Proposed Purchase of Protective Hoods

GAO's General Counsel inquired about the availability of GAO appropriations to purchase protective hoods for use in the event of a terrorist attack involving explosives or chemical or biological weapons.

We conclude that GAO's operating appropriation is available to cover the expense of acquiring protective hoods. Further, the Comptroller General would be within his discretionary authority to acquire hoods adequate to cover the estimated number of persons in the building, not just employees.