The procurement leadership vacuum.

This article focuses on the impact of the resignation of Stephen Perry as administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on the federal procurement community and the agency's realignment. The repercussions of Perry's resignation reverberate in two directions. Outward, his absence will affect the larger procurement community. Inward, he leaves the agency when it is in the midst of a makeover and already missing experienced leaders following a wave of retirements as of October 10, 2005. Although Perry will be leaving the agency when much work remains, he said he is confident that it will continue along the path he paved. But Perry has his share of critics. Some consultants and others close to the procurement community and GSA say that the reorganization is not going smoothly, and that many employees have low morale and are unsure of their futures. Observers are also concerned about the absence of anyone connected to procurement policy with influence from the administration of President George W. Bush.