Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PSA exist, what does it do, and who does it serve?
Americans deserve a government that delivers for all of us, which requires public servants to be able to do their jobs without fear of threats of violence, harassment, or intimidation, while being held to the highest standards.
Threats against the people who serve our communities have skyrocketed over the last decade. We started building PSA in 2024 as a direct response to public service in America being more dangerous today than it has been in recent memory – not only for current and former public servants across political lines and every level of government, but also for their families and even their children.
Through the PSA marketplace, we offer unprecedented access to free resources and discounted third-party services that can help protect privacy and security, mitigate legal and reputational risk, and support personal and professional well-being. PSA continuously adds services to its marketplace with the goal of meeting its users' needs, while identifying and pushing for reforms that make public service safer.
PSA serves anyone who serves or has served America, no matter their political affiliation or level of government – including veterans and current and former federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial civil servants, political appointees, law enforcement, judges, lawmakers and other elected officials, emergency responders, active-duty military, and many others.
Can my children, partner, spouse, and/or other family members join PSA?
To become a PSA user, you must agree to attest that you have been or currently are a federal, state, local, or territorial U.S. government employee. A “government employee” means any U.S. officer or employee of a federal agency, including a special government employee, as defined under federal law. It also includes any employee in any branch of state, regional, or local government. It includes employees of, and those acting on behalf of, government-owned or government-controlled state enterprises, such as public universities and similar public institutions.
Some of our third-party service providers may offer discounted services to others beyond PSA users at their discretion; we defer to them to define the terms of those discounts.
How does PSA protect its users' data?
Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, store, and use personal information. This policy is periodically updated.
Third-party services offered through PSA have their own privacy policies. As stated in our terms of service, we do not endorse or recommend and are not responsible for the content of third-party sites, and your use is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.
If I am a current federal executive, legislative, or judicial branch employee, how do the government ethics restrictions and gift rules apply to me as a PSA user?
PSA is available to federal executive branch employees as described in the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch at 5 C.F.R. Part 2635. As federal agencies may have additional restrictions, please consult with appropriate legal counsel, ethics officers, or designated agency ethics officials for gifts/ethics matters within your agency/organization.
Current members or employees of the federal judicial or legislative branches should consult their respective ethics rules and ethics officials prior to becoming a PSA user.
To become a PSA user, you will be required to confirm that you have reviewed PSA's product offerings and that acceptance of the products does not violate any of your agency/organization’s internal ethics or compliance policies or any applicable federal, state, or local laws.
If I am a current state, local, tribal, or territorial government employee, how do the government ethics restrictions and gift rules apply to me as a PSA user?
Each agency has its own applicable rules and restrictions. Please consult with your designated agency ethics officer for guidance on your individual ethics obligations and responsibilities.
To become a PSA user, you will be required to confirm that you have reviewed PSA's product offerings and that acceptance of the products does not violate any of your agency/organization’s internal ethics or compliance policies or any applicable federal, state, or local laws.
How do PSA fees work?
PSA provides access to expert-vetted, high-quality services at a fraction of the market rate. We charge a small fee (usually 10% of the discounted service rate) for every transaction to cover a portion of our administrative costs, and offer need-based fee waivers upon request. PSA is a mission-driven organization, and we will always strive to keep fees as low as possible.
Does PSA get paid for connecting its users with third-party services?
No. PSA does not receive referral fees for connecting its users to third-party services, which we select using objective criteria.
Is PSA a nonprofit? What does it do with the profit it generates?
No. PSA is an initiative of a private company, Public Service Ventures Ltd., and user fees are not tax-deductible. PSA is not profitable; however, should profit be generated, it will be reinvested back into the organization to continuously lower costs for our users.
How can I get in touch with the PSA team?
For general questions: Hello@ThePublicServiceAlliance.com
For media inquiries: Media@ThePublicServiceAlliance.com
If you are a registered PSA user, you can reach us using the contact information provided in your user resource page or via Hello@ThePublicServiceAlliance.com.