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.
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.
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:
653-1 Home Sale
653-4 Entitlement Counseling
653-1B Marketing Assistance
653-5 Agency Customizes Services
653-5 Property Management
653-7 Move Management
For a complete history and listing of services, please refer to our GSA-Approved Catalog.
Important Changes for European Travel – Managing the Impact of EES and ETIAS on Mobility
Since 10 April 2026, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been operational at the external borders of the 29 Schengen-area countries. Expected in late 2026/early 2027, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to introduce a new pre-travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers.
For employers and Global Mobility teams, the combined effect is more than one additional travel requirement. Together, EES and ETIAS introduce new considerations at several points in the employee journey: before departure, at the border, and when monitoring repeat travel to Europe.
What is changing?
EES has replaced manual passport stamping for most non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen area for short stays. The system digitally records entry and exit information and may require travelers to provide biometric data, including a facial image and fingerprints, at the border. It also includes any refusals to entry.
ETIAS will operate separately from EES. It will require visa-exempt travelers visiting any of the 30 participating European countries to obtain online travel authorization before a short stay. The authorization will be linked to the traveller’s passport. Although most applications are expected to be processed quickly, some may require further review and information so do not expect authorization to be issued immediately.
When will ETIAS start?
Following its launch, ETIAS is expected to be introduced through transitional and grace periods lasting at least 12 months in total. The EU is expected to publish detailed guidance on how these periods will operate before implementation.
Who is affected?
Whilst EES applies primarily to non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen area for short stays, whether they require a visa or are visa-exempt, ETIAS will apply only to visa-exempt. Employees holding qualifying long-stay visas, residence permits, or residence cards may be exempt from EES and ETIAS. However, the position depends on the issuing country and the type of document held, with particular exceptions affecting some documents issued by Ireland or Cyprus. Individual status should therefore be checked before travel.
Employers must still check whether the planned activity is permitted as a business-visitor activity in the destination country. An ETIAS approval is not a work permit or residence permit, neither does it guarantee admission. Border authorities will still check whether the traveler meets the entry conditions.
The following employee populations may require ETIAS screening, depending on their nationality, destination, immigration status, supporting documents, and intended activities:
- Business travelers from visa-exempt countries
- Extended business travelers and frequent regional travelers
- Employees traveling for short-term project work
- Employees preparing for or beginning short-term assignments
- Commuters and rotational employees
- Employees traveling before an assignment or permanent move
- Candidates and new hires visiting before employment starts
What Does This Mean for HR and Their Mobile Employees?
For individual employee travelers and accompanying family members:
- Plan ahead. Once ETIAS is operational, visa-exempt travel should not be viewed as a last-minute arrangement. Travelers should ensure that any authorization is linked to the passport they intend to use for the trip.
- Allow additional time at airports and land borders. EES biometric collection may lengthen the arrival process, particularly for first entries and during peak travel periods.
- Continue to monitor Schengen travel days. ETIAS does not change the general limit of 90 days in any 180-day period. However, EES will provide authorities with a clearer record of entries, exits, and potential overstays.
- Each accompanying family member’s requirements should be checked separately, as ETIAS eligibility and exemptions depend on the individual’s nationality and documentation.
For employers and HR/global mobility teams:
- Review travel, visa, and business-trip approval processes. ETIAS checks should be incorporated early in the trip planning and travel approval process, alongside passport-validity and visa and permitted-activity assessments.
- Build realistic timing into itineraries and employee communications. Travelers may need time to complete an ETIAS application, while EES-related processes may add time at the border.
- Identify frequent travelers and employees who travel at short notice. These populations may face the greatest operational impact if the new requirements are missed.
- Work with travel management providers to incorporate timely reminders into booking workflows and direct employees to official EU ETIAS information channels.
Looking Ahead
EES and ETIAS are intended to modernize European border management, but they also place greater responsibility on travelers and employers to prepare in advance. Clear communications, realistic travel planning, and central visibility over travel patterns will help mobility programs reduce avoidable disruption and support compliant business travel to Europe.
Visa and Immigration questions for sending employees to Europe?
Sirva's Immigration and Relocation Services teams are available across Europe and worldwide to help organizations with their employee visa and immigration requirements.
This article is for informational and editorial purposes only, it is not legal advice. Always check with your immigration specialist. Please reach out to your Sirva contact for more information.
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