The General Services Administration’s main technology vehicle, IT Schedule 70, has been fostered under the direction of Kay Ely for the last four and a half years. As Ely takes on new responsibilities as deputy assistant commissioner of Integrated Technology Services (ITS), Schedule 70 is in need of a new director.
The SES position oversees 150 procurement officials managing a $15 billion portfolio of IT contracts.
“At times, leading Schedule 70 has been the most challenging job I have ever had but it has also been the most rewarding,” Ely said in a March 9 blog post, explaining the kind of person she would like to see fill her former role.
Ely stressed the need to work in tandem with all federal agencies — as Schedule 70 is one the few governmentwide contract vehicles available to the entire government — as well as the vendor community.
“The director of Schedule 70 must be able to forge partnerships with other federal agencies and with industry,” Ely said. “The job entails a lot of communication — both internally and externally — and lots of listening, considering our stakeholders’ diverse views and ultimately finding a way to negotiate solutions that serve many.”
The prime candidate will also be adaptable, she said, able to keep Schedule 70 fresh and up-to-date in federal contracting — a world where change is often slow.
Ely cited the comparison of a speed boat to an oil tanker, with the former — the private sector — able to maneuver and adapt while the latter — government — is more methodical but has far-reaching repercussions.
“In the world of IT, Schedule 70 is that oil tanker, but with how quickly IT changes and shifts, we have to become a speedboat,” she said. “We have done some great work to make that transition and I’m so proud of what we have accomplished but our work isn’t done yet. The next person will have a great opportunity. The demands are high and so are our standards. Are you up to the challenge?”
If so, the position offers a salary between $123,000 and $170,000 and requires applicants to be eligible for top secret clearance.
A job posting on USAJobs.gov is open until March 31.
Another GSA IT appointment
Along with Ely’s promotion and the subsequent job opening, GSA also recently named Bill Zielinski director of the Office of Strategic Programs and category executive for IT.
Prior to taking the job at GSA, Zielinski served as deputy commissioner for systems and CIO at the Social Security Administration and did a stint with the Office of Management and Budget leading the Agency Oversight Team for the Office of the CIO.
