The General Services Administration (GSA) is taking a bold step towards automation, aiming to revolutionize its internal processes with artificial intelligence. This move comes at a time when the agency has experienced significant workforce reductions, losing nearly 40% of its employees under the Trump administration.
In a bid to reclaim efficiency, GSA has launched an ambitious "million hours challenge" with its internal AI tool, USAi. The goal? To automate a substantial portion of the work currently done by federal employees and contractors, freeing up time for higher-value tasks.
"We want to start with ourselves and expand as we go forward," said GSA Deputy Director Michael Lynch, emphasizing the agency's commitment to leading by example.
The project, which is already halfway to its goal, has the potential to transform not only GSA but also other federal agencies facing similar staffing challenges. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the IRS, which have also announced plans to rebuild capacity through AI, could benefit from GSA's pioneering efforts.
One of the key strategies GSA is employing is an "EOA" playbook, which stands for "eliminate, optimize, and automate." By identifying areas where technology can enhance efficiency, GSA aims to streamline its operations and make better use of its resources.
However, the path to automation is not without its challenges. GSA has faced criticism for its handling of staffing cuts, with former employees of its digital services agency, 18F, claiming retaliation by former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk. These cuts have had a ripple effect, impacting the agency's ability to manage its real estate portfolio and dispose of underutilized federal buildings.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported that deep staffing cuts at GSA's Public Buildings Service have led to challenges in accessing and preparing properties for sale. With a significant loss of staff, GSA has struggled to provide timely access and tours for potential buyers, and even had to restart the disposal process for a property due to staff turnover.
Despite these challenges, GSA remains committed to its automation journey. Deputy Director Lynch believes that by leveraging technology, the agency can not only improve efficiency but also develop its talent and solve meaningful problems across the government.
"It creates exposure to all aspects of our mission and what GSA does. It's helping our talent, and I think it's helping to solve real meaningful problems across the government," Lynch said.
As GSA continues its automation journey, it will be interesting to see how this initiative unfolds and whether it can serve as a model for other federal agencies seeking to rebuild capacity and enhance efficiency in a post-pandemic world.
