GSA's Federal Buildings Fund Fails To Meet Primary Objectives
PLRD-82-18
Published: Dec 11, 1981. Publicly Released: Dec 11, 1981.
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Highlights
The Federal Buildings Fund was established in 1972 to finance the General Services Administration's (GSA) acquisition and operations of government owned and leased buildings. Federal agencies occupying space in GSA controlled buildings pay standard level user charges based on comparable commercial rates, which are deposited in the Fund and then made available in annual appropriation acts to GSA for construction, leasing, and real property operations. GAO reviewed the Fund to determine the success it has had in meeting its primary objectives of: (1) providing sufficient funding for construction; and (2) making executive agencies more space conscious.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should either grant the General Services Administration authority to borrow from the Treasury or make direct appropriations available to the Fund to augment its resources. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Legislation was introduced in 97th and 98th Congresses; but was not enacted. Although valid, this recommendation should be dropped. |
| The House and Senate Committees on Appropriations should require agencies to disclose, in their budget requests to Congress, information on space usage and costs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Neither committee has yet required agencies to submit the disclosure. Although valid, the recommendation should be dropped. |
| The House and Senate Committees on Appropriations should require agencies to disclose, in their budget requests to Congress, information on space usage and costs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Neither committee has yet required agencies to submit the disclosure. Although valid, the recommendation should be dropped. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Services Administration | The Administrator of General Services should require, pursuant to Federal Management Regulations, that periodic space utilization inspections and surveys be conducted to ensure efficient and effective use of space. |
Closed – Not Implemented
GSA has changed space usage criteria to 135 square feet per person from 175 square feet. This change should ensure more efficient space. Therefore, the recommendation should be dropped.
|
| General Services Administration | The Administrator of General Services should place increased emphasis on correcting the deficiencies in the two automated systems which are used to manage public building operations. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The recommendation should be dropped because it will take years to fully implement. GSA has a 5 year guide to acquire EDP equipment and upgrade old equipment. Also, the General Government Division, Civilian Procurement and Property Management issue area plan for fiscal year 1985 to 1988, includes the GSA automated systems as a new issue.
|
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Topics
Federal fund accountsFederal office buildingsGovernment facility constructionLeasing policiesReal property acquisitionRental ratesBudget requestsConstructionLeased spaceAccounting systems