The bill builds on a pilot program at NASA, through which the agency reportedly generated millions of dollars to fund projects and maintenance. Image: Douglas Cliff/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced legislation (S-211) to test leasing out of federal real estate and other property that is underused but has not been declared disposable as excess.
The bill would create a government-wide pilot project under which agencies could sublease such property to entities including other federal agencies or agencies of local or state government. It would be up to the GSA to determine the fair market value and make sure it is charged, with the proceeds to be put in a working capital fund to be used for maintenance, capital revitalization, and improvements to the real and related personal property at the subleasing agency.
A similar measure passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last year but did not reach final voting.
The bill is designed to build on a pilot program at NASA, which a report on last year’s version said generated millions of dollars that NASA used to fund projects and maintenance and to avoid what can be a long and complex process of dispose of unneeded property through declaring it as excess.
“Federal agencies routinely hold property that could be used more effectively by other public and private entities,” the sponsors said. “For example, an agency campus could have extra space they cannot sell, but could provide an optimal home for solar panels. Some agencies could also have space and equipment they need part time, but could otherwise be well-suited to university or private partnerships.”
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