The Office of Information Technology Category assistant commissioner plays a major role in IT and telecommunications modernization.

"Is there an award for the worst government system launch ever?" says one complaint about beta.SAM.gov.

GSA also named Tom Howder to the deputy commissioner role.

The award system is being retired with nine others over time as the General Services Administration streamlines acquisitions through a single beta system.

Alan Thomas' departure comes two days after Multiple Award Schedules Consolidation, but three other pillars of the Federal Marketplace Strategy remain unfinished.