The General Services Administration (GSA), responsible for managing government properties and providing procurement services, is undergoing a significant technological transformation under the direction of its new administrator, Stephen Ehikian, and his newly appointed Technology Transformation Services (TTS) director, Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla software engineer and Elon Musk associate. Shedd outlined an ambitious “AI-first” strategy in a Monday morning meeting with GSA employees, emphasizing the automation of internal tasks, centralization of government data, and the development of AI-powered tools for government-wide use. This vision, coupled with the recent influx of Musk associates into high-level positions within the GSA and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has sparked confusion and concern among existing GSA staff.
Shedd articulated his vision for TTS to operate like a “startup software company,” emphasizing speed, agility, and a focus on technological innovation. He outlined several projects prioritized by Ehikian, including the development of “AI coding agents” intended to streamline software development across all government agencies. Shedd’s emphasis on automation, particularly in finance-related tasks, reflects a belief that AI can significantly improve efficiency and reduce costs within the government. However, this approach has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts about the complexities and potential risks associated with automating critical government functions, particularly given the sensitive nature of government data.
Shedd’s push for a centralized data repository further underscores the focus on data-driven decision-making. While the specifics of this repository remain unclear, including its location and compliance with privacy laws, Shedd acknowledged potential legal and logistical hurdles, categorizing them as “roadblocks” while encouraging the agency to forge ahead with the project. This directive, coupled with his comparison of TTS to a financially unstable startup needing to streamline its operations, suggests a potential for rapid and potentially disruptive changes within the agency.
The meeting also shed light on the evolving relationship between TTS and the United States Digital Services (USDS), formerly known as the United States DOGE Service under the Trump administration. Shedd initially described TTS and USDS as “pillars” of a new technological strategy, implying a close integration. However, he later clarified that there were no plans for a formal merger, stating that projects would be assigned to each group based on staffing and expertise, albeit with an emphasis on future collaboration.
The influx of young engineers, many affiliated with Musk, has created unease among existing GSA staff, particularly as these newcomers initially conducted code reviews without properly identifying themselves. Shedd addressed these concerns, revealing that one engineer felt comfortable enough to introduce himself during the Monday meeting, while also expressing concern about protecting the identities and well-being of these new hires from public scrutiny. This cautious approach, coupled with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding staff resignations, return-to-office mandates, and potential workforce reductions, has fueled anxiety among GSA employees.
The Monday meeting left many questions unanswered, particularly about the future of the GSA workforce. Shedd acknowledged the likelihood of workforce cuts within TTS but declined to provide further details. When asked about potential increases in workload due to these cuts, Shedd responded that the situation remained “unclear.” This ambiguity, along with the rapid pace of change and the introduction of unfamiliar technologies and leadership figures, has created a climate of uncertainty within the GSA, leaving employees apprehensive about their roles and the future of the agency. The meeting underscores the significant transformation underway at the GSA, driven by a new leadership team with a strong focus on AI and automation, a shift that is generating both excitement and apprehension within the agency.
