[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53924-53925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26050]
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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
[GSA Bulletin FPMR D-239]
Delegation of Lease Acquisition Authority
AGENCY: Office of Governmentwide Policy, GSA.
ACTION: Notice of bulletin.
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SUMMARY: The attached bulletin announces the beginning of a new
approach to doing business in the General Services Administration (GSA)
leasing program called ``Can't Beat GSA Leasing.''
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 14, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Marjorie L. Lomax, Director,
Evaluation and Outreach, Office of Real Property, Washington, DC 20405,
telephone 202-501-3476.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Buildings and Space
Subject: Delegation of Lease Acquisition Authority
1. Purpose. This bulletin announces the beginning of a new approach
to doing business in the General Services Administration (GSA) leasing
program called ``Can't Beat GSA Leasing.'' This program represents a
change in policy at GSA regarding the leasing of general purpose space
and provides Federal agencies the option of using GSA or performing the
space acquisition function themselves through a delegation of leasing
authority. The Administrator of General Services issued a letter on
September 25, 1996, to the heads of all Federal agencies providing the
delegation of leasing authority.
2. Expiration. This bulletin contains information of a continuing
nature and will remain in effect until canceled.
3. Background. a. The ``Can't Beat GSA Leasing'' program is an
outgrowth of GSA's commitment to streamline its leasing operations.
Under this new program, GSA is providing each Federal agency a simple
choice. Either engage GSA to provide the most cost-effective and
fastest service in the real estate market today or use the delegated
leasing authority to perform the space acquisition on their own.
b. GSA has taken this action to respond to the needs of a changing
world in which Government must work faster, smarter, cheaper and
better. GSA is committed to provide space so that Federal agencies can
meet those needs.
c. GSA is committed to meet these challenges to work up to new
standards of excellence. At the same time, GSA has listened carefully
to recommendations from many client agencies and the Vice President's
National Performance Review to open itself to competition.
d. Under ``Can't Beat GSA Leasing,'' GSA has developed new
strategies and retooled its entire leasing operation. GSA has refocused
its energies on the needs of its customers. To cite just a few
examples:
1. The Rent pricing structure is now clearer and more responsive to
our customers.
2. The Rent GSA will charge Federal agencies for leased space will
be based on GSA's rent plus a service fee comparable to that charged by
private sector agents.
3. GSA can now provide customized tenant allowances and flexibility
in payment alternatives for above standard items.
e. The most important change at GSA is the ``can do'' attitude of
GSA's experienced, warranted real estate contracting officers. These
highly motivated employees have been empowered to respond to the needs
of Federal agencies with sound business practices that make sense.
f. GSA's leasing specialists will continue to follow all applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements. These are the same requirements
that Federal agencies will be expected to follow if they choose to
lease space on their own or use other brokerage services.
4. Action. a. Pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator
of General Services by subsections 205(d) and 210(h)(1) of the Federal
Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, 63 Stat. 377, as
amended, authority was delegated by the Administrator in his letter of
September 25, 1996, to the heads of all Federal agencies to perform all
functions related to the leasing of general purpose space for a term of
up to 20 years regardless of geographic location. This delegation of
authority does not alter the space delegations in sections 101-18.104-2
and -3 of the Federal Property Management Regulations, which pertain to
``categorical'' and ``special purpose'' space.
b. The ``Can't Beat GSA Leasing'' program will be effective October
14, 1996, and agencies will be able to use the delegated leasing
authority subject to the following conditions:
1. Prior to instituting any action under this delegation, the head
of a Federal agency or its designee shall notify the appropriate GSA,
Assistant Regional Administrator for Public Buildings
[[Page 53925]]
Service (ARA/PBS) of the agency's need for general purpose space and
the agency's intent to exercise the authority granted in this
delegation. The agency may exercise the authority contained in this
delegation when the ARA/PBS determines that suitable Government-
controlled space is not available to meet the space need of the Federal
agency.
2. Relocation of Government employees from GSA-controlled federally
owned or leased space may take place when prior written confirmation
has been received from the appropriate ARA/PBS that suitable
Government-controlled space cannot be provided for them.
3. A prospectus has been approved by the Congressional Committees
pursuant to the Public Buildings Act of 1959 when the annual rental for
the lease contract, excluding service and utilities, exceeds $1.74
million, as adjusted annually in accordance with 40 U.S.C. 606(f). In
this circumstance GSA will prepare the prospectus in consultation with
the agency.
4. Redelegation of the authority to lease may be made to those
officers, officials, and employees who have been adequately trained as
lease contracting officers.
5. Federal agencies must acquire and utilize the space in
accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including, but not
limited to, the Competition in Contracting Act, Federal Property
Management Regulations, Executive Order 12072, Executive Order 13006,
Davis Bacon Act, and the General Services Administration Acquisition
Regulation.
6. Agencies periodically provide GSA with leasing performance
information.
c. Further information regarding this program may be obtained by
contacting Ms. Marjorie L. Lomax, Director, Evaluation and Outreach,
Office of Real Property on (202) 501-0379.
Dated: October 3, 1996.
G. Martin Wagner,
Associate Administrator for Governmentwide Policy.
[FR Doc. 96-26050 Filed 10-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-23-M