U.S. Government Services

A PROUD RELOCATION MANAGEMENT PROVIDER TO THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY

Since 1984, Sirva, dba BGRS, Inc. (“BGRS”), has been a trusted advisor and partner to the nation’s top federal agencies. Our decades-long history of serving the U.S. government is backed by our unparalleled experience in conforming to both the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and our deep understanding of the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) stringent relocation policy requirements and guidelines.

Since the award of our first Government contract in 1984, we have supported 40+ federal and quasi-governmental agencies and managed more than 147,500 U.S. federal moves. We have also expertly handled 280,000 moves for the Canadian Government over the past 15 years.

OUR EXPERIENCE HAS YOU COVERED

As the relocation industry’s leading federal contractor, we offer complete, reliable relocation services in full compliance with the GSA Schedule 48 and all U.S. government contracting requirements. We value our long-standing relationship with the U.S. government and take our responsibility to the federal agencies and employees we serve seriously.

Highlighting our experience and leadership in serving the government sector, we have proudly played a key role in the following federal community forums for many years:

Senior Executives Association (SEA) Corporate Advisory Council: Serve as an advocate for our government clients’ relocation interests to federal leaders.
Government Relocation Advisory Board (GRAB): Served as an active member focused on transforming the relocation provisions of the FTR.

Our agency clients are governed by the highest ethical standards and quality control elements:

GOVERNMENT-TRAINED AND GOVERNMENT-CLEARED PERSONNEL:

All dedicated team members are U.S. citizens and hold or are in the process of obtaining Position of Public Trust security clearances.

STRINGENT SECURITY PROTOCOLS:

All systems, facilities, personnel, and data accessibility are U.S-based and carefully constructed to adhere to government standards and protect the sensitive information entrusted to us.

SECURE RELOCATION MANAGEMENT PORTAL:

Adheres to the highest global standards for data security with multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and user-level validation.

PROPRIETARY GCERTIFIED™ PROGRAM:

All dedicated government team members and service partners are required to participate in a Sirva, dba BGRS-developed course to learn FTR/FAR requirements and understand government culture.

Sirva, dba BGRS, Inc., stands as a steadfast and proud relocation service partner to the U.S. government. With a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and unparalleled service, we have consistently demonstrated its ability to meet the unique needs and challenges of government-sponsored relocations. Through innovative solutions, rigorous adherence to compliance, and a dedicated team of professionals, we ensure that every relocation undertaken in partnership with the U.S. government is executed with precision and care.

MORE THAN A MOVER

In addition to providing relocation management services, we play a pivotal role in supporting U.S. federal government agencies in crafting relocation strategies that seamlessly integrate with overarching talent management objectives. By leveraging our expertise and experience in mobility solutions, we ensure that relocation initiatives align closely with broader talent management goals.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI):

We help our government clients create mobility programs that prioritize DEI through services like cultural training, which is designed to introduce employees to the customs, traditions, and social norms of their new destination, helping them navigate disparate environments and foster inclusive interactions with colleagues and community members.

SPOUSE AND PARTNER ASSISTANCE:

We provide personalized services to help facilitate integration into the new community, such as mentor and support networks and career assistance, which may include resume writing and interviewing, introductions/networking opportunities, and traditional job placement services in the destination location.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT:

We support a mobile employee's career advancement through a range of relocation service solutions and policies designed to facilitate professional growth and development. We enable mobile employees to seamlessly transition to new roles and opportunities while supporting their long-term professional success within the organization.

Employee Retention:

We contribute to our government clients’ employee retention by facilitating smooth transitions and providing personalized support throughout the relocation process, enhancing job satisfaction, maintaining loyalty, and safeguarding institutional knowledge.

By connecting relocations with these critical goals, Sirva, dba BGRS, not only facilitates efficient moves but also actively contributes to the long-term success and effectiveness of U.S. federal government agencies' talent management strategies.

As we look towards the future, we remain unwavering in our dedication to facilitating seamless transitions for government employees and their families, thereby upholding our shared commitment to service, integrity, and excellence.

Sirva Experienced Government Solutions Provider

RELOCATION SERVICES

We have been authorized by the GSA to provide the following relocation services to the federal government under Schedule Title: Transportation, Delivery & Relocation Services; SIN 531 (Schedule 48); Contract number: GS-33F-001HA.

The following Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) outlines the Special Item Numbers (SINs) we are approved to provide to the U.S. government:

home sale

653-1 Home Sale

entitlement Counseling

653-4 Entitlement Counseling

marketing

653-1B Marketing Assistance

agency services

653-5 Agency Customizes Services

property management

653-5 Property Management

move management

653-7 Move Management

For a complete history and listing of services, please refer to our GSA-Approved Catalog.

How to Navigate Potential Strikes at U.S. Ports

Published: Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Sirva Communications

The prospect of upcoming labor strikes at U.S. ports reinforces the significance of strikes for household goods and relocating employees. Following are details on the potential U.S. port strike, some options to consider, as well as long-term strategies for future events.

Potential U.S. Port Strike Looming

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents approximately 45,000 workers, has threatened to strike on October 1, 2024, if a new contract is not reached.

Key issues for negotiations include the use of automated systems like Auto Gate and the increasing presence of IT personnel on marine terminals. The ILA has stated they will not extend the current contract or accept external intervention, including from the Biden Administration.

This potential strike could impact several major ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, including Charleston, Houston, Miami, Mobile, New Jersey, New York, Norfolk and, Savannah.

Items to consider in the case of a port strike:

Use air freight for essential items while waiting for the household goods shipment to arrive.
Extend temporary housing terms for relocating employees.
Hold goods in temporary storage at an origin or destination warehouse to prevent higher costs at the port such as chassis, detention/demurrage or port storage.
Use alternative ports – for example, the West Coast of the U.S. should still be operating as an alternative option, but if the strike is extended these ports will quickly become overwhelmed and congested. Please note that Canadian or Mexican ports are not an option for household goods shipments with an ultimate destination in the U.S. due to customs clearance restrictions.

Sirva’s global household goods operations team flags potential strikes, and are alerted regarding any shipment being sent from or arriving to impacted ports so steps can be taken to minimize expense and disruption.

The Potential Impact of Port Strikes on Relocation Shipments

Port strikes can delay the shipment of household goods, complicating relocation schedules for employees and their families. Key concerns include:

Shipping delays for household goods: When port operations slow or halt, employees' household belongings can get stuck in transit, causing delays in settling into new homes.
Higher transportation costs: To avoid port disruptions, shipping providers may need to reroute goods via more expensive options like air freight, leading to budget increases.
Logistical challenges: Finding alternative transportation methods quickly enough to stay on schedule can be a logistical nightmare without a reliable partner in place.

How to Prepare: Steps for Managing Household Goods Shipments

Following are a few strategies to minimize stress for employees and mobility teams:

Diversify your shipping routes and methods.
For critical moves, consider alternate ports or even a combination of sea, air, and land transportation. Your relocation partner can offer a variety of shipping methods, allowing you to reroute household goods to avoid port bottlenecks.
Build flexibility into your relocation timelines.
Encourage employees and internal teams to allow for flexibility in their relocation schedules, especially for household goods delivery. By building in a buffer period, you can account for potential delays while ensuring employees have essential items during the transition.
Establish temporary storage solutions.
In the event of delays, having temporary storage facilities in place at origin and destination locations can keep household goods safe and ready for quick action when the disruption clears.
Communicate proactively with your employees.
Keep employees informed of potential delays, offer updates on shipment statuses, and provide clear alternatives in case of disruptions
Work with a trusted relocation partner.
Sirva has extensive experience in managing complex relocations, including working with suppliers to reroute shipments and adapt to logistical challenges in real-time. With our global network, we can offer multiple routes and solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Port strikes may be beyond your control, but with the right planning and support, you can ensure the relocation of employees’ household goods remains on track. By diversifying shipping routes, building flexibility into timelines, and working with a trusted partner like Sirva, you can mitigate the impact of port disruptions on your relocation programs.