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GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy

Special Edition July 2004

http://www.gsa.gov/vehiclepolicy Vehicle

Views

In This Issue

FedFleet 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

And the Winners Are . . . . . . . . 6

From the West Coast. . . . . . . . 8

An Insider’s Guide 

to New York City . . . . . . . . . . . 9

To Whom Do I Inquire?

Who Does What in MTV. . . . 11

Upcoming Changes to the

Medium and Heavy Truck 

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Changes to FAST . . . . . . . . . 13

U.S. Government 

License Plates in the 

District of Columbia . . . . . . . 14

The FedFleet 2004 Planning Committee welcomes you to this

year’s event and to The Big Apple. We will go out of our way to

make your time with us as pleasant as possible. We hope you

enjoy your stay and learn a lot.

Welcome to This Year’s

Premier 

Federal Fleet Event!

Vehicle

Views
2

VehicleViews

Hi, I’m Gary Lind with the U.S.

Navy. 

I wish you smooth sailing at FedFleet

2004 Let me know if there is anything I

can help you with!

Hi, I’m Renee Johnson with

GSA, Governmentwide Policy.

Day after day, I'm known as Renee

We've put forth our heart and soul 

And it has been our primary goal

When planning this event, 

To ensure your time here is well spent!

Hi, I’m Martha Kobliska with

the U.S. Marshals Service.

Throughout this event, it is you

we aim to please

So don’t be surprised if I approach you

with my camera

And ask you to “smile” and say

"cheese!”

Hi, I’m John “the Q-Man”

Adams with GSA,

Governmentwide Policy. 

I’ll be around everyday helping direct this

show 

To keep you on the go!

They call me “Q” and if you’re new to the

event I want to meet you!

Hi, I’m Sharon Greer with the

U.S. Postal Service. We’re in a

big town

Yes that’s true

And there’s much going on all around

If you need a hand, I’m here for you!

Hi, I’m John Hughes with GSA.

I’m not a stand-in for Santa

Claus

But I’m just as jolly as can be 

Stop by booth #368 

and say hello to me!

Planning Committee members not shown in the photos: 2004 FedFleet Planning Committee Debra Hazelton and lander Allin, GSA Fleet
VehicleViews

3

Hi, I’m Dave Eckberg with A-SK Associates, Conference

Management Group.

I’m a long way from home

I don’t think I’m in Kansas anymore!

Hi, I’m Marcerto Barr with

GSA, Governmentwide Policy. 

Greetings from Mrs. Barr

I can’t wait to join you in looking at all

the cars!

I’ll be working hard as part of the

audiovisual teamMay your time here be

like a sweet dream!

Hi, I’m Nathaniel Reed with

GSA, Governmentwide Policy.

Everyone calls me Nate,

I’m part of the team that has planned for

months to make this event great.

I am based in Oakland on the West Coast,

and I’m pleased to be one of your hosts.

Hi, I’m Krista Freer with GSA,

Governmentwide Policy. 

Hello Miss or Mister

My name is Krista

To FedFleet I'm new

So on behalf of the crew, can I help you?

Hi, I’m Laurie Feld with GSA,

Governmentwide Policy. 

Hi, my name is Laurie

Would you like to hear a story?

In FedFleet I was born to lead 

To fulfill your every professional need

We are here, me and my crew 

To make this a most memorable event for

you!

Hi, I’m Cy Greenidge with GSA,

Governmentwide Policy. 

It’s my first time helping out 

So although I may not have any clout,

without a doubt,

Together we’ll figure it out!

2004 FedFleet Planning Committee
VehicleViews

4

Greetings FedFleet 2004 Participants:

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the FedFleet 2004Workshop and

Information Fair. My office is pleased to sponsor this year’s event with the

Federal Fleet Policy Council and GSA Fleet. 

We are very happy to have you join us! You have a busy week ahead of you with

five general sessions, 48 workshop training sessions, two networking receptions,

and a considerable amount of exhibit hall time. 

This is a very significant time for all of us in the Federal fleet community. Fleet

management is now a priority of the Office of Management and Budget. As a

result, the Fleet Management Review Initiative is a major focus of FedFleet 2004. It

is the ideal venue to familiarize yourself with the Initiative. The agenda has been

set-up to help you prepare for where the management and operation of the

Federal fleet is headed. 

With the Federal fleet receiving more visibility, let’s use this to our advantage. We

can use our expertise and experience to correct longstanding problems. We have

the unique opportunity to enact major and beneficial change. This will create a

more positive, efficient, and effective Federal fleet environment as well as impact

the overall performance of the federal government.

Be sure to visit with all of the exhibitors to discuss the challenges you face and

how they can provide the assistance you need. We appreciate the support and

participation of our exhibitors.

Take advantage of all FedFleet 2004 offers you over the next three days. I hope

you learn a lot, meet many new associates, have a lot of fun, and return to work

with a fresh perspective and ready to implement change. 

Enjoy your stay and experience some of The Big Apple’s terrific sightseeing and

cultural offerings.

Best regards,

Russ H. Pentz

Director

Vehicle Management Policy Division

GSA, Office of Governmentwide Policy
VehicleViews

5

Dear FedFleet 2004 Participants:

Welcome to New York City and FedFleet 2004!

GSA Fleet is very proud to be a sponsor of

this event. FedFleet is a wonderful

opportunity for you to learn and network with

other fleet managers and vendors. Enjoy

your week. Relax, have fun and take

advantage of the time you have with your

peers in the Federal fleet community. If you

have a policy, acquisition or leasing matter

you'd like to discuss, please stop by the

GSA exhibit booth (#331). One of our

associates will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely:

Bill Webster

Bill Webster

Director, GSA Fleet
VehicleViews

6

The Awards Ceremony Breakfast on Thursday, July

22nd will honor this year’s winners. Congratulations

to the following individuals for their

accomplishments. Please refer to the FedFleet 2004 Final

Program for more information about each Award and each

of the winners.

MSgt Rick D. Armstead

of the U.S. Air Force is the

EPAct Award Winner.

Master Sergeant Rick D.

Armstead serves as an Air

Force (AF) focal point for all

policy, doctrine and guidance

relating to aircraft and ground

fuels used in support of the

United States Air Force’s

diverse mission. Within this

capacity, Sergeant Armstead

is directly responsible for alternative fuels used to support

the AF’s 82,000 plus motor vehicle fleet, valued in excess of

$2.1 billion. Additionally, Sergeant Armstead

developes/coordinates AF policy and training for the 6,800

military and civilian personnel within the AF Fuels’ career

field, and advises senior AF leadership on fuel issues.

Sergeant Armstead is a staunch supporter of alternative

fuels and fuel conservation, and has been a singular driving

force within the AF’s alternative fuel program.

Sergeant Armstead’s relentless support of alternative fuels

began during his assignment at Robins AFB, Georgia, where

he took the lead in implementing an “alternative-fuel-only”

use policy. All alternative fuel vehicles were issued Vehicle

Identification Links that would only allow alternative fuel

use, completely eliminating the use of conventional

petroleum based products.

Due in part to Sergeant Armstead’s zealous management of

Biodiesel implementation, the AF attained, for the first time,

compliance with EPAct and EO 13149 acquisition mandate of

75 percent...a record 97 percent for 2003.

Through the extraordinary actions of Sergeant Armstead ,

the United States Air Force’s alternative fuel program has

dramatically improved, and will continue to improve in the

future.

Mr. John Joneikes of the

U.S. Navy is the Bob Baker

Federal Fleet Manager

Award Winner for Large

Fleets.

As the fleet manager of the

Transportation Department

at Navy Public Works

Center, Jacksonville, Florida

(PWC JAX), Mr. John

Joneikis is responsible for a

246 person workforce of

government and contracting

personnel, an annual budget of over $21M and the

operations and maintenance of 2,658 Civil Engineering

Support Equipment valued at $400M within the Navy Region

Southeast.

Some of Mr. Joneikis accomplishments are:

• Provided Basin and Rail Operations support, which

included over 25% of the equipment and 80% of the

munitions used, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;

• Within 96 hours of the initial request, PWC JAX prepped

26 pieces of support equipment (buses, vans, sedans,

etc...) and staged at Blount Island Command for further

shipment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in direct support of

Operation Enduring Freedom;

• In the past four years, his Alternate Fuel Vehicle (AFV)

Fleet has increased from 35 assets to 250; and

• As an active member of a Business Case Analysis

(BCA) team that analyzed and recommended eliminating

the use of floating cranes at NS Mayport and shift to

using land based mobile cranes. These smart decisions

saved the Navy over $2M over the past two years.

Mr. Joneikis is a self-motivated, forward thinking and

mission-oriented manager whose performance is

highlighted by dynamic leadership, vision, foresight and

impressive organizational and management ability. His

contagious enthusiasm and unrelenting drive elicit high

productivity, cohesiveness and spirit.

And the Winners Are...
VehicleViews

7

Mr. John Aracich of the

U.S. Navy is the Bob Baker

Federal Fleet Manager

Award Winner for Small

Fleets.

As the Supervisory

Automotive Transportation

Specialist (Transportation

Director), Mr. John Aracich

is responsible for the

leadership of 87 personnel

working in management

areas, operational services,

and maintenance functions at NAS Sigonella.

Transportation equipment under his control includes 487

pieces. Financial resources under his purview include $6.2M

(equipment fleet capital cost), $2.5M (civilian and military

annual labor cost), and $2.3M (annual material, parts, fuel,

and vehicle lease costs).

Some of Mr. Aracich accomplishments Includes:

• Flawlessly managed the transportation fleet and

supported all requirements during Operation Iraqi

Freedom, despite the vacancy of both the Equipment

Operator Chief and Construction Mechanic Chief billets;

• In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he coordinated

with the Weapons Department in the successful

movement and completion of 1190 mishap-free ordnance

and material lifts totaling 2,300 tons in direct support of

the U.S. Sixth Fleet operations;

• Orchestrated the transportation of over 1500 military

personnel and their gear in support of Operation Iraqi

Freedom, ensuring all personnel were in position for

further movement into the theater despite sometimes

hourly schedule changes; and

• Managed the recovery and repairs to a TA-3000 airfield

crash fire truck which was overturned during training. He

repaired the truck with in-house shop resources, saving

an estimated $110K in contract repair costs.

Mr. Aracich exhibits exceptional professionalism, initiative,

innovation, and vision. He is an effective leader who

motivates his troops to meet challenging and crisis

situations. Most noteworthy, is his ability to motivate his

subordinates over the long-term. He possesses

irrepressible integrity and commitment to excellence.

They will receive their awards at the Awards Breakfast at

The Fourth National Federal Fleet Manager Workshop and

Information Fair in New York, New York on July 22, 2004. ■

GSA recycles!

Acknowledging is Encouraging - THANK YOU

We would like to express our Thanks to those agencies that submitted nominations for the EPAct and the Bob Baker

Fleet Manager of the Year Awards. Also, we wish to give a special Thank You to the individuals who volunteered and

served on the selection committee. Those were, Paul Grisby (EPA), Willie Davis (DOI), Rick Lanham (Marshals Service),

Joe Gerhart (TSA), and Dionne Askew (USDA). Their job was not easy since there were many extremely well qualified

nominees.
VehicleViews

8

The General Services

Administration, Office of

Governmentwide Policy,

Vehicle Management Policy

Division (MTV) continues its

unwavering support of local

FedFleet chapters. There are

chapters in San Francisco,

California; Seattle, Washington;

Portland, Oregon/Vancouver,

Washington; Anchorage, Alaska;

Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, Idaho;

Norfolk, Virginia; Fairbanks, Alaska;

and Kansas City, Missouri. 

Through the establishment of these

local FedFleet chapters, we are

opening and improving the lines of

communication between

organizations. They allow Federal

fleet managers and vehicle

operators, at the field level, to

address their concerns and to be

actively involved when there is

proposed policy changes affecting

the Federal fleet community. Thus,

providing added valuable and real

world experiences to the decisionmaking processes of future fleet

policy and developing userfriendlier Federal vehicle fleet

policies. 

Since MTV support for local

FedFleet Chapters continues to

grow, efforts are underway to

initiate additional chapters

throughout the major metropolitan

areas within the USA. The benefits

are endless, would your area benefit

from a local FedFleet chapter? ■

From the West Coast

By Nate Reed, West Coast Representative, 

Vehicle Management Policy Division, Office of Governmentwide Policy,

U.S. General Services Administration

Be sure to stop by exhibit booth #331.

GSA Fleet, Automotive, and Office of Governmentwide Policy are

sharing this booth space. Representatives will be available to talk

to you about the innovative things each office can do to help you

do your best everyday.

Information about FedFleet 2005 and 2006 is available on www.fedfleet.org. 

Check back often for updates and details.

Be sure to stop by exhibit booth #368.

It’s the right place to be to learn the “who, what, where, when, and

why” regarding the Federal Fleet Policy Council (FEDFLEET). 

What is it? What can it do for you? Why should you be a member?

Where does the Council meet? When are the meetings? 

You’ll get the answers to these questions and a whole lot more.

You’ll meet the current council members who are eager to talk to

you about the benefits of the Council.

FEDERAL FLEET POLICY COUNCIL
VehicleViews

9

• You’ll notice that New Yorkers think

fast, walk fast, and talk even faster.

We love our City and are very

enthusiastic about it – just ask

anyone of us! And we are probably

the friendliest people you will ever

meet – so do not hesitate to ask us

for directions. 

• Don’t forget a camera – you’ll want

to capture on film all of the great

things you see.

• Take advantage of the fact that our

headquarter hotel is directly across

the street from the NYC Visitor

Information Center. What a

tremendous resource for all visitors

on everything there is to do and see

in NYC.

• Take a ride on the NYC transit

buses or subways, like a “Native

New Yorker”. If you take the bus

you’ll be able to take in the sites by

looking out the windows! Be sure to

have your MetroCard in-hand. 

• Keep an eye out for street vendors,

who sell a wide array of items at

great prices, like wallets,

pocketbooks, scarves, watches,

jewelry, t-shirts, and photos of

famous NYC sites.

• Take a leisurely stroll or horsedrawn carriage ride through

Central Park. 

• Sit back and relax on a Circle Line

cruise around Manhattan Island.

• Visit the top of the Empire State

Building. The 360-degree view from

the Observation Desk is incredible.

You’ll feel like you are on top of the

world! The view at sunset is

especially spectacular. Make sure

you visit when the air is clear;

otherwise the view is not as good (it

really does make a difference).

• The NYC Public Library (on 5th

Avenue & 42nd Street) dates back

to 1911. Aside from its beautiful

rooms inside, you’ll want to check

out the world-renowned pair of

marble lions that stand in front of

the Library. Bet you didn’t know

their names are Patience and

Fortitude. It’s a great place for a

photograph!

• Catch a baseball game in “the

house that Ruth built”. Yankee

Stadium is located at 161st Street

and River Avenue in the Bronx. Take

the #4 subway (or the D or B

[weekdays only]) to the 161st Street

/ Yankee Stadium station, which is

right outside the Stadium. 

A subway ride from midtown

Manhattan takes less than 25

minutes. 

• Catch a Mets game at Shea

Stadium is located at 123-01

Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing

(Queens) (phone: 718-507-METS).

The #7 IRT Flushing Line Subway

goes directly to Shea Stadium; the

station stop is called Willets Point /

Shea Stadium.

• Take a look at the recently revitalized

Grand Central Station, which is

one Manhattan’s most important

landmarks and is a major rail

station. It’s in the heart of midtown

Manhattan at 42nd Street and Park

Avenue. It contains 50 retail shops,

22 restaurants, and a host of fresh

foods at the Grand Central Market. 

• Take the ferry to Ellis Island. The

Statue of Liberty is scheduled to

re-open this summer (specific date

to be determined).

• Grab a slice of pizza or a bagel –

you won’t find any better anywhere

else.

An Insider’s Guide to 

New York City (NYC)

So you haven’t been to

NYC before, but you

always wanted to visit?

Well, now that you’re here,

what are you going to do

about it? 

Or, you’ve been here before

and now you’re back for more.

I bet you haven’t seen

everything you wanted to.

There is always something to

see and do in “the city that

never sleeps”.

NYC has something to offer

everyone, literally 24 hours a

day, seven days a week. The

dining and sightseeing

possibilities are considered

the best in the world. There is

so much right outside your

door. Take advantage of this

convenience. Be sure to just

get out there, walk the streets,

and discover what a terrific

place it truly is. 

NYC has it all! There are too

many attractions to mention

in this short document so

here are just a few hints from

a “real” New Yorker. ■

Continued on page 10
VehicleViews

10

• Catch a show on-Broadway or offBroadway.

• Enjoy some incredible nightlife or

live entertainment.

• Sharing a taxi ride with some

friends will save you some money –

it’s the same fare for one to four

people.

• View impressive artwork at a

museum, like the Metropolitan

Museum, Museum of Natural

History, or the Guggenheim.

• Shop and then shop some more at

the legendary Garment District or

Madison and Fifth Avenues. Macy’s

on 34th Street is the world’s largest

department store.

• Take a walk through the quaint area

of Little Italy and you’ll be

delighted by the irresistible aromas

of the Italian bakeries and

restaurants, which can satisfy any

appetite. The heart of Little Italy is

Mulberry Street.

• Take a walk through Chinatown,

which is right next to Little Italy. On

its narrow streets you’ll find

hundreds of restaurants servings

every imaginable type of Chinese

cuisine as well as galleries and

shops. The heart of Chinatown is

Canal Street. 

• Don’t forget the CityPass Program

– visit six famous attractions once

for one low price. It is an

unbelievable deal!

(http://citypass.net) 

• There is so much to do on the 900

foot-long aircraft carrier U.S.S.

Intrepid. 

•• Tour the British Airways

Concorde, the ultimate in luxury

air travel and the world’s only

supersonic passenger aircraft. 

•• Pilot an F-18 hornet

•• Ride the G-Force Encounter flight

simulator thrill ride

•• Take the Special Forces

Challenge at the brand new Rock

Climbing Wall

•• Enjoy a behind the scenes look at

flight deck operations aboard a

modern aircraft carrier in the

complimentary film “Intrepid

Wings”

• The Chelsea Piers Sports &

Entertainment Complex is

located between 17th & 23rd Streets

along the Hudson River in

Manhattan (phone: 212-336-6800).

Take either the M23 or M14 bus to

Chelsea Piers. It is a 30-acre

waterfront sports and recreation

village. This incredible place

features a golf driving range &

teaching center, roller- and iceskating rinks, bowling center,

batting cages, and facilities for

gymnastics, dance, rock climbing,

martial arts, soccer, and basketball.

There are also on-site restaurants,

dining cruises, and sports shops.

• The lower tip of Manhattan is also

called Lower Manhattan or

Downtown. It is where the East and

Hudson Rivers meet. This area is

also where New York City began.

And believe it or not, it was also our

nation’s first capital (the “Federal

Hall Memorial” is the spot where

George Washington took his oath

as America’s first President).

Lower Manhattan has become the

financial capital of the world, the

heart of which is Wall Street, the

New York Stock Exchange, and the

Federal Reserve Bank.

• For “Seinfeld” fans (myself

included), NYC is the place for you. 

•• Kramer’s Reality Tour: Join

the “real” Kramer for a hysterical,

historical, and informative tour

through the world of “Seinfeld”.

Come hang-out with everyone’s

favorite neighbor!

(www.kennykramer.com) (phone:

212-268-5525) 

•• The Coffee Shop: Is actually

“Tom’s Restaurant”. It originally

became famous when mentioned

in the song “Tom’s Diner” by

Suzanne Vega. Located at 2880

Broadway (on the Upper

Westside of Manhattan in the

Morningside Heights

neighborhood). Take the #1 or #9

subway line to the 116th Street /

Columbia University / Broadway

station (phone: 212-864-6137).

•• The Soup Nazi: Is actually

“Soup Kitchen International”. It

is closed during the summer and

on weekends, so you’ll have to

visit on your next trip to NYC.

Located at 259A West 55th Street

(between 8th Avenue &

Broadway) (phone: 212-757-7730).

• For John Lennon fans, you can stop

by “Strawberry Fields”, which is a

section of Central Park that pays

tribute to the late Beetles member.

“The Dakota”, the place where

John Lennon lived, is also located

right near the Park.

• To pay your respects at “Ground

Zero”, take the E subway line to the

World Trade Center station or the R

or W subway line to the Cortlandt

Street / Church Street station.

Please note, this Insider’s Guide is

presented purely for your enjoyment

and convenience. And it is submitted

respectfully by Laurie S. Feld (FedFleet

Project Manager). Hope you find the

Guide useful and fun. And may your

stay in NYC be unforgettable and

delightful. ■

GUIDE from page 9
VehicleViews

11

RUSS PENTZ

DIRECTOR (202) 208-0572 

Connie Aaron (202) 208-7634

• Fleet Review Initiative

• Special Projects

John Q. Adams (20) 501-0758

• Clean Cities

• AFV Issues

• Special Projects

Laurie S. Feld (202) 219-1821 

• FedFleet Workshop & Information Fair

Krista Freer (202) 208-0372

• FedFleet Workshop & Information Fair

• Local FedFleet chapter meetings

• Quarterly FedFleet meetings

Ed Lawler (202) 501-3354 

• Fleet Review Initiatve (backup)

• Management Information Systems

• Backup of FAST/Fleet Report 

• Special Projects

Mike Moses (202) 501-2507

• FAST Coordinator for GSA

• Coordinator for OMB motor vehicle reporting

• Federal Fleet Report

• Chair of FAST Fleet Review Program Initiative

• Federal License Plate Program

• Regulations

• Special Projects

Jacquie C. Perry (202) 501-3347 

• Vehicle Views Newsletter Editor

• Fleet Management Desk Reference 

• Fleet Awards

• Special Projects

Stewart Randall (202) 501-4469 

• Reviews Alternative Fuels Issues that may require

procedural or regulatory changes 

• Legislation and Regulations

Nate Reed (510) 637-4640 

• Establishes Local FedFleet Chapters in the West

• Coordinates Local FedFleet Chapter Quarterly

Meetings

• Participates in Local Clean Cities Coalitions and

other Fleet Oriented Organizations

• Coordinates the Recruitment of Vendor/Exhibitors for

FedFleet National Fleet Manager Workshops and

Information Fairs

Myles Schulberg (202) 208-7642

• Local FedFleet Chapter Programs Coordinator

• Fleet Review Initiative

• FAST

• Special Projects

To Whom Do I Inquire? 

Who Does What in MTV: 
VehicleViews

12

Nearly three years ago, GSA Automotive changed

the procurement method covering the Medium

and Heavy Truck program from a multi-vendor

program to a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). The

move was made to allow more flexibility in adding new

product lines, administer price changes and to allow

customers to conduct the complete procurement process

directly with the schedule contractors. 

However, after working with the MAS contracts, we

discovered issues associated with timeliness and

administration. We also found that most customers still

preferred to place orders through GSA Automotive. 

To ensure timely contract awards, we are removing the

Medium and Heavy trucks from GSA Multiple Award

Schedule 23 V and returning to a multi-vendor, indefinite

delivery/indefinite quantity program effective October 1,

2004. You may continue to use MAS Schedules for Medium

and Heavy trucks thru September 30, 2004. GSA will be

issuing a solicitation on or about July 1, 2004, with fixed

price contract awards anticipated to be available on

AutoChoice on or about October 1, 2004. All vehicles

awarded will meet the new Federal Vehicle Standards in

effect at time of award. Our standard 1% processing fee

will apply to all Medium and Heavy truck orders placed.

While under the MAS program, GSA did not provide

vehicle inspection to vehicles ordered directly through the

contractor. Starting October 1, 2004, all vehicles ordered

under the multi-vendor program will now be inspected by

GSA before delivery to the customer. For those customers

that have been placing orders directly with the

contractors, you will have to resume placing your orders

through GSA Automotive via AutoChoice

www.autochoice.gsa.gov. 

If you require assistance or have questions, contact GSA

Automotive’s Customer CARE hotline at (703) 308-CARS

(2277) or email at vehiclebuying@gsa.gov. ■

Upcoming Changes to the 

Medium and Heavy Truck Program
VehicleViews

13

GSA’s Vehicle Management

Policy Division is adding

budget reporting to the

Federal Automotive Statistical Tool

(FAST) this year.

The Federal Automotive Statistical

Tool (FAST) is an Internet-based

reporting tool that collects motor

vehicle inventory, cost, utilization,

and fuel data from Federal agencies

to support GSA’s annual Federal

Motor Vehicle Report and the

Department of Energy’s alternative

fuel reporting requirements. GSA,

Energy, and the Energy Information

Agency jointly developed the system.

Until now, FAST collected a

“snapshot” of the Federal motor

vehicle fleet as of September 30th of

each year. Starting this year, there

will be significant changes to FAST

in the level of data reported and also

in the way that agencies classify their

motor vehicles.

The most significant change will be

the inclusion of agency motor vehicle

budget reporting to support the

Office of Management and Budget’s

annual A-11 Budget process.

Previously, this requirement was part

of each agency’s A-11 budget

package prepared most often by

agency budget offices. Starting this

year, the motor vehicle portion of the

A-11 will be prepared by agency Fleet

Managers in FAST and submitted

electronically to their budget offices

who will then submit it directly to

OMB. Because of these changes, all

agencies that operate motor vehicle

fleets must report this data through

FAST, regardless of the number of

vehicle involved. Failure to report the

A-11 FAST data may impact funding

for future motor vehicle operations.

The OMB A-11 submissions will

differ from the regular FAST data

input because it will include forecast

data for future years instead of static

numbers for the prior year and

include narratives explaining

changes in fleet size or costs and

vehicle allocation methodology. New

input screens have been developed

for the OMB portion of FAST. The

usual FAST data will still be entered

by all agencies, regardless of fleet

size. .

There will also be changes to vehicle

classifications in FAST, adding

categories for sport utility vehicles

(SUVs) and passenger vans, plus

additional clarifications for law

enforcement and armored vehicles.

Special purpose vehicles will not be

separated into a separate category

anymore, as these vehicles will be

reported in the appropriate vehicle

type and weight classification

categories. There will be a new

category for emergency response and

fire apparatus vehicles. These

changes may affect agency

exemptions under EPACT and the

Executive Order for alternative fuel

vehicle reporting requirements.

A major shift in the way that

agencies report data into both the

regular FAST input screens and the

new OMB forecast screens is that

operating inventory will now be

reported instead of just a static

snapshot of the inventory. The

operating inventory is defined as the

vehicles now in use by each agency.

This does not include new motor

vehicles received, but waiting

assignment, nor does it include motor

vehicles removed from assignment

and waiting disposal. Basically, the

operating inventory is what each

agency actually uses to complete its

mission.

As you can see, the changes in

FAST this year will present many

new challenges for Fleet Managers

this year. Agency and Bureau Fleet

Managers are encouraged to work

closely with their budget offices

before and during the reporting

process to ensure a smooth

transition to the new OMB A-11

reporting procedure. The changes

also present new challenges for

those agencies that do not have

detailed management information

systems in place for their fleets that

collect the level of data needed for

the efficient management of these

assets. GSA MTV will present two

breakout sessions during FedFleet

2004, so be sure you have these on

your agenda to get the latest scoop

on FAST and to have your questions

answered. As in the past, GSA and

the Department of Energy will

sponsor FAST conference call

training sessions before the FAST

data call. 

Additional assistance may be

obtained by contacting Michael

Moses of GSA’s Vehicle Management

Policy Division at (202) 501-2507 or

email at mike.moses@gsa.gov.

Representative from GSA are

available to meet individually with

your agency to discuss your agency’s

FAST submissions or to assist your

agency in developing successful

management information systems to

support your fleet operations. ■

Changes to FAST
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14

Federal motor vehicles operating or housed in the

District of Columbia are no longer required to obtain

license plates from the District of Columbia

Department of Transportation.

Federal Management Regulation 102-34.170 currently

requires all Federal agencies with motor vehicles primarily

housed or operated within the District of Columbia (DC)

to register these vehicles with the DC Department of

Transportation (DOT), to use official U.S. Government

license plates issued by the DC DOT, and to have these

vehicles inspected for safety defects at DC inspection

facilities. These procedures were set forth by a DC Code

that was initially a Congressional

requirement, therefore mandating Federal

agency compliance. On January 22, 2001,

the District of Columbia amended this

code, thus canceling the Congressional

mandate for Federal agencies to use

these special license plates. As a

result, these special licensing

procedures are no longer required.

Federal agencies no longer need

to obtain the special license

plates (usually having a prefix

of “US”) from the DC

Government, nor do they

have to register motor

vehicles owned or leased with

the DC DOT, or have them inspected

for mechanical defects. Federal agencies

that currently have these DC-issued license

plates should turn them in to the DC DOT and place

their own agency license plates that have their particular

agency prefix code on these motor vehicles. 

These changes do not affect motor vehicles exempted

from the display of official identification and license

plates in accordance with FMR 102-34.180, 102-34.195, and

102-34.200. However, if an unmarked motor vehicle also

has U.S. Government license plates issued by the DC

DOT, these plates will be returned to the DC DOT. Once

an unmarked motor vehicle returns to service that requires

marking and official identification, the owning agency will

install the official license plates assigned to that agency.

These changes do not affect Federal agency compliance

with mandatory emission inspections of any State,

including the District of Columbia, or requirements levied

against agencies requiring State license plates for

unmarked motor vehicles. These changes will be reflected

in an upcoming amendment to FMR 102-34.

Please contact Michael Moses at (202) 501-2507 or at email

mike.moses@gsa.gov if you have any questions on this or

any motor vehicle issue. ■

U.S. Government License Plates 

in the District of Columbia
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15
U.S. General Services Administration

GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy

Federal Vehicle Policy Division (MTV)

Washington, DC 20405

______________________________________

Official Business

Penalty For Private Use $300

First Class Mail

Postage and Fees Paid

GSA

Permit No. G-30

http://www.gsa.gov

Federal Vehicle

Policy Division

(MTV)

The Federal Vehicle Policy

Division’s mission is to

ensure the effective and

efficient use of the Federal

Government’s 590,000 motor

vehicles and the expenditure of

close to $2 billion annually on fleet

operations through innovative

policies, adoption of best

practices, effective

communication, and leading edge

technologies.

Director

Russ Pentz

(202) 208-0572

Connie Aaron

(202) 208-7634

John (Q) Adams

(202) 501-0758

Laurie Feld

(202) 219-1821

Krista Freer

(202) 208-0372

Ed Lawler

(202) 501-3354

Mike Moses

(202) 501-2507

Jacquie Perry

(202) 501-3347

Stewart Randall

(202) 501-4469

Nate Reed

(510) 482-8904

Myles Schulberg

(202) 208-7642

Please address your questions or comments concerning Vehicle Views to

the editor: Jacquie C. Perry (202) 501-3347 or by e-mail to

Jacquie.Perry@gsa.gov

Graphic Design: Tom Pearlman

GSA Office of Citizen Services and Communications

16

VehicleViews