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End of the end to end? House bill would halt GSA travel-tech rollout.

Article Excerpt
The U.S. government's massive end-to-end travel initiative, which the General Services Administration has begun to roll out, would be stopped dead in its tracks if the Senate adopts legislation similar to a House funding bill passed last month. Offered by Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), ranking Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, and aimed at protecting the interests of small travel agencies, an amendment to the House Transportation, Treasury and Independent

Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2006 would prohibit funds made available in the legislation from being used by GSA to carry out its ETravel Service program, currently operating through three designated primary contractors: Carlson Wagonlit Government Travel, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems and Electronic Data Systems.

"This amendment offers more flexibility and value for the taxpayer's dollar, in addition to ensuring that the travel industry has the most efficient options available. In the end, it would return the GSA system to a more balanced approach so both large and small travel agents could bid on federal contracts--allowing federal agencies to take advantage of the exceptional quality and prices offered by small businesses for the best value of the taxpayer's dollar," Rep. Velazquez said. "Oftentimes, small businesses offer the best services at lower...

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