Intelligence

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO commented on the National Security Agency's (NSA) proposed lease of commercial space adjacent to its headquarters. GAO noted that: (1) NSA had developed a plan for a reduction in personnel and space requirements for operations; (2) NSA adequately identified and evaluated alternatives for managing its space reductions; (3) it had no basis to question the accuracy of the cost data in the NSA economic analysis of alternatives; (4) NSA reasonably identified related cost factors; (5) NSA also identified intangible benefits that would accrue to the work force and improve operations and maintenance planning; and (6) considering the results of its evaluation, NSA reasonably decided to lease the commercial space.