HUD in Washington DC, is among the least occupied headquarters buildings according to a GAO study from early 2023. Image: Mark Van Scyoc/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA coalition of a dozen federal employee unions and other groups has opposed setting what it called “arbitrary” building occupancy targets, which if not met would trigger a process to consolidate offices and sell off—or stop leasing—surplus space.
The House recently passed HR-6276, to require GSA and OMB to set standards for measuring building occupancy rates, put in place technology to do so, and take steps to dispose of space if a building’s rate fell below 60 percent for more than a year.
“In setting an arbitrary number, such as 60 percent, the bill fails to account for ongoing strategic planning, current changes, and future trends in accordance with the federal government’s space requirements,” said a letter to Congress from the Federal Workers Alliance.
“Making premature or not fully evaluated rearrangements of federal space for the sake of satisfying an arbitrary number is often a costly and wasteful endeavor, especially if the same or equivalent space must be repurchased or leased at a higher rate in the future. It is better to leave these decisions to the authorizations and appropriations processes within Congress, and allow those decisions to overlay with GSA and the agencies themselves to ensure that decisions are based on strategy and economics, rather than an arbitrary number,” it says.
“OMB, GSA, and all federal agencies have been adjusting for the efficient use of office space since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so as agencies establish and implement policies relating to in-person work for federal employees. Agency leaders and federal employees alike now have a profound understanding of how they can best utilize building space and remote work. It is our position that the USE IT Act will only create obstacles for agencies in carrying out their mission in service to the American public,” the letter said.
The House bill, passed on a largely party-line vote, represents the latest move by congressional Republicans to compel agencies to reduce their levels of telework, which have remained well above pre-pandemic rates, although below the peak. The GAO report said that 17 of 24 major agency headquarters buildings in the area were less than 25 percent occupied on average last year, with some less than 10 percent. Since then a number of agencies have required more onsite work, especially by headquarters personnel.
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