Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About PSA
Why is PSA necessary?
- Over the last decade it has become clear that we must come together to address the growing threats facing current and former public servants, whether it's attacks against first responders during Hurricane Helene, or threats of violence against political appointees.
- Common-sense government reform is not created through politicization, harassment, intimidation, or threats of violence. Yet today, thousands of public servants — and their families — are experiencing exactly that.
- Americans deserve a high-functioning government that enhances our daily lives, plans for the future, and responds to emergencies. Our government’s effectiveness, at every level, depends on these public servants who show up to work every day to serve our communities, and who take an oath to uphold our laws and implement lawful policies, regardless of who holds power. These individuals ensure 911 calls are answered, Social Security checks are delivered, our national security is protected, our food and water supply is safe, and so much more.
- PSA launched in early 2025 at a critical moment for public service, but PSA is not just a response to the immediate and recent threats facing public servants — it’s a long-term commitment to strengthening government and ensuring it works for every American.
What does PSA do?
- PSA is a nonpartisan organization that provides current and former public servants at every level of government, regardless of any political affiliation, with increased access to legal, privacy and security, and well-being resources. Over time, we will add additional resources, including employment resources.
- Our mission is straightforward: to strengthen America by strengthening public service.
- We support those who selflessly serve the American people – putting country over party, valuing freedom over fear, and proof over accusations. Every single day.
How does PSA work?
- Through PSA, current and former public servants can access free and fee-based resources that:
- Strengthen Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Protect Physical Safety
- Increase Access to Legal Counsel
- Defend Economic Security
- Support Well-Being & Resilience
Who does PSA serve?
- PSA is open to current or former public servants at every level of government, regardless of any political affiliation. Whether you’re a current or former federal civil servant or political appointee, active duty member of the military, veteran, law enforcement official, public health official, emergency responder, or served our country in many other ways, we have your back.
How does PSA protect its users’ data?
- PSA has conducted an independent third-party cybersecurity audit. We rigorously protect our users’ information through robust internal policies and cybersecurity safeguards.
- PSA’s Privacy Policy describes how we collect, store, and use personal information. This policy is periodically updated.
- Third-party services offered by PSA have their own privacy policies that you should review.
If I am a current federal executive 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 agencies may have additional restrictions, you may wish to consult with appropriate legal counsel, ethics officers, or designated agency ethics officials for gifts/ethics matters within your agency/organization.
- To become a PSA user, you will be required to confirm that you have reviewed PSA’s product offerings and you confirm that acceptance of the products will not violate any of your agency/organization internal ethics or compliance policies or any applicable federal, state or local laws.
If I am a current state, local, tribal, or territorial employee, how do the government ethics restrictions and gift rules apply to me as a PSA user?
- Each agency has its own applicable restrictions and you should 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 you confirm that acceptance of the products will not violate any of your agency/organization internal ethics or compliance policies or any applicable federal, state or local laws.
Can my children, partner, spouse and/or other family members join PSA?
- To become a PSA user, you must be a current or former public servant, as in our website disclaimer. Some of our third-party service providers, however, may offer discounted services to others beyond the PSA user at their discretion, and we defer to such service providers to describe the parameters and conditions of their discounted services.
Is PSA a response to the current Administration’s government reform agenda?
- No. We felt strongly that the need for PSA was long overdue and would continue to be needed irrespective of the 2024 presidential election outcome given the rising threats against current and former public servants throughout the last decade, including the attacks against first responders during Hurricane Helene and threats of violence against political appointees past and present.
- We are fully nonpartisan and believe in common-sense reform. However, that reform is not created through politicization, harassment, intimidation, or threats of violence. Yet today, thousands of public servants — and their families — are experiencing exactly that. This is dangerous no matter who holds power.
- PSA launched in early 2025 at a critical moment for public service, but we are not just a response to the immediate or recent threats facing public servants — PSA is a long-term commitment to strengthening government and ensuring it works for every American.
What are PSA users paying for and why does PSA charge fees?
- First and foremost, PSA is a mission-based organization, and we will always strive to keep fees as low as possible.
- We provide expert-vetted, high-quality services at a fraction of market rates. We have negotiated significant discounts for our users, but we do not have the budget to subsidize all of the costs of our third-party services. The annual fees help defray the costs.
- As we scale, we expect costs to continue to decrease, but to ensure cost is not a barrier, PSA will grant need-based waivers for certain users upon request. As these waivers may trigger certain ethics disclosures for certain government officials, current officials should consult with their designated agency ethics officer for guidance on individual ethics obligations and responsibilities. To request a waiver, click here.
Does PSA get paid for connecting its users with third-party services?
- No. PSA does not receive referral fees or any other payment for connecting its users to third-party services.
- The third-party services PSA offers are selected using objective criteria, including to ensure high-quality services.
Is PSA a nonprofit? What does it do with any profit it generates?
- No. PSA is a private company.
- PSA user fees are not tax-deductible.
- PSA will reinvest profit back into the business, including to further lower the per-user costs of PSA resources and services.
What is the Foundation for Powering Public Service?
- The Foundation for Powering Public Service (FPPS) is a 501(c)(3) partner that provides educational resources to people and supports initiatives that power public service across America. Through the FPPS Resource Hub, anyone can access free educational resources at PoweringPublicService.org.
Who is behind PSA?
- Our team is composed of former public servants who have worked on behalf of the American people across a broad range of roles.
- We are advised by a bipartisan group of experts, including attorneys, business leaders, and current and former law enforcement officials.
Don’t see an answer to your question? Reach out at [email protected]