GSA soliciting ideas for federal online travel system

The General Services Administration Monday issued a draft request for proposals on a governmentwide Web-based travel management system that the agency hopes to have up and running within two years.

The federal eTravel Initiative aims to automate and consolidate travel processes for people traveling on official government business. Officials at GSA say the new system will simplify all portions of the process, including planning and reimbursement and reconciliation, and will reduce paperwork as well. The agency hopes to have part of the system up by the end of the year and have the system fully in place by December 2003.

"Consistent with the spirit of the President's Management Agenda, we want to foster competition and innovation while providing the best value for the taxpayer," a GSA spokeswoman said.

The draft proposal describes a service that includes a Web-based travel confirmation, voucher and reimbursement system. Officials also envision the new system interfacing with the agency's financial system. GSA said federal employees would still be able to make travel arrangements by telephone and e-mail.

The Defense Department has spent eight years and more than $114 million trying to launch a similar program, known as the Defense Travel System. To date, just 20 locations are using DTS.

Comments on the draft request for proposals on the eTravel initiative can be sent by e-mail to Van.Hale@gsa.gov or Brenda.Samuels@gsa.gov, or faxed to (703) 305-7946. All comments must be received by Oct. 21.

"Offering industry and agency partners an opportunity to review the draft RFP and provide feedback …allows the government to secure the best eTravel system industry can offer," the spokeswoman said.

The eTravel initiative is one of 24 technology projects the Office of Management and Budget plans to fund over the next three years to maximize efficiency and improve customer service to citizens and businesses.