Observations of GAO on the Proposed Revision to Executive Order 12072 on the Policy of Meeting Federal Space Needs in Urban Areas

The General Services Administration (GSA) recently submitted a proposed revised Executive order to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its consideration. The revised order includes new policies on siting Federal facilities. The proposed replacement order would: (1) delete the policy of using the siting of Federal facilities to strengthen local economies in urban areas; (2) drop the policy that specifically requires Federal consideration of local conditions and needs in siting Federal facilities; and (3) require GSA to consult with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local government officials and to consider their recommendations for, and objections to, a proposed site or space acquisition.