§502 Services for other entities

Summary

The head of the General Services Administration (GSA) must, when possible and when asked, provide the services listed under section 501 to federal agencies, mixed-ownership government corporations, and the District of Columbia. The GSA may also, when possible and when asked, give those services to certain nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled if those nonprofits sell goods or services to the federal government under chapter 85; those nonprofits must use the services to make or supply items the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has approved. The GSA can let State or local governments, tribal governments, schools, and colleges use GSA Federal supply schedules for certain technology and for security, fire, rescue, and related items and services. The GSA can also allow use of schedules for disaster recovery, preparedness, or response when the Secretary of Homeland Security first approves which goods and services qualify. Participation by vendors in sales to nonfederal users through these schedules is voluntary. The American National Red Cross and other approved disaster-relief groups may use the schedules for emergency work, but not to buy items for resale. All users must follow GSA’s ordering rules. Definitions (one line each): State or local government — any state, local, regional, or tribal government or its agencies (including schools and colleges). Tribal government — federally recognized Indian tribes in the continental U.S. and Alaska Native regional or village corporations. Local educational agency — as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Institution of higher education — as defined in the Higher Education Act. Qualified organization — a relief or disaster assistance group under the Stafford Act.