GAO: The presence of foreign-owned or occupied properties nearby could compromise the security and confidentiality of federal agency operations. Image: papi8888/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffWhile a 2021 law requires disclosure of who ultimately owns high-security space leased by federal agencies, “security risks persist since there is currently no government-wide guidance for agencies to collect ownership and assess occupancy of space adjacent to” such space, says a Senate report.
The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs issued the report in support of a bill (S-1868) it recently approved, clearing the way for a Senate floor vote after the current congressional recess.
It notes that the prior law, the Secure Federal LEASEs Act, came in response to GAO recommendations to reduce security risks from undisclosed foreign ownership of buildings in which agencies occupy leased space. However, it notes that the GAO also has raised concerns that “the presence of foreign-owned or occupied properties nearby could compromise the security and confidentiality of federal agency operations by enabling espionage or unauthorized access.”
The pending bill would require GSA to coordinate an interagency working group with OMB, DHS, and others to” establish a process for assessing the security of space adjacent to high-security leased offices. The process could be used to protect federal government facilities against threats such as espionage, cyberattacks, or unauthorized access,” it says.
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