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MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Designation of Officers of the General Services Administration to Act as Administrator of General Services

This memorandum establishes the order of succession for acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) in case both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator are unable to serve. It supersedes a 2002 memorandum and lists six GSA officials in priority order to assume acting duties under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 59161

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register directed

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession for GSA Administrator position
  • List six officials in designated priority order
  • Exclude acting officials from succession by virtue of acting service
  • Require eligibility under Federal Vacancies Reform Act
  • Preserve Presidential discretion to depart from this memorandum
  • Supersede March 19, 2002 memorandum
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Succession order takes effect upon signing
  • Prior 2002 memorandum superseded immediately

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Establishes enduring succession framework for GSA leadership continuity

Risks & tensions

  • Succession depth extends to regional administrators, raising questions about operational preparedness of geographically dispersed officials for agency-wide leadership
  • Presidential discretion clause in Section 2(c) preserves flexibility but creates potential uncertainty if invoked
  • No requirement for Senate confirmation or specific qualifications beyond Vacancies Act eligibility for successors
Presidential Memorandum: Designation of Officers of the General Services Administration to Act as Administrator of General Services · Executive Orders