Unveiling the GSA’s Federal Properties Sale Map

Earlier this week, a list was released by the General Services Administration (GSA) detailing over 400 federal buildings and properties earmarked for sale, notable among them being the FBI headquarters and the Department of Justice buildings. However, the list experienced several revisions, removing prominent entries like the J. Edgar Hoover Building before disappearing entirely from the GSA website.

Mapping the Proposed Sales

WIRED compiled a comprehensive map alongside a searchable table showcasing the properties that were initially listed for sale. This project also identifies the congressional districts in which these properties are located.

To create this resource, two datasets were utilized: the original GSA publication of 'non-core' properties, which was later rescinded, and the Inventory of Owned and Leased Properties (IOLP) database. According to the GSA, 'non-core' properties are those not essential to governmental functions. The IOLP offers a public inventory of all GSA-related properties.

Historic Sites and Federal Assets

The list included several historically significant sites, such as Chicago's John C. Kluczynski Federal Building and Philadelphia's Art Deco Custom House. Other essential but lesser-known sites include the Martinsburg Computing Center in West Virginia, which stores crucial IRS tax data, and a Washington, DC plant crucial for servicing federal buildings.

Despite recent confusion, not all properties listed were truly available for purchase, according to the GSA, highlighting inconsistencies within their internal communications.

Inside the GSA's Internal Shifts

The GSA, overseeing a significant portion of federal real estate, has recently faced organizational challenges, including significant staff cuts and forced resignations. This has affected units like 18F, focused on improving government efficiency. Meanwhile, influential figures within the GSA reportedly have ties to companies like Tesla.

An Increasingly Confusing Sale Plan

Reports suggested GSA staff were instructed to sell over 500 buildings, categorized into 'core' and 'non-core' sectors. The strategy aims to drastically reduce the federal property footprint by turning non-essential assets over to private markets.

Initially left unexplained was why the list was published and later removed. There is speculation among sources that public backlash may have prompted the retraction.

Inadequate Communication and Response

GSA insiders report a lack of national strategy in handling occupancy agreements with agencies. This oversight left regional staff out of the loop, fostering confusion.

Some insiders describe decisions being made by a small group secluded at the GSA, allegedly disconnected from broader consultation, likening the scenario to a dramatic film plot.

Current Status and Future Steps

Currently, inquiries about the asset list lead to a placeholder 'coming soon' page on the GSA's site. The agency states that the aim is to eliminate redundant expenses on vacant spaces, redirecting resources to environments that better facilitate agency missions.

The GSA maintains that inclusion on the list does not guarantee immediate sale, noting a comprehensive evaluation is underway to accommodate public input and clarify asset distribution.

Impact on Federal Agencies

The unannounced publication of the list caused internal disarray within agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Several departments, caught unaware, expressed concerns about their inclusion on the 'non-core' list without prior consultation.

GSA's missteps in list handling have drawn internal criticism, with staff expressing frustration over bypassed procedural norms, contributing to what some describe as a chaotic atmosphere.