§3307 Congressional Approval of Proposed Projects

Summary

Senate and House committees must approve certain federal building and leasing projects before money can be spent. Approval is required for building, buying, or changing public buildings that will cost more than $1,500,000; for leases with an average yearly rent over $1,500,000; and for changes to leased buildings that cost more than $750,000. The head of the General Services Administration (GSA) must send Congress a prospectus that describes the project, gives the location and maximum cost, shows a local space plan, explains why existing government or rental space is not suitable, lists current rents, describes expected energy performance and use of renewable systems, shows how the project fits certain federal standards, details other agency space and usage, and gives actual and expected staffing numbers. The estimated maximum cost can be raised by up to 10 percent for construction cost increases, and GSA must tell the two committees if costs rise more than 5 percent or the project size changes by 5 percent or more. Approval can be rescinded if no appropriation is made within one year. The GSA may make emergency leases during a presidential emergency, but not for more than 180 days without approval. Leased space should include energy-efficiency and renewable-energy requirements when possible. GSA may not lease certain high-cost space (like computer centers, secure national security activities, or permanent court space) if average rent would exceed $1,500,000 unless it gives written reasons to the two committees. Dollar limits may be adjusted yearly for construction cost changes. Projects must report key milestones to the committees, and approvals expire if a lease is not awarded or work not started within 5 years.