The IG cited reports that “found problems with GSA’s monitoring and enforcement of its security protocols” including inadequate monitoring of access card data. Image: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com
The inspector general’s office at the GSA has prodded the agency to address concerns raised in a series of reports on the safety and security of federal buildings it owns or leases to tenant agencies, adding that a maintenance backlog is growing in the government portfolio.
“GSA’s management of building safety measures is critical because problems could pose fire, safety, and health risks” to federal employees and others in them, but it “continues to face significant challenges to meet and manage its responsibilities for providing a safe work environment at federally owned and leased facilities,” a report said.
The IG cited prior reports pointing out safety issues including risk of exposure to materials containing asbestos; and inadequate ventilation that increases “the risk that building occupants will be exposed to airborne viruses.”
It similarly cited reports that “found problems with GSA’s monitoring and enforcement of its security protocols” including inadequate monitoring of access card data to identify risks to personnel and facilities. It cited a report finding more than 32,000 failed access attempts over two years, which “could be an indication of attempted unauthorized access to federal facilities and secured areas.”
It also cited a report finding that security at one facility was “compromised by inconsistent requirements and inadequate enforcement” including contractor employees who did not pass background checks being allowed to work there.
Meanwhile, the backlog of maintenance more than doubled since 2016 to above $3 billion. Deferred maintenance contributed to problems cited in a report on inadequate air filtration at one building that increased the risk that occupants “will be exposed to airborne viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19” and in a report finding elevated levels of the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ Disease in six buildings.
Maintenance and repairs are paid through the Federal Buildings Fund, it added, but that fund faces potential losses as agencies look to shed or consolidate space due to continued higher rates of offsite work. Getting out of leases early would come at an upfront cost, as would restructuring owned space to accommodate new uses, it added.
The “management challenges” reports from agency IGs do not include responses from the agencies.
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