.
This introductory course provides customers with the basics about Occupancy Agreements (OAs). Attendees will learn how OAs differ from leases; the components/sections of an OA; why GSA requires tenant agencies to sign these agreements; and how OAs differ when space is leased versus federally-owned.
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in the process of developing mission requirements, reviewing, approving or signing Occupancy Agreements.
The PBS Reimbursable Services Program published the new RWA National Policy Manual (NPM) in August 2020. This training will highlight some of the major policies referenced in the NPM, as well as some process and system (eRETA) components to help you manage your agency’s RWA and Work Request portfolio as seamlessly as possible.
Target Audience - Federal customers engaged in the planning, development, budget, financial management and approval of Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) projects.
Session Level - Beginner - no specialized RWA knowledge is required.
Making decisions about your agency’s future workplace needs has probably never been as daunting a task as it has been of late.
At GSA, we’ve heard your concerns, and recognize the challenges you face when attempting to thoughtfully plan for your future occupancies. Join our session to familiarize yourself with some resources, tools, and expertise that can make the effort much more manageable:
Decision-Supporting Financial Analysis
Time-Saving Standards and Pre-Packaged Solutions
Budget-Stretching Funding Options
Capacity-Multiplying Expertise and Contract Support Services
Target Audience - Federal employees engaged in mission leadership, strategic portfolio planning, budget/financial and project management.
Session Level - Intermediate - A working knowledge of PBS project management is recommended.
eRETA (RWA Entry and Tracking Application) is now the official tool for submitting Work Requests and digitally signed Reimbursable Work Authorizations to GSA. Our eRETA Digest sessions will feature the best of our eRETA "Basics" and "Advanced" session topics - offering you a soup to nuts overview - from gaining system access to managing and closing out your reimbursable program with greater transparency and efficiency. With a slide presentation and live on-air demonstration - get comfortable with the new electronic process and program and access to the resources and support you need to start successfully using eRETA today!
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in the development, planning, budgeting, tracking and funds management of reimbursable projects (RWAs)
Session Level - Intermediate - a background on reimbursable work authorization processes is recommended, but access to eRETA is not required.
Have more questions? Need more answers? Visit www.gsa.gov/ereta and go to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on the left navigation bar, where you'll find an extensive list of FAQs on eRETA and other RWA topics.
Activity Based Planning (ABP) is a strategic approach for workplace planning and design. Through an examination of agency organizational metrics and employee work styles, your workplace becomes an environment where individuals can choose the most effective method for accomplishing their work.
Recognizing that one size does NOT fit all, ABP is grounded on the principal that a rich variety of spaces is often necessary to support an organization’s equally diverse range of activities and work styles.
Tap into the expertise of our Total Workplace experts and start viewing your workplace through a new lens.
Target Audience - All Federal employees who are engaged in workplace design, portfolio planning, mission delivery/workflow review, employee engagement/productivity review.
Session Level - Beginner - no specialized workplace knowledge is required.
Presentation Archives
View past presentations and related files using the below list.
January 16, 2014
Introduction to Account Management
On January 16th, 2014, The Client Enrichment Series hosted the presentation 'Introduction to Account Management - Voice of the Customer'. Presented by Herman Goodyear, Director of National Accounts, and Mark Hackley, Regional Account Manger from GSA's Rocky Mountain Region, this session provided the customer with a basic overview of GSA’s Account Management Program with discussion about the National/Regional coordination. Contact Dawn Warner at 303-236-3396.
March 19, 2020
GSA’s Capital Investment Program & the Prospectus Process
This session will cover "A Day (several years) in the Life" of a Prospectus Level Capital Program Project - from identification of need and development of the project at the Regional level; to its submission to, evaluation of and integration into GSA’s Budget at the Central Office level; and it travels through OMB and Congress.
December 15, 2016
Planning and Requirements Management
Every stakeholder involved in real estate project management recognizes that early upfront planning is critical to delivering the right solution to meet both mission and budget goals. PBS is inviting customers to engage in a transformative new engagement process in order to improve our collaboration around meeting your emerging workplace needs. Several key elements of this process, being launched January 1, 2017, will be reviewed at our upcoming session:
Discussion of the Project Life Cycle (Project Identification, Initiation, Planning, etc) and key milestones for both PBS and customers.
Introduction of a standard lexicon so we can speak about projects with consistent terminology, and have consistent definitions of those Project Life Cycle terms.
Discussion of mutual responsibilities at each phase of the Project Life Cycle.
Time frames that we are adopting in order to manage projects and interface with our customers at critical junctures in the planning phase.
Tools (like the new Client Project Agreement), resources and support that PBS can bring to the table to help customers reap maximum benefit from the new planning process.
This session is recommended for all customers involved in Occupancy Agreement and space design development.
March 19, 2015
Introduction to Requirements Development
An overview of how PBS gathers requirements for each project beginning with a needs interview which provides the GSA project team with a clear understanding of our client agency’s goals, time frames and special requirements. This presentation covers alternative workplace strategies, information on mobility and telework. Presented by Ryan Doerfler, Kevin Kelly, and Chuck Hardy.
March 20, 2014
Introduction to Requirements Development
New workplaces often fail to perform due to workplace requirements that are incomplete, inaccurate or unrealistic. Well-grounded requirements are the key to successful workplace projects. Requirements failure points can range from biased workplace assumptions to the type of requirements documentation actually needed for the project. This presentation will cover the 10 most common problem areas and their repercussions on an increasingly mobile and agile federal workforce. Presented by Ryan Doerfler.
On March 14, 2012, Region 9’s PBS Client Solutions Division hosted the first in a series of multi-regional client enrichment training presentations (Requirements Development). This first presentation addressed Requirements Development. The information was offered in response to known client interest for more education about current GSA procedures, policies and services. The webinar format was selected due to current budget constraints, but also provides an effective means by which to provide timely information to our client agencies. Brian Gilligan, from our PBS National Office of Workplace Strategies, presented the information. This ongoing series of training will be hosted on a rotating basis among regions 7, 8, 9, and 10. Our next event is scheduled for April 2012 hosted by Region 8 Office of Client Solutions. For questions please contact David Lee at 415-522-3222.
April 10 & 12, 2018
GSA Consolidation Program Road Show
As a follow up to our February 15th Client Enrichment Series session, "GSA's Consolidation Fund Program", we invite to attend an in-depth, technical session on the development of project workbooks and calculations for your consolidation project submission, and the evaluation criteria that will be used to score your submission.
The Consolidation Fund enables customers to fund workplace reconfiguration to in order to achieve a more efficient layout, improve their Utilization Rate (UR), and reduce their rent expenses, through a competitive application process for qualified projects.
Two identical sessions are available to meet your schedule needs.
February 15, 2018
Financing Change - GSA's Consolidation Fund
GSA began the Consolidation Fund Program in FY14 as a way to assist our customer agencies to reduce their rental payments and footprints while optimizing their work environments. Since its inception, the program has funded 78 projects and helped agencies reduce their annual rent by more than $65 million. The annual Consolidation Fund Program allows federal agencies to use no-year funds for shell and tenant improvement (TI) costs on projects that reduce annual rent and improve office utilization rates (UR).
Since available funding is limited, and competitive, attend this session to learn how your agency can build a strong business case to support your application for Consolidation Funding to enable your workplace evolution.
Effectively managing any project’s cost requires a careful approach and diligent planning beginning with the iterative process of cost estimating. In this session, we’ll focus in on the process of cost estimating for projects of all sizes to bring awareness to the similarities and complexities each project entails. Come to this session to learn about the "art" and the "science" of cost management - we’ll cover topics such as:
What is Cost management?
How does Cost Management fit into the Project Life cycle?
What is needed for good Cost Estimating?
Why do estimates vary?
What resources are available to help with cost estimating?
July 22, 2020
Returning to GSA Facilities - Your FAQs Answered
Join PBS subject matter experts from our Office of Leasing, Office of Design and Construction, and Office of Facilities Management as they discuss your most Frequently Asked Questions relating to:
Cleaning and Disinfection
Building Management and Operations
Project Delays, Costs, and Scheduling
Customers will be able to submit questions to the panelists via our session Q&A tool.
We'll share information about resources, policies and protocols that we've put in place to help you and your staff safely return to and resume operations in your GSA-controlled facilities.
Does your workplace meet your functional, wellness, and efficiency needs? The next Client Enrichment Series is all about optimizing the workplace. Join us to learn how to create and support tenant-based Facility Eco Teams (formerly known as Green Teams) to encourage conversation and a healthier workplace at your facility through occupant behavior and culture change. We’ll share resources, best practices and success stories from existing teams across the GSA portfolio.
We’ll also discuss other ways you can help your facilities management team to improve your workplace: by taking the Tenant Satisfaction Survey. This annual initiative gives you a voice and lets GSA and other land-holding agencies know how you feel about our federally-managed building inventory. The information gathered through this survey is used to assist in prioritizing and budgeting for improvement projects within the building. We will discuss what GSA does with the information and how it benefits building tenants.
On January 17, 2013, Region 10's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on Customer Transaction Satisfaction Survey -introduction by Denise Seefeldt, National CTSS Program Manager PBS, Client Intelligence Division, and presented by Melissa Hager, Program Support Specialist, GSA, Northwest/Arctic Region 10. As the customer and recipient of federal work space solutions, you have your say in the requirements of your work space and its functionality. You also have an opportunity to voice how you feel GSA delivered the space transaction. Our Customer Transaction Satisfaction Survey (CTSS) instrument provides the mechanism for you to give us your formal feedback. This educational webinar will provide an overview of the CTSS, your role in it, and why GSA believes it is important. For questions, please contact Richard Baker at 253-931-7299.
If you're part of a project team working with GSA, you may have been asked to review Design Intent Drawings (DIDs) and provide input to ensure your agency gets the space that meets its mission requirements. As part of this process, you may be asked to understand and use the technical language and symbols of architecture and engineering.
Our June 21st session will provide you with guidance and help demystify common details found in DIDs, acquainting you with:
The look and layout of Design Intent Drawings (DID)
The Terms and Concepts you may hear during the meetings and workshops
Our DID Review Reference Guide for Customers, providing you with DID Checklists to help you keep track of all the reviewed information
Build your familiarity with these elements to ensure that your voice will be heard during the drawing review process, and that your agency's interests are effectively communicated to your GSA project team.
Does your workplace meet your functional, wellness, and efficiency needs? The next Client Enrichment Series is all about optimizing the workplace. Join us to learn how to create and support tenant-based Facility Eco Teams (formerly known as Green Teams) to encourage conversation and a healthier workplace at your facility through occupant behavior and culture change. We’ll share resources, best practices and success stories from existing teams across the GSA portfolio.
We’ll also discuss other ways you can help your facilities management team to improve your workplace: by taking the Tenant Satisfaction Survey. This annual initiative gives you a voice and lets GSA and other land-holding agencies know how you feel about our federally-managed building inventory. The information gathered through this survey is used to assist in prioritizing and budgeting for improvement projects within the building. We will discuss what GSA does with the information and how it benefits building tenants.
On April 18, 2013, Region 10's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on energy and conservation standards. The presentation was delivered by Mark Ewing, Director of the Energy Division within PBS's Office of Facilities Management and Services Programs. Stephen Hochman, Energy Division, assisted with the presentation and questions. This presentation informed customers of energy saving initiatives currently underway in GSA managed buildings. Additionally, the presentation provided information on contributions customers can make to assist with energy reducing strategies. For questions, please contact Kate Betz at 253-931-7502.
September 20, 2018
Get a Handle on Your Space Assignments with eOA
Learn how our online application - eOA (electronic Occupancy Agreements) can give you real-time, on-demand access to your portfolio of occupancy data and library of documents.
Our session will cover requesting access to eOA as well as a demonstration of all the functionality of the tool, including searching for records, identifying details within the OA like square footage data and rent rates for the life of the OA, even generating the PDF files of the expected bill amount for the upcoming month.
October 15, 2015
Introduction to and Demonstration of eOA
The eOA application allows users to search for and view the details of an occupancy agreement. As a customer-facing application, real-time Occupancy Agreement information and documentation is available to enhance the Customer experience and support decision making. The eOA now has a more streamlined view and customers will have access to all square footage data and rent rates for the life of the OA and can generate PDF files that match those issued by GSA. Customers will also be able to generate a PDF of the expected bill amount for the upcoming month.
eRETA (RWA Entry and Tracking Application) is now the official tool for submitting Work Requests and digitally signed Reimbursable Work Authorizations to GSA. Our eRETA Digest sessions will feature the best of our eRETA "Basics" and "Advanced" session topics - offering you a soup to nuts overview - from gaining system access to managing and closing out your reimbursable program with greater transparency and efficiency. With a slide presentation and live on-air demonstration - get comfortable with the new electronic process and program and access to the resources and support you need to start successfully using eRETA today!
Have more questions? Need more answers? Visit www.gsa.gov/ereta and go to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on the left navigation bar, where you'll find an extensive list of FAQs on eRETA and other RWA topics.
Since July 2018, we've been hosting monthly eRETA Basics - Overview Sessions so we can acquaint our customers with the tool and the new processes.
You've asked some great questions over these past few months, both at these training sessions and via our eRETA@gsa.gov mailbox, so we've compiled a list of your Most Frequently Asked Questions about how to do different actions in the system - and we would like to highlight your "In eRETA, how do I...?" requests at these feature focused session, plus take some of your live "on air" requests so we can demonstrate key activities for you.
Come to this session, and we'll help you get more comfortable executing your RWA program in the eRETA environment.
See how electronically managing your RWAs - from concept to close-out - can save your agency time and effort.
Come to this session to learn how to gain access to eRETA, how to view your RWA project and financial information, and even how to enter your RWA information directly into the system! Using eRETA will help you automate the workflow between your agency and GSA as we collaborate to develop, submit, accept, execute, track and close out your RWA projects.
On September 19, 2013, Region 7’s Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on "GSA Billing Process". The presentation was delivered by Steve Varnum, Director of GSA's Revenue Operations Division, Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Mathew Madison, Client Solutions Director from GSA's Region 7, hosted the session. This presentation informed customers of the Federal Buildings Fund, the basis for rental rates in owned and leased space, and Rent on the Web . For questions, please contact Shala Geer-Smith at 817-978-7085.
This session is an encore presentation of our January 9, 2018 event. Join the Digital Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) Movement - Use eRETA to Enter, Digitally Sign, and Submit RWAs Electronically to GSA!
After going live with new external RWA Entry and Tracking Application (eRETA) features in May 2017, demand for eRETA access has been high. The eRETA community has now swelled past 1000 customer agency users. Many of you have asked for an additional live training demonstration and as a holiday gift to you we are delivering.
GSA's eRETA allows customer agencies to enter requests for new projects or services, obtain a unique tracking number, and route it to the appropriate GSA region immediately. GSA will then assign a project manager to begin developing your project/service needs and cost estimates. Additionally, eRETA allows customer agencies to enter their entire RWA (the equivalent of page 1 of the 2957 Form) directly into our database, ensuring data is correctly entered and not mistakenly omitted. All information entered into eRETA eventually flows to future RWA billing statements. eRETA also permits customer agency users to submit amendment requests to GSA for all RWAs (past and present). Combined with GSA's new RWA Digital Signature Solution, customer agencies can now go completely electronic.
Don't want to wait for this live training demo to begin entering your RWAs online in eRETA? No problem. Go to www.gsa.gov/ereta and select the "eRETA Training Materials" tab on the left. There you can download the "User Guide - Submitting RWA Work Requests to GSA in eRETA" OR watch either of the "Video Training Demos" recorded from a previous live training session.
January 9, 2018
Client Enrichment Series Special Event - eRETA Boot Camp
Join the Digital Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) Movement - Use eRETA to Enter, Digitally Sign, and Submit RWAs Electronically to GSA!
After going live with new external RWA Entry and Tracking Application (eRETA) features in May 2017, demand for eRETA access has been high. The eRETA community has now swelled past 1000 customer agency users. Many of you have asked for an additional live training demonstration and as a holiday gift to you we are delivering.
GSA's eRETA allows customer agencies to enter requests for new projects or services, obtain a unique tracking number, and route it to the appropriate GSA region immediately. GSA will then assign a project manager to begin developing your project/service needs and cost estimates. Additionally, eRETA allows customer agencies to enter their entire RWA (the equivalent of page 1 of the 2957 Form) directly into our database, ensuring data is correctly entered and not mistakenly omitted. All information entered into eRETA eventually flows to future RWA billing statements. eRETA also permits customer agency users to submit amendment requests to GSA for all RWAs (past and present). Combined with GSA's new RWA Digital Signature Solution, customer agencies can now go completely electronic.
Don't want to wait for this live training demo to begin entering your RWAs online in eRETA? No problem. Go to www.gsa.gov/ereta and select the "eRETA Training Materials" tab on the left. There you can download the "User Guide - Submitting RWA Work Requests to GSA in eRETA" OR watch either of the "Video Training Demos" recorded from a previous live training session.
April 21, 2016
eRETA New Features and Enhancements
Catch eRETA eXCITEMENT! New eRETA enhancements provide customer agencies with more than 4x the RWA data than before and upcoming features will soon allow customers to electronically submit and sign RWAs right online! Learn about the expanded reporting features of eRETA 7.0 introduced in October 2015. We will then demonstrate the future of RWA processing which will allow customer agencies to enter data directly online in eRETA instead of the RWA 2957 PDF Form. Transparent tracking of new RWA work requests and RWA amendments, as well as an integrated digital signature solution are just a taste of the new features that will soon transform RWA interactions between customer agencies and GSA. Join us for the April 2016 session to learn more.
April 16, 2015
Introduction to Reimbursable Work Authorizations and eRETA 2.0
Presented by Steve Sacco. Learn about eRETA 2.0, which will has the ability to enter RWA work requests directly online, provide online customer-to-GSA communication linked to an RWA work request and RWA, and effectively track the work request from initial concept and request all the way to RWA acceptance and beyond.
On May 15, 2014, Region 8's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on the eRETA and VCSS systems. The presentation was delivered by Steve Sacco, the National Program Manager for the Small Projects and Reimbursable Services Division that is part of the Public Buildings Service Facilities Management Group in GSA’s Central Office. and Larry Sampson, Financial Management Analyst in the Communications and Training Branch of the Chief Information Officer, GSA. This presentation showed customers how to navigate systems that they will be using in the future to view Reimbursable Work Authorizations and their customer bills. For questions, please contact Dawn Warner at 303-236-3396.
On June 18, 2013, Region 8's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on the eRETA and VCSS systems. The presentation was delivered by Steve Sacco, the National Program Manager for the Small Projects and Reimbursable Services Division that is part of the Public Buildings Service Facilities Management Group in GSA’s Central Office. and Larry Sampson, the Lead Trainer of the financial system Pegasys and is the team lead for Pegasys Functional Coordinators and Service Representatives in the Office of the Chief Information Officer’s Office at GSA. This presentation showed customers how to navigate systems that they will be using in the future to view Reimbursable Work Authorizations and their customer bills. For questions, please contact Dawn Warner at 303-236-3396.
On May 31, 2013, Region 7’s Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on "Express Menu of Services." The presentation was delivered by Khadijah Robinson, National Project Manager within Small Projects & Reimbursable Services Division within PBS's Office of Facilities Management and Services Programs. This presentation informed customers of the new "Express Menu of Services" tool from the U.S. General Services Administration. This tool consists of commonly requested and recurring items needed throughout our Federal Buildings. For questions, please contact Shala Geer-Smith at 817-978-7085.
On May 31, 2012, Region 10’s PBS Client Solutions Division hosted another in the Western Regions Client Enrichment Series, a training series on customer-driven topics. The course described how GSA establishes and manages rent rates in Federal buildings. Topics included the cyclical schedule, budgeting basics, the basic appraisal and ROI processes, and the review process. This ongoing series will be hosted on a rotating basis among the Western Regions 7, 8, 9, and 10. For additional information please contact Richard Baker at 253-931-7299.
August 18, 2016
Acquisition Gateway - Opening the Door to Efficient Procurement
Attend this session to learn how the Acquisition Gateway is opening doors for PBS customers! It's the government-wide solution for Acquisition comparisons, professional connections and product and service ‘category hallways". Using the Acquisition Gateway, see how your agency can: - Hire a Project Manager or Construction Management Services in the Professional Services hallway - Complete your new workplace with Furniture, Office Supplies and Office Services in the Office Management hallway - Find facilities management solutions is the Facilities and Construction hallway - Secure your space with systems and devices through the Security and Protection hallway and more! The Acquisition Gateway helps you, the buyer, leverage the power and knowledge of the government-wide acquisition community. You get accurate and unbiased advice in the Gateway. Expert articles, templates, market research tools, prices paid data, and more are at your fingertips to achieve successful outcomes in your acquisition lifecycle. Target audience: Acquisition professionals, program managers, project managers, facilities managers.
June 19, 2014
Introduction to Federal Acquisition Service
This introductory course is offered to familiarize PBS customers with the role Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) plays in construction, renovation or demolition projects. This presentation will include FAS offerings and solutions in procurement of services, systems and supplies. Presented by Andrea Azarcon-Heller.
February 19, 2015
Introduction to Furniture Procurement
An overview of how GSA assists client agencies with the procurement of furniture to meet mission requirements. Presented by Rahul Asher and Diane Juba.
February 20, 2020
PBS Boosts Procurement Efficiency With the Lease Offer Platform
See how the new streamlined workflow of our Lease Offer Platform (LOP) options can cut lead times from your lease procurements, getting you the space you need more efficiently.
Our system provides the opportunity for building owners and representatives to electronically offer space in response to your Request for Lease Proposal (RLP) packages via a completely web-enabled tool; allowing all registered participants to submit and update offers for lease space to the Federal Government within specified timeframes. The Lease Offer Platform consists of two main programs which will be discussed during our session:
Automated Advanced Acquisition Program
Requirement Specific Acquisition Platform
May 16, 2019
GSA's Lease Analysis Tool -- Should I Stay or Should I go?
As your occupancy nears the end of the lease term - you and your PBS partners are faced with making critical decisions about your future housing needs. Is staying in place desirable and a potential option? What factors will the contracting officer typically consider when deciding whether to consider a succeeding lease procurement?
This session will focus on succeeding lease procurements and how the Succeeding/Superseding Lease Analysis Tool is used by GSA PBS to help us present you with the best procurement strategy to meet your new workspace requirements.
February 26, 2019
Service Expectations in GSA Federally Owned and Leased Buildings
Whether your agency space is in a GSA Federally-owned or commercially leased location, understand what services you should expect to receive during your occupancy.
Learn how GSA manages Federal space through an overview of the standard services; as well as the programs, tools and procedures that support facility management and ensure tenant satisfaction.
Recognize the differences between standard and above standard services - what is included in your rent versus when supplemental reimbursable funding (RWA) will be required.
For leased locations, learn about current lease management program efforts and the Lease Management Customer Guide, which highlights the Lease Administration Manager's (LAM) roles and responsibilities to serve you and protect the government's interests throughout the life of the lease.
Learn how Broker Support Services can assist in meeting your needs for commercially leased space. Our speakers will review a history of the GSA Leasing Support Services (GLS) Program, the menu of available services, how the contract works, and will share some customer successes realized from use of this contract.
April 19, 2018
Is Longer Term Leasing Right For You?
Our next Client Enrichment Series will discuss how longer firm term leases can generate cost savings for customers and taxpayers. This session will discuss lease term strategies, highlight the benefits of longer firm term leases, and provide data showing that longer term leases generally return much better rental rates. With this Administration's focus on executive agencies demonstrating cost savings wherever possible, come learn how longer firm term leases can reduce your agency's real estate expenses.
March 21, 2019
Calculating and Billing for Overtime Utilities and Agency Program Equipment
As a customer in GSA space, both Federally Owned and Leased, you'll likely find yourself in need of occasional services which are beyond the standard levels included via your monthly agency rent bill. Working together with your GSA representative to describe your needs, we can help you estimate these costs, establish the right payment vehicle, and get the services you need to keep your operations running smoothly for your staff and your clients. Come to this session to understand when Overtime Utilities and Agency Program Equipment costs are incurred, how we estimate them, what options there are for billing, and even what you might do to help mitigate these costs through the pursuit of projects to handle your special needs more effectively.
December 19, 2013
Introduction to Overtime Utilities with James Policano
On December 19, 2013. This introduction to one of the most customer-requested topics focuses on giving customers an introduction to the overtime utilities estimating process. It also covers information on the types of services that are available beyond the standards provided by an agency’s rent bill. Contact Dawn Warner 303-236-3396.
On December 12, 2012, Region 9’s PBS Client Solutions Division hosted a multi-regional client enrichment training presentation on GSA's Overtime Utilities Estimating Process. The information was offered in response to client interest for more information on GSA's procedures and policies for estimating the cost of overtime services and the type of services that are available beyond the standards provided in the rent bill. James Policano, from our PBS National Office of Facilities Management and Services Programs, presented the information. For additional information please contact Jackie Suen at 415-522-3615.
August 20, 2015
Introduction to Occupancy Agreements
This introductory course provides customers with the basics about Occupancy Agreements (OAs). Attendees will learn how OAs differ from leases; why GSA requires tenant agencies to sign these agreements; and how OAs differ when space is leased versus federally-owned.
August 21, 2014
Introduction to Occupancy Agreements
Customers will be introduced to Occupancy Agreements (OAs) and learn how OAs differ from leases, why GSA requires tenant agencies to sign these agreements and how OAs differ when space is in leased versus federally-owned. Presented by Kelly Ellison and Trina Hughes.
October 6, 2020
PBS Customer Dashboard Enhancements
Please join us to review FY20 enhancements to the PBS Customer Dashboard - a new My Locations module, daily data refreshes, and other improvements!
Feeding directly from source systems, the PBS Customer Dashboard allows customers to access current data related to Projects, RWAs, Occupancies, Locations, and Rent. We’ll review the current functionality and highlight a new tab - My Locations. My Locations provides customers with information about your agency’s locations, including building details, space types, and lists of OAs for each location. You can also identify building type, historic status, CBSA, and other important building/location information.
In addition, we will review some exciting changes to downloading data, the Rent Comparison Tool, a new Welcome and Guidance Page and some changes made to improve readability and use.
December 10, 2019
Customer Dashboard Puts PBS Data At Your Fingertips
Have you ever wondered what’s going on with your office alterations project? Or how much have you spent in overall rent last year? Well, get the answers and more by accessing our online PBS Customer Dashboard. See a demonstration of the easy to use tool that puts your key PBS data at your fingertips. View summary information, or drill down into specifics on your Projects, Occupancies, RWAs, and Rent. We'll explain the access request process, and provide resources that will allow you to confidently navigate the PBS Customer Dashboard on your own to meet your agency's project and financial management needs.
April 23, 2020
Introduction to PBS Project Management
This introductory course provides customers with an overview of a Project Life Cycle; including Identification, Initiation, Planning, Execution and Closeout. It will cover the major components of each phase, and discuss both the technical aspects of what occurs in each step along with the responsibilities and expectations of PBS and Customer agencies as we partner to develop and execute space projects to serve your mission needs.
This introductory course provides customers with basics on project life cycles; including initiation, planning, execution and closeout. It also covers how PBS forms project teams. Presented by Ralph Abel, National Small Projects Program, Office of Design and Construction/ Office of Project Delivery, GSA National Office.
April 17, 2014
Introduction to Project Management Practices
This introductory course provides customers with basics on GSA PBS project life cycles; including initiation, planning, execution and closeout. The presentation also addresses how PBS forms project teams. Presented by Darin Frost, Director of Global Project Management,Office of the PBS Commissioner.
On November 28, 2012, Region 8's Client Solutions Division hosted Project Management Practices, presented by Darin Frost, Global Project Management Director, from GSA's Office of the Commissioner. This presentation was in response to customer inquiries based on project life cycles; including initiation, planning, execution and closeout as well as how a project team is formed. For questions, please contact Bridget Berninger Stroh at 303-236-2053.
February 26, 2019
Service Expectations in GSA Federally Owned and Leased Buildings
Whether your agency space is in a GSA Federally-owned or commercially leased location, understand what services you should expect to receive during your occupancy.
Learn how GSA manages Federal space through an overview of the standard services; as well as the programs, tools and procedures that support facility management and ensure tenant satisfaction.
Recognize the differences between standard and above standard services - what is included in your rent versus when supplemental reimbursable funding (RWA) will be required.
For leased locations, learn about current lease management program efforts and the Lease Management Customer Guide, which highlights the Lease Administration Manager's (LAM) roles and responsibilities to serve you and protect the government's interests throughout the life of the lease.
December 11, 2014
Property Management & Lease Administration
This new webinar addresses standard Property Management and Lease Administration policies and services. Learn the basics about how GSA manages federal space and how GSA manages the administration of leased space. GSA Lease Management Customer Guide [PDF - 4 MB].
Customers will be presented with the basics of the PBS pricing policy for space and services. They will be informed about customer-impacting updates incorporated in the current PBS Pricing Guide, 5th Edition.
At this session - you will be introduced to the components and bases of your Rent, learn about tiers, Tenant Improvement and Customization allowances, etc.
Attend this session to hear about important updates to the PBS Pricing Desk Guide with the new release of 5th Edition which went into effect on November 16th.
While much of the new edition reinforces existing policy, there are some notable updates, including:
An increase of the general component of the tenant improvement (TI) allowance
Restoration of TI for building failure
Changes in building shell
January 15, 2015
Introduction to the PBS Pricing Policy
Customers will be presented with the basics of the PBS pricing policy for space and services. They will be informed about customer-impacting updates to the PBS Pricing Guide. Presented by Carlos Salazar and Nia Brown.
Customers will be presented with the basics of the PBS pricing policy for space and services. They will be informed of any customer impacting updates to the PBS Pricing Guide. Presented by Carlos Salazar and Nia Brown.
February 20, 2013
Pricing Policy Overview and Updates
On February 20, 2013, Region 9's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on the basics of PBS pricing policy for space and services, with a special emphasis on Occupancy Agreements . An overview of recent updates to the PBS Pricing Guide was also presented. Presenters Carlos Salazar, Lead Space Pricing Specialist, PBS Office of Portfolio Management and Nia Brown, Senior Asset Manager, PBS Pacific Rim Portfolio Division held a question and answer session at the end of the presentation which covered many aspects of the Pricing Policy. A number of questions were answered at that time. Remaining questions are posted on the Q&A document. For questions, please contact David Lee at 415-522-3222.
On November 17 the Region’s PBS Client Solutions Division hosted a Pricing Policy Webinar for external clients. The information was offered in response to client interest regarding more education about current GSA procedures, policies and services. Budget constraints prompted the Region to use the webinar format. Carlos Salazar, Lead Space Pricing Specialist with the PBS national office, presented information that furthered the goal of nationally consistent and accurate information. The Region’s Pricing Program Manager, Jessica Best assisted Salazar. For questions please contact Kate Betz at 253-931-7502.
October 17, 2019
An Overview of Real Property Disposal: Mission, Services, and Opportunities
The Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal (RPUD) works with all Federal land holding agencies to develop real estate strategies (conveyances, exchanges, relocations, and sales) to identify and better manage underutilized assets. The RPUD program offers Federal clients a wide range of realty services, expert guidance and analytical tools.
This presentation will provide an overview of the program, the disposal process, and the various services RPUD can offer. These include transaction support, due diligence analysis, targeted asset reviews, highest and best use studies, appraisals, marketing strategies, environmental assessments and historic evaluations.
This program leverages its services, tools and expertise to drive optimal real estate outcomes that are tailored to an agency’s unique mission requirements. To complement its expertise and to enhance service offerings, RPUD provides a variety of contractual vehicles that offer Federal clients access to realty and environmental firms. RPUD services are available to all Federal landholding agencies.
The RWA Program is changing its fee structure for the first time since the sliding scale fee structure was implemented in 1995.
This session will kick off with a recap of the multiple components that make up RWA Fee Reform (the fee structure is only one of those changes) and then dive deeper specifically into the new fee structure, how it differs from the existing fee structure, and the importance of the RWA Acceptance Date, which dictates which fee structure will be used.
Come to this session for an overview and discussion of recent clarifications to the PBS Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) Policy, including the newly published National Policy Document, highlighting policy aspects including:
Full Funding Requirement - The policy clarifies fiscal law that requires full funding of an RWA’s scope of work prior to RWA acceptance. Incremental funding is not permitted.
Timing of RWAs for Above-Standard Tenant Improvement Costs in Leased Space - The policy clarifies this requirement must occur prior to lease award.
Antecedent Liability - The policy identifies appropriate funding for antecedent liabilities (unexpected cost increases) that arise during project execution.
Cost Estimating - The policy formalizes that GSA can accept a customer provided cost estimate validated by GSA or a GSA cost estimate or Independent Government Estimate (IGE).
The session will also give an overview of the external RWA Entry and Tracking Application (eRETA) - PBS’s electronic repository for all RWAs - and highlight some of the recent updates to the application.
An overview and discussion of recent changes to the PBS RWA Program, including the newly published National Policy Document, clarifications to certain policy aspects, and recent system (eRETA) enhancements that will enable you to manage your RWA portfolio of work more effectively.
May 2017
CES Special Event - New Digital Features for RWA Management
An overview and discussion of new Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) protocols for 2017 and the new features that will enable your agency to manage your RWA portfolio of work more effectively.
The PBS RWA Program has undergone some major changes over the past 2 years. New policies and procedures will bring your agency flexibility and options to simplify your administrative processes, technological improvements will streamline processing times, and clarification around our mutual responsibilities will result in superior financial management of the RWA program. Join us at our February 18th session to learn about these important changes and the impact they will have on your RWA program and protocols. Our presenter for this session will be Ashlee Carlson, PBS Reimbursable Services National Program Manager. This session is being held in conjunction with the release of our new RWA National Policy Document, which is being sent to clients and can be found on the RWA webpage.
July 18, 2013
Reimbursable Work Authorizations (RWAs)
On July 18th, 2013, Region 10's Client Solutions Division hosted a webinar on Reimbursable Work Authorizations (RWAs). The presentation was delivered by Ashlee Carlson, Program Manager for the Small Projects and Reimbursable Services Division and Adam Snider, Program Analyst in the Small Projects and Reimbursable Services Division. Teresa Nowak, Reimbursable Services Program Manager in Region 10, also attended the session as a Subject Matter Expert. The first portion of the presentation focused on the RWA process, as a whole, and was led by Ashlee Carlson. The second portion included a live demonstration of the eRETA Portal, led by Adam Snider. This was the first Client Enrichment Series session that included attendees from across the entire nation. This session proved to be very popular with more than 400 people in attendance. More than 60 questions were posed by the attendees during the session with the majority of the questions responded to directly prior to the conclusion of the session. For questions, please contact Richard Baker at 253-931-7299.
On June 21, 2012, PBS Client Solutions Divisions from Regions 7, 8, 9 and 10 jointly delivered the fourth successful webinar to better educate our clients about GSA's value-added services. The program, hosted by Region 7, focused on "Reimbursable Work Authorization". The information was offered in response to known client interest for more education about current GSA procedures, policies and services. Ashlee Carlson, Outreach & Education Lead for the Small Projects & Reimbursable Services Division in Washington, D.C., gave an excellent presentation to over 200 participants. Ashlee helped to further our goal of delivering nationally consistent and accurate information. For more information, please contact Shala Geer-Smith 817-978-7085.
On October 6, the R10's PBS Client Solutions Division hosted a Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA) and eRETA webinar for their federal clients. Because of current budget constraints, GSA PBS was not able to provide a venue to educate clients on current procedures and policies. In response, the R10 Office of Client Solutions, led by Wayton Lim, developed a regional client education curriculum through a series of webinars. The RWA and eRETA training was the first of three webinars to be conducted over the next two months. The training will help attendees work more successfully with GSA employees in their daily interactions. Ashlee Carlson, and Steve Sacco from the National Office Small Projects & Reimbursable Service Division presented the material. The Client Solutions team used new GSA Webex software for the webinar. For questions please contact Kate Betz at 253-931-7502.
October 15, 2020
What Goes Into My Agency's Rent Estimate?
The annual GSA Rent Estimate provides our customers with a base to develop the space budget request. It is a snapshot of what the future cost of currently billing space will be.
In this session we will go over how the Rent Estimate is formulated, with specific focus on the data used to calculate the future rent. We will discuss the application of appraisal data in Federally owned space and leasing data in leased space.
In past few years, the pace of change in the area of sustainability has greatly accelerated, posing challenges for the Federal community to keep ahead of the curve. From new Executive Orders and legislation to evolving industry standards and market trends, can you be sure your Agency is on track to meet Federal sustainability goals? Join the December 10 session on Sustainability in Leasing to learn about the changes, what impact they have on your portfolio, and how GSA’s Public Buildings Service can help you succeed in meeting your sustainability goals.
Presented by Thomas W. Burke P.E. LEED AP O+M, this presentation is intended to provide participants GSA's Introduction to Sustainability. Customers will be introduced to GSA’s sustainability offerings including energy savings, water mitigation and recycling in office space and construction. Specifics on the guiding principles for federal leadership in high performance and sustainable federal buildings as well as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The Workplace Investment and Feasibility Modeling tool – or "WIFM" – is designed to assist federal agency workplace teams in exploring the feasibility of workplace change before the workplace project requirements have been defined.
Using WIFM at the very conception of a project, WIFM users will able be to:
Identify the benefits of various degrees of workplace change, ranging from only changing open workstations at the current location, to a complete workplace change at a new location
Investigate potential savings associated with consolidating up to three locations
Run multiple scenarios side-by-side
Obtain detailed spatial and ROM cost estimate calculations that can be used as the starting point for subsequent space requirement discussions
Attendees to this session will receive an overview and demonstration of the tool, be briefed on its underlying calculations, and will be invited to reach out directly to our speaker for access to the tool so they can start using it, and customize it to meet their specific agency’s estimating and space programming practices.
September 17, 2015
Advanced Topics in Workplace Strategies: Updates to FIT (Furniture & Information Technology) Program
Customers will learn about GSA's FIT program - a national funding initiative that integrates FAS and PBS resources into a new GSA service offering to help other federal agencies use their workspace more efficiently and effectively. Customers will learn what makes an agency a good candidate for the program along with updated FY2016 information about requirements, costs, and specifics related to furniture types and sizes. There will be time for Questions & Answers with subject-matter-experts.
October 16, 2014
Workplace Strategies focusing on GSA's FIT program
An advanced session in Workplace Strategies focusing on GSA's FIT program - a national funding initiative that integrates FAS and PBS resources into a new GSA service offering to help other federal agencies use their work space more efficiently and effectively. Participants learned what makes an agency a good candidate for the program along with updated FY2015 information about requirements, costs, and specifics related to furniture types and sizes. - Presented by Chuck Hardy and Dianne Juba, Workplace Specialists for the Total Workplace Program Management Office.
The presentation is delivered by Charles G. (Chuck) Hardy who currently serves as the Chief Workplace Officer of the General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service. This presentation covers GSA's Total Workplace Initiative. It touches on what is driving workplace transformation, what GSA is doing in our own spaces regarding workplace, and what GSA can do to help agencies right-size their operations, save money, and align themselves with a 21st Century workplace.
On March 21, 2013, Region 9's Client Solutions Division hosted the webinar, Workplace Solutions, Acoustic Design, and their Impact. The presentation was delivered by Kevin Kelly, Workplace Program Expert, Center for Workplace Delivery . This presentation provided attendees with a broad understanding of the impact that work place efficiencies and design have on productivity, cost savings, and sustainability goals. For questions, please contact David Lee at 415-522-3222.
On July 17th, 2012, Casey Arnold from Region 9’s PBS Client Solutions division hosted an installment of the Client Enrichment Series titled 'Workplace Solutions.' The subject was chosen due to national pressures towards evaluating agency space usage and included discussions of acoustics, space ‘rightsizing’, new technology, cost and energy benefits, and success stories. For national and regional consistency, presenters included Kevin Kelly, Senior Architect from the Workplace PMOs office, and Gerald Mullarkey from the Regional Chief Architect’s office. This presentation was held via Webex as a cost effective form of mass communication to all of our customer agencies. For more information, please contact Casey Arnold 415-581-1715.
On April 25, 2012, Region 8’s PBS Client Solutions Division hosted the second in the Western Regions Client Enrichment Series, a training series on customer-driven topics. This presentation addressed Tenant Improvements and was presented by Trina Hughes of GSA's Central Office Portfolio Management Pricing Policy and Tools Division. This ongoing series will be hosted on a rotating basis among the Western Regions 7, 8, 9, and 10. Our next session is scheduled for May 31, 2012 hosted by Region 7 Office of Client Solutions. For questions please contact Bridget Berninger at 303-236-2053.
Showcase and live demonstration of the Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) systems for customers who work closely with Reimbursable Work Authorizations and their agency’s billing systems. Training will guide users on retrieving statements, submitting correspondence and checking collections once enrolled. Presented by Susan Hurley.
Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.
Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."
Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."
When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.
U.S. General Services Administration
