The Security Industry Association (SIA) today announced its support for legislation introduced by Reps. Ed Towns (D-NY) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) to extend cooperative purchasing to GSA Schedule 84. The bill, titled “The Local Preparedness Acquisition Act,” will ensure local governments have the option of purchasing fire alarm systems, access control devices, perimeter security and video surveillance systems and countless other homeland security products and services at GSA-approved reduced prices.
“This bipartisan bill delivers significant cost-savings to state and local governments while opening up new market opportunities for thousands of small businesses nationwide,” said Don Erickson, director of Government Relations at SIA. “We commend Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Bilbray for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to efficient government procurement strategies. SIA will now work to ensure swift passage of this pro-taxpayer and pro-business legislation.”

 

The GSA Schedules are catalogues of more than 4 million commercial goods and services currently available to federal agencies, and in limited circumstances, to state and local governments at discounted prices. At SIA's Government Summit this past June, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and GSA Administrator Lurita Doan both voiced their support for expanding cooperative purchasing. In addition, the National Association of Counties passed a resolution calling for greater access to the GSA Schedules Program. Learn more at www.siaonline.org